Who Eats Tomato Plants?

Tomato plants are a crucial part of many diets around the world. They are used in countless recipes and eaten raw as well. However, there are a variety of creatures that would also love to make a meal out of your tomato plants. In this article, we'll explore who eats tomato plants and how to protect your plants from these pesky pests.

The Tomato Hornworm

One of the most notorious tomato plant eaters is the tomato hornworm. These creatures are easy to identify, with their bright green color and horn-like protrusions on their heads. The tomato hornworm can quickly strip a tomato plant of all its leaves, leaving a barren stalk behind. To protect your tomato plants from these hungry caterpillars, you can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or wasps. You can also manually remove any hornworms you come across, although this can be a time-consuming task.

Tomato Fruitworms

In addition to the tomato hornworm, there are also tomato fruitworms to watch out for. These caterpillars burrow into the tomato fruit and eat their way out, leaving behind a moldy mess. To prevent tomato fruitworms, use a natural pesticide made with neem oil. You can also cover your tomatoes with a fine mesh netting to prevent adult fruitworms from laying their eggs on your plants.

Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails are another common tomato plant pest. These slimy creatures can quickly take over your garden, chewing through your tender tomato plants as they go. To prevent slugs and snails from eating your tomato plants, you can set up beer traps around your garden. Simply fill a shallow dish with beer and leave it in your garden overnight. The slugs and snails will be attracted to the beer and drown in the liquid.

Rabbits

If you live in an area with wild rabbits, you may need to take extra precautions to protect your tomato plants. Rabbits are known for their love of tender young plants, and your tomato plants are no exception. To keep rabbits away, you can surround your tomato plants with a physical barrier. Chicken wire fencing is a great option, as it allows your plants to receive adequate sunlight and water while keeping out the rabbits.

In Summary

There are a variety of creatures that love to eat tomato plants. From the tomato hornworm to slugs and snails, it's essential to take steps to protect your plants from these pests. Using natural predators and pesticides, physical barriers, and traps are all great options for keeping your tomato plants safe and healthy. With a little bit of effort, you can have a bountiful tomato harvest and a pest-free garden.