What's Eating the Tomatoes on My Plants?

Tomatoes are a favorite of many gardeners, but unfortunately, they are not always safe from pests. If you've noticed that something is munching on your tomato plants, you're not alone. Here are a few common culprits and how to deal with them.

Aphids

Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that can come in a range of colors from green to black. They can cause damage to tomato plants by sucking out the sap and leaving sticky honeydew behind. This can lead to stunted growth and even death for the plant. To get rid of aphids, try spraying your plants with a solution of one part dish soap to 10 parts water. Alternatively, you can introduce ladybugs into your garden, as they love to eat aphids.

Cutworms

Cutworms are the caterpillar larvae of several species of moths. They are usually gray or brown and about one inch long. They feed on the stem of the plant and can cause a tomato plant to wilt or die. To protect your plants from cutworms, wrap the stem of each plant with a strip of aluminum foil or a paper cup with the bottom cut out.

Hornworms

Hornworms are large, green caterpillars with a horn-like protrusion on their rear end. They can grow up to four inches long and will eat the leaves and fruit of a tomato plant. To get rid of hornworms, simply pick them off the plant and dispose of them. Another option is to introduce parasitic wasps, which lay their eggs inside the hornworms, killing them in the process.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny pests that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They spin webs on the leaves of tomato plants and suck out the chlorophyll, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die. To get rid of spider mites, try spraying your plants with a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda, one tablespoon of dish soap, and one gallon of water. Repeat every five to seven days until the mites are gone.

Conclusion

Growing tomatoes can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to be vigilant when it comes to pests. By identifying and treating the problem early on, you can ensure that your tomato plants produce a healthy and abundant crop.