How to Keep Caterpillars Away from Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are delicious and nutritious, and deserve a place in every vegetable garden. Unfortunately, they can also be a magnet for hungry caterpillars. These pests can cause significant damage to your tomato plants, eating holes in the leaves and ruining your harvest. But have no fear, there are several effective strategies you can use to keep caterpillars away from your precious tomatoes.

1. Hand Pick Them Off

The most straightforward method of dealing with caterpillars is also the most time-consuming: picking them off by hand. If you have a small garden or just a few tomato plants, this can be an effective way to control the caterpillar population. Inspect the plants regularly, especially the undersides of the leaves, and remove any caterpillars you find. Be sure to dispose of them away from your garden, or they may return to wreak havoc.

2. Use Row Covers

Row covers are made of lightweight fabric and are designed to cover your plants to protect them from insect damage. Cover your tomato plants with row covers as soon as you plant them. This will prevent adult moths from laying eggs on the leaves, which is where the caterpillars hatch. Be sure to secure the edges of the row covers tightly to the ground to prevent any pests from crawling underneath.

3. Introduce Natural Predators

Nature has a way of balancing itself out, so introducing natural predators to your garden can be an effective way to control caterpillars. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are all natural enemies of caterpillars and can help to keep their populations in check. You can purchase these insects online or at your local garden center and release them into your garden.

4. Use Beneficial Nematodes

Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that can be applied to your garden soil to control a variety of pests, including caterpillars. They work by attacking the pest from the inside, eventually killing them. Beneficial nematodes can be purchased online or at your local garden center, and should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Spray with Bacillus Thuringiensis

Bacillus thuringiensis (BT for short) is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that produces proteins toxic to certain pests, including caterpillars. It is available in powder form and can be mixed with water and sprayed onto your tomato plants. BT is safe for humans and pets, but should be used carefully and according to the manufacturer's instructions.

By using one or more of these strategies, you can keep caterpillars away from your tomato plants and enjoy a healthy harvest. Remember to inspect your plants regularly and be vigilant, as caterpillars can quickly devour a plant if left unchecked.