How to Keep Cutworms Off Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are a beloved addition to many gardens, providing a bounty of delicious fruit that can be enjoyed throughout the summer. However, one common problem that tomato gardeners often face is cutworms. These stealthy pests can cause a lot of damage to tomato plants, sometimes killing them completely. If you're struggling with cutworms in your tomato garden, read on for some tips on how to keep them at bay.

Identify the Problem

The first step to dealing with cutworms is to identify the problem. Cutworms are small, grayish-brown caterpillars that live in the soil and come out at night to feed on plants. They are particularly active in the spring and early summer. Look for plants that seem to be wilting or dying, and inspect the stalks carefully for signs of damage.

Cultural Control Methods

The good news is that there are a number of cultural control methods that can help keep cutworms at bay. For example, you can use row covers to protect your tomato plants. These covers act as a barrier, preventing the cutworms from reaching the plants. You can also try planting your tomatoes in containers instead of in the ground. This will make it more difficult for cutworms to access the plants.

Biological Control Methods

An effective biological control method for cutworms is to release beneficial insects into your garden. For example, you could introduce parasitic wasps, which lay their eggs on the cutworms. The wasp larvae then feed on the cutworms, eventually killing them. Another option is to introduce nematodes, which are tiny worms that feed on the cutworms in the soil.

Chemical Control Methods

If all else fails, you can turn to chemical control methods to deal with cutworms. There are a number of insecticides that are effective against cutworms, but you should use them with caution, as they can harm other beneficial insects in your garden. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and apply the insecticide in the evening, when the cutworms are most active.

Maintaining Garden Health

Finally, it's important to maintain overall garden health to prevent cutworm problems in the first place. Make sure to keep your garden clean and tidy, removing any leaves or debris that could provide a breeding ground for cutworms. Water your tomato plants at the base, rather than using overhead watering, as this will reduce the likelihood of cutworms being attracted to the plants. And consider rotating your crops from year to year to prevent cutworms from taking up permanent residence in your garden.

By following these tips, you should be able to keep cutworms off your tomato plants and enjoy a successful, healthy harvest.