How to Keep Hornworms Off Your Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are a beloved garden staple, but they can often fall prey to hornworms. These pesky creatures can wreak havoc on your tomato plants, causing extensive damage that can ruin your entire crop. If you want to keep your tomato plants healthy and hornworm-free, follow these tips:

Start With Prevention

The best defense against hornworms is prevention. One of the easiest ways to prevent an infestation is to keep your garden clean and free of debris. Hornworms like to hide in piles of leaves and other debris, so it's essential to keep your garden well-maintained. Additionally, planting companion plants like marigolds, which repel hornworms, can be an effective preventive measure.

Handpicking Hornworms

If you spot a hornworm on your tomato plant, the best thing to do is to remove it by hand. Hornworms can be easily spotted, as they are large, green caterpillars that can grow up to four inches long. Wear gloves when you're handpicking hornworms, as they can be prickly and unpleasant to handle. Drop the hornworms into a pail of soapy water, which will effectively kill them.

Using Beneficial Insects

Another effective method for keeping hornworms off your tomato plants is to encourage beneficial insects that prey on them. Parasitic wasps, for example, lay their eggs inside the hornworms, effectively killing them. Attracting these insects can be done by planting flowers that attract them, such as daisies or alyssum, or by buying beneficial insects and releasing them into your garden.

Using Natural Sprays

If you want to take a more natural approach to keeping hornworms off your tomato plants, there are several sprays you can use that are safe for both your plants and the environment. One example is neem oil, which is extracted from the neem tree and is known for its insect-repelling properties. Another option is garlic spray, which can be made by blending garlic cloves with water and then straining the mixture into a spray bottle. These natural sprays should be applied to your plants early in the morning or late in the day, as harsh sunlight can damage the leaves.

Conclusion

There are several effective ways to keep hornworms off your tomato plants, including prevention, handpicking, using beneficial insects, and using natural sprays. By taking these steps, you can keep these pesky creatures at bay and ensure a healthy, bountiful crop of tomatoes.