Caterpillars Eating My Tomatoes
I have been growing tomatoes in pots but every year I get a plague of green caterpillars. They eat the leaves and burrow into the fruit before it ripens. I’ve tried picking them off by hand and moving the pots, but it hasn’t helped. Is there anything I can do to get rid of them and finally get a good tomato crop?
The green caterpillars attacking your potted tomatoes are most likely the larvae of moths or butterflies - typically the white butterfly. Eggs are laid on the leaves in considerable numbers, and this is the best stage to start controlling the problem before the caterpillars hatch and begin damaging foliage (leaves) and fruit.
Use a hand mister or hose spray with enough pressure to dislodge newly laid eggs from the leaves. This needs to be done regularly through the growing season, as new eggs can be laid at any time.
Fine white mesh netting can be placed over tomato plants to help stop moths and butterflies from reaching them and laying eggs. It is also worth continuing to hand-pick caterpillars whenever you see them. It can be time-consuming, but it does help reduce damage.
You can also spray plants with Neem oil. Be sure to spray under the leaves as well, as this is where caterpillars and eggs often hide.
Regular checking, early action and physical protection are the best ways to stay ahead of caterpillars and improve your tomato harvest.
