Are you finding ways to repel caterpillars from your tomato garden? Look no further, in this article today, we will give you some ways to solve your problem naturally. So, once you have found evidence that hornworms are eating your crops, let’s get rid of these caterpillars in your organic garden as soon as possible.
These ways are easy to make in your garden and give good results that are used regularly by many gardeners. In addition, they are also safe for both your plants and your health. Just as long as you consistently apply them, we believe your tomato garden will give you a bountiful harvest the next time. Let’s try right now to see positive changes in your tomato garden.
#1 Companion Planting
Companion planting can be a great help when controlling tomato hornworms. The most common plants that help with hornworms are Borage, Calendula, Marigold.
#2 Plant a Trap Crop
Trap crops work by planting a more desirable crop to draw pests to that sacrificial plant instead. The most beneficial trap crop for luring hornworms is the moonflower. Trap crops work by luring the pest to them instead of the tomatoes, then you can destroy them from there.
#3 Attract Beneficial Insects
There are quite a few beneficial insects that can help you control tomato hornworms such as Braconid Wasp, Green Lacewing, Ladybug. Most of these predatory insects work by either destroying/feeding on the hornworm or its eggs.
#4 Tilling the Soil
Tomato hornworms overwinter in the soil of your garden, so tilling in the fall can help dig up and destroy these pupae. Or one alternative is allowing chickens in the garden during the off-season. They will scratch, peck, and eat lots of the overwintering bugs in your garden beds.
#5 Organic Insecticides
Bacillus Thuringiensis is a bacterial based insecticide. It’s helpful for all sorts of garden pests including hornworms.
#6 Remove By Hand
It may seem time-intensive but hand-picking should be a daily job in the garden. If you come across caterpillar droppings, stop and loop up into the plant and look for signs that a hornworm is there, such as missing leaves. Drop them into a jug of soapy water or collect them in a bucket for your chickens!