[Tomato Dirt #208] Be on the Lookout for These 3 Tomato Pests

Back to Back Issues Page

[Tomato Dirt #208] Be on the Lookout for These 3 Tomato Pests
August 06, 2020

Tomato Dirt Newsletter
Volume 10, Number 16

Dear Tomato Dirt reader,

Welcome back to Tomato Dirt! A couple times a month, we’ll send you this newsletter packed with tips about growing tomatoes and using them.

Danger: Don't Let Your Tomatoes Get Thirsty

Yes, it’s good to be a drip when it comes to watering your garden! Tomatoes need 1-3 inches of water a week.

Hoses, nozzles, drip irrigation, water timers, rain gauges, soaker systems, watering cans, rain urns … check out all kinds of watering gadgets with our good friends at Gardener’s Supply.

This is the GS page where you can get all the different kinds of watering gear you need for your garden. It's so much fun to browse around. And if you find something at a bargain price - well, go for it!

Plus, they donate 8% of their profits to home and garden improvement programs.

But apart from all that good stuff, their watering gadgets and irrigation supplies are quality products that will last season after season. Check them out here.

Tomato Dirt is on Pinterest

Join us on Pinterest! Browse our 100+ boards (and growing) for all kinds of tomato inspiration and practical information: growing tomatoes, tomato seeds, cold frames for tomatoes, tomato books, tomato greenhouses, , indoor tomatoes – even crafts to do with a tomato theme. Happy pinning!

FEATURE: Be on the Lookout for These 3 Tomato Pests

Image: Tomato Dirt

As growing season progresses, check your tomato plants often for pests. These three are especially common in container tomatoes, but check the plants in your garden patch, too.

Aphids. You can identify aphid attack by curled leaves. They feed on emerging leaves and stems, creating holes or stunted endings. Aphids can be knocked off with a spray of water or a soap solution in a spray bottle with water and a drop of liquid soap.

Tomato hornworms. These caterpillar-like pests attach themselves to the underside of a tomato’s leaves, making it difficult to find them right away. Look for stems missing leaves, leaf wilt, or dark green pellets on a lower leaf indicating the presence of a hornworm above. Hornworms feast on both tomato leaves and green tomatoes. Control by handpicking.

Slugs. When un-staked tomatoes flop on the ground, slugs are happy campers – they get easy access to leaves for munching. Consider staking tomatoes .. Sprinkle Epsom salts where slugs creep to bid them good bye. Or capture slugs with slug traps.

Get more details about these three tomato pests … and be sure to check out our Tomato Pests Pinterest board for more helpful information.

Best Tips for Growing Tomatoes: Bestseller in 89 Countries

THE tomato-growing Bible and best-seller in 89 countries: How to Grow Juicy Tomatoes. Two horticulturalists combine forces to give you advice about the right way to prune, fertilize, water and stake tomatoes.

You’ll be able to diagnose pest and disease problems using step by step priceless information, illustrated with 260 full color photos.

Get the book and you’ll also get 6 free bonuses, including the Family Tomato Cookbook and a database of 1300 varieties of tomatoes. More details here.

Build a Shed In A Weekend Even If With Zero Woodworking Experience

Fall is just around the corner. And that’s a perfect time to build the shed you’ve been dreaming about.

And now you can get Ryan’s Shed Plans at a special Lockdown Discount. (Check it out here.)

Ryan Henderson has taught more than 4,000 people to build professional looking sheds. He has even taught absolute newbies – those without ANY experience at all.

Each of his plans includes a complete materials list, step-by-step directions, and photos and instructions. No extra trips to Home Depot or Lowe’s. You won’t be guessing whether you’ve got it right not.

You’ve got some extra time. Why not use it to build the shed you’ve wanted and needed … and save a bundle in the process.

Check out Ryan’s Shed Plans here.