Tomato plant little worm nasties (fertilizer, tomatoes, worms, leaves)

[3chidogs]

I have finally gotten a couple of successful tomato plants here in San Diego. Had issues the first two years, but this year my Early Girl and Better Boy are doing great. However, I seem to have my annual infestation of little green worms. These aren't the huge monster tomato worms, these are tiny, thin green worms. I am plucking them off as I see them. Problem is the plants are getting tall and thick and it is impossible to get to the back (against a fence for support) and the center to find the nasties. Anything I can spray with that isn't poison?

[wit-nit]

Get some BT bacillus thurengensis at your local garden center. It's a natural organic that won't hurt the tomatoes.

[composter]

The bacillus t will likely work. I mix a concoction of cayenne pepper, garlic tea, some dish soap to help the mixture adhere and fill spray bottle rest of way wth water. Pour into spray bottle, shake well before using and make sure to not get it on yourself or allow the breeze to blow the mixture your direction. I have found this quite useful for many things as a repellent. Must be reapplied after watering or rain. Also works great on what I refer to as no-seeum's. Mark spray bottle and handle with care.

[freedomdove]

Originally Posted by 3chidogs

I have finally gotten a couple of successful tomato plants here in San Diego. Had issues the first two years, but this year my Early Girl and Better Boy are doing great. However, I seem to have my annual infestation of little green worms. These aren't the huge monster tomato worms, these are tiny, thin green worms. I am plucking them off as I see them. Problem is the plants are getting tall and thick and it is impossible to get to the back (against a fence for support) and the center to find the nasties. Anything I can spray with that isn't poison?

Healthy plants are less susceptible to attack than weak plants. I recommend foliage feeding of your plants throughout the season to keep them healthy and strong. I use an organic fertilizer from Nature's Wisdom. It has fish emulsion, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and other organic ingredients. It's a very good fertilizer, in my experience, and it goes a long way. You only need one ounce of it to one gallon of water. I feed my plants in the evening so they have all night to absorb the nutrients, and there's no risk of the leaves getting burnt by the sun/fertilizer combo. Once a week or every two weeks is good.