Discovering aphids have taken residence in your garden is annoying as they can cause damage to your tomato plants. We come across these little sap-suckers every year and when we catch the problem early, they don’t become a huge problem. In this article, we will help you identify aphids and hope to give you some tips to get rid of them fast!
What are aphids?
Aphids are small garden pests. They usually are found in large groupings making them easy to spot. There are several types of aphids. The black or grey types are the most common in our garden which seemly appear to multiply to hundreds overnight as they produce their young live. Aphids hide out on stems and on the underside of tomato leaves.
Why are aphids bad for your tomato plants?
Aphids suck the sap from everything from the smallest vegetable to the largest fruit tree, weakening them, causing damage to leaves, stems, and sometimes fruit, and making them susceptible to disease. Several aphid infestations can lead to a stunted tomato plant as continuous feeding the plant can deprive the plants of essential nutrients, affecting its overall development.
How do I know if my plants have aphids?
Regularly inspect your tomato plants for signs of aphid infestations, such as curled leaves, distorted growth, or the presence of sticky honeydew. You may spot these signs before you can see the tiny sap suckers. Early detection allows for prompt and successful eradication.
How to prevent aphids?
Try these tricks to prevent aphids from attacking your tomato plants.
1. Companion Planting:
Planting certain herbs like basil, marigold, or chives near tomatoes can help deter aphids. The aromatic compounds emitted by these plants can act as natural repellents. Nasturtiums are a great sacrificial plant and we have found success planting them as neighbouring garden bed plant. See information on Companion Planting here.
2. Attract Beneficial Insects:
Encourage the presence of natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps in your garden. These insects feed on aphids and help keep their populations under control. Create a habitat that attracts these predators, such as planting diverse flowers.
3. Sticky Traps:
Yellow sticky traps can be placed around your garden to catch flying aphids. While not a direct control method, these traps can help reduce the population of aphids and monitor their presence.
4. Ant Control:
Control ant populations, as they often protect aphids from predators in exchange for honeydew. Ant baits or barriers can be used to manage ant activity around your plants.
How to Get Rid of Aphids on Tomato Plants
Aphids can be sneaky but if you find them early and use some of our methods swiftly you should be able to get on top of the problem quickly and without too much fuss.
1. Pruning and Removing Infested Parts:
Remove and dispose of heavily infested leaves or plant parts. This helps to physically reduce the aphid population and minimize the spread of the infestation to healthier parts of the plant.
2. Spraying with Water:
Use a strong stream of water to physically dislodge aphids from the plant. This method can be effective in removing aphids without resorting to chemical treatments. This method is highly effective and our preferred method if the infestations are caught early – definitely the first method to try if you have a small infestation!
3. Removal by hand
Physically removing aphids by gently wiping them off with a cloth or sponge can help control their numbers.
4. Neem Oil or Insecticidal Soaps:
Applying neem oil or insecticidal soaps can help control aphids without harming beneficial insects. These natural solutions disrupt the aphids’ feeding and reproductive processes.
Natural Pest Control Spray for Aphids
This natural spray disrupts aphids’ feeding and reproductive processes without relying on harsh chemicals, making it an eco-friendly option for controlling aphids in your garden.
Ingredients:
- 1 litre (about 1 quart) of water
- 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap (a mild, biodegradable soap / castile soap)
- 1 teaspoon garlic or chili powder (acts as a natural repellent) OR 1 teaspoon neem oil
Instructions:
1. Mixing the Solution:
In a container, combine the ingredients and shake or stir thoroughly to ensure that the ingredients are well combined. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle. A spray bottle with an adjustable nozzle allows you to control the spray pattern.
2. Application:
Spray the solution generously on the affected parts of your plants, focusing on the undersides of the leaves. Ensure thorough coverage.
3. Repeat as needed:
Apply the every 5-7 days or as needed, especially after rain, to maintain its effectiveness.
Notes:
- This natural pest control spray is safe for most plants, but it’s always a good idea to test it on a small area first to ensure there are no adverse effects.
- Apply the spray early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is not too intense to avoid potential leaf burn.
- Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to effective pest control.
By recognizing early signs and implementing organic solutions aphids don’t need to ruin your tomato growing season.
LEARN, CULTIVATE AND ENJOY