How to Control Cutworms on Tomato Plants

Till the ground to remove tomato cutworms before transplanting seedlings.

Harmless nocturnal moths lay eggs that hatch and release larvae that are deadly to tomato seedlings. These grubs are called cutworms because they cut the stems of young tomato plants as they feed. Severed underground or just above the soil surface, the plants are left without an option for recovery. For this reason, controlling tomato cutworms is best when done as a preventive measure so you don't lose your tomato crop. Once the larvae reach the tomato seedlings, it's too late. Cutworms don't usually feed on mature plants.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Pickax
• Rototiller (optional)
• Hoe
• Paper cup or cardboard
• Scissors
• Insecticidal spray

Instructions

1. Turn the soil over in the planting site prior to putting your tomato seedlings out, as sometimes this process exposes and kills cutworm larvae that spent the winter underground. Repeat this step in the fall after harvest.

2. Weed your tomato bed to remove possible places for nocturnal moths to lay their eggs.

3. Cut the bottom of a paper cup or make a cylinder with cardboard or sturdy paper. The device needs to be about 3 inches long. Place it over the tomato seedling at planting, burying it 1 inch into the ground to protect them against cutworms.

4. Spray the leaves and stems of tomato seedlings with an insecticidal formula containing carbaryl, cyfluthrin or permethrin if you notice cutworm damage among your plants. Follow the manufacturer's application instructions for the product you selected.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension: Cutworms in Home Gardens
• University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension: Growing Tomatoes

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden