What's going on with my tomato?

[vette-kid]

It's gettin full sun (about 8hrs with another 3 to 4 in shade) water as needed (seems to be every 5 days or so). Planter has a layer of lava rock on bottom to help with drainage and has two good drain holes. I used potting mix with a little organic soil mixed in. Not sure what else you might need to know, just ask.

 

[Chuck]

It's gettin full sun (about 8hrs with another 3 to 4 in shade) water as needed (seems to be every 5 days or so). Planter has a layer of lava rock on bottom to help with drainage and has two good drain holes. I used potting mix with a little organic soil mixed in. Not sure what else you might need to know, just ask.
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That looks like stink bugs. It is not a watering problem. It could be other insects but it looks stink bugs although it is early for them to show up. Look closely for any sucking bug. Also look for very tiny worms, no more than 1/4" long. They will be a light green color. If you find them spray with Bt. They are called pin worms. The best thing to do is to spray with a spinosad based product

 

[vette-kid]

Thanks chuck, your a fountain of information! I'll see what I can find at Walmart or ace tomorrow.

 

[Chuck]

Thanks chuck, your a fountain of information! I'll see what I can find at Walmart or ace tomorrow.

Go to a real nursery

 

[CrazyConure]

You can also buy it online. I use Amazon.

 

[vette-kid]

What is Bt?

 

[Chuck]

What is Bt?

Bt is a bacterial pesticide that only kills caterpillars. It real name is Bacillus thuringensis. Spinosad is another bacterial pesticide that will kill most harmful insects and caterpillars but it doesn't kill caterpillars as fast. Any real nursery will have them. Both are harmless to humans and pets.

 

[CrazyConure]

"bt" stands for Bacillus thuringiensis. It is the best caterpillar killer you can get. It knocked all mine down after the first use.

 

[CrazyConure]

Chuck, we posted at the same time.

 

[Chuck]

Chuck, we posted at the same time.

Well, I guess I will just have to be a tad slower next time. You have learned well grasshopper.

 

[Dawn]

Will bt kill the worms with the red pointy tails? I usually just pick those off.

 

[vette-kid]

Thanks! I will check the nursery, I want real impressed last time I went there

 

[Chuck]

Will bt kill the worms with the red pointy tails? I usually just pick those off.

Worms with red pointy tails? ???? Do you mean Hornworm? The tomato hornworm has a reddish pointy thing on its head. Bt ONLY KILLS CATERPILLARS. Nothing else. If not a caterpillar use a spinosad based product.

 

[Dawn]

Worms with red pointy tails? ???? Do you mean Hornworm? The tomato hornworm has a reddish pointy thing on its head. Bt ONLY KILLS CATERPILLARS. Nothing else. If not a caterpillar use a spinosad based product.

I never realized it was on its head.... Interesting. This is only my third season planting anything. But both seasons before I'd get those horn worms. . .After a couple weeks of looking for then and picking them off the would be gone.

 

[Beth_B]

Home Depot does carry a spinosad based pesticide, can't recall the brand (Captain Jack?)