Grower Today

Category: Organic Pest Control

  • Aphids on Tomato Plants: How to Naturally Get Rid of Them

    Aphids on Tomato Plants: How to Naturally Get Rid of Them

    If you have ever grown tomatoes in your garden, you will know that tomatoes are very susceptible to aphid infestations. These little critters can cause incredible damage to your crop if you do not take care of them early. In this article, we will be talking about aphids on tomato plants: How to naturally get rid of them.

    If you have kept tomatoes for long enough, there’s a high likelihood of finding aphids on the plants. Aphids are common, even in an organic garden. They can quickly take over the garden and can be frustrating to deal with. If you are faced with this problem, do not despair. We have a lot of tips, tricks, and control methods that we will give to you.

    What Are Aphids?

    Aphids are small pests that belong to the family Aphididae. Worldwide, there are more than 4000 species of aphids. They occur mostly in moderate and warm climates.

    Aphids have tiny bodies that are soft and pear-shaped. A lot of them are similar in size, which is about an eighth of an inch; aphids vary in size. They come in different colors. Depending on the type, they can be pale green, or black aphids on tomato plants, red, yellow, or white aphids on tomato plants.

    They usually occur in clusters at the base of leaves and stems of plants. They then bite into these plant parts and suck out the liquids inside.

    Tomato plants usually get infested with potato aphids. This type is usually red aphids on tomato plants. Tomatoes can also get infested with peach aphids, which appear as green bugs on tomato plants.

    Early in the spring, aphids migrate to tomato fields from hosts in the wild, and then they establish their colonies on the plants. Aphids have a very high rate of reproduction. A single aphid can easily lay up to a maximum of 100 eggs in its lifetime. Because of this, colonies of aphids increase very quickly in population.

    Aphids in small populations are not a very big problem, however, if they are left untreated, they can completely destroy your crop.

    Symptoms of Aphid Infested Tomatoes

    Once aphids are present in high numbers in an area, they develop wings that help them spread to form colonies in other areas with susceptible plants, such as a tomato garden. They may be hard to spot if you are not paying attention to them. There are some symptoms that you can look out for.

    Because aphides like to colonize the bottom parts of leaves, they can easily suck up the sap from the leaves unnoticed. This will cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. New growth on the plant may have become stunted growth. The result of this is that the tomato yields will be reduced and the fruits may become deformed.

    Stunted leaves with a deformed appearance or curled edges are a clear sign of aphid damage on tomato leaves. When these pests suck the sap and nutrients from the leaves and stems of the plant, the leaves will not grow properly.

    Aphids produce honeydew, a clear and sticky substance that coats the areas that the aphids have been on. Because honeydew is sugary, it attracts ants. If you notice populations of ants on your tomatoes, it could be a sign that you have an aphid infestation.

    If the leaves and/or stems of your tomato plants appear black, it could be another sign that aphids have been infested. The honeydew produced by aphids can be a haven for sooty mold which paints the plant black.

    Other symptoms of aphid-infested tomatoes include the wilting of plant stems from the loss of sap by the aphids feeding on them.

    Although aphids are noticeable to the naked eye, it’s a fact that they can still be very small and difficult to see. The signs and symptoms listed above can help you identify when your tomato plants have been infested so that you can take care of the issue before it becomes a big problem.

    Do Aphids Like Tomato Plants?

    Tomatoes are great at attracting aphids into gardens. They especially enjoy sucking the sap from young plant leaves and fruits.

    While aphids are generally attracted to tomatoes, they are not going to cause any damage if they are in small populations. But as soon as the infestation increases and takes over, the destruction of the plant tissues will begin and can eventually kill the plants.

    In cases where aphids do not kill the plant, they can stunt the growth of plants. This would be a better scenario for the outcome of an infestation. Usually, an aphid infestation kills the plants by overfeeding the sap and transmitting diseases. Aphids feed on the plant sap by sucking it out with their piercing and sucking mouthparts.

    Tomatoes are quite resilient to large numbers of aphids without suffering much damage. In severe cases, however, symptoms of damage such as leaf curling and stunted plant growth may be observed. The reduced leaf area will expose the fruit to sun scald, which will ultimately reduce yield.

    Aphids are vectors of certain plant viruses. This means that even if they are not in high enough populations to damage the plants by overfeeding on the sap, they can transport certain viruses that may cause damage or even kill the plants. It is therefore best to take care of an aphid problem because it causes irreversible damage.

    How to Get Rid of Aphids on Tomato Plants

    Fortunately, there are numerous options you can choose from to get rid of aphids on your tomato plants. There are biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods you can use. But if you want to be safe and not introduce any potential threats to your crop, it is best to stick to natural options and biological methods such as;

    Manual removal

    If you spot aphids on your tomato plants while they are still only a few, you can simply pick them and put them in a bucket filled with soapy water to kill them. Check the undersides of tomato leaves to make sure that you get all the pests off.

    After the first time picking off the aphids, repeat the inspection daily for a few days to check whether or not you may need to take further steps to get rid of them.

    Water spray

    A water spray with a garden hose is another great way of getting rid of aphids. Use a sharp but gentle blast of water to knock them off the tomato leaves and stems. This will surely decrease the aphid populations. Check every few days again to determine whether you need to repeat the process.

    Be careful when using a water hose as it may also knock off beneficial insects from your plants, and may break the branches of the plant, especially the young ones.

    Bug repellent

    Instead of buying store-brand bug repellents, you can use garlic, rosemary, peppermint, water, and dish soap to make your own at home. These are all-natural ingredients and will safely get rid of aphids from your tomatoes, as they are gentle.

    This mix does not kill the bugs, but what smells will mask the scent of the tomato as the host plant so they will not be able to locate it.

    get rid of aphids on tomato plants

    Water and dish soap

    A mixture of water and dish soap will also work fine to repel aphids from your tomato plants. Mix a few teaspoons of liquid dish soap with one quart of water. Simply spray this mixture on the plant leaves and it will kill the bugs by suffocating them.

    Introduce predatory insects

    The introduction of predatory insects into a garden that aphids have infested is one of the most efficient ways to get rid of or control them. Many people introduce insects such as ladybugs and lacewings into their gardens.

    Birds such as hummingbirds are another great predator of aphids as they love to snack on them. Invite birds into your garden by strategically placing bird feeders in various places and they will help you out a lot.

    Diatomaceous earth

    Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder made from fossilized algae that are rich in silica. It can be deadly to aphids. The edges of the DE grains cut into the soft bodies of aphids, causing them to dry up and die.

    Sprinkle some DE onto both the soil and your tomato plants to kill aphids. Be careful to select food-grade DE when your purchase it from the store. It is safe for humans and can be used on plants, unlike filter-grade DE which is not. Only apply DE early in the morning or later in the evening when the dew has dried, as it does not work when wet.

    Neem oil

    Neem oil is a natural bug repellent that is useful against many different types of bugs and insects. It works similarly to insecticidal soap, that is by suffocating the aphids when sprayed on them. It also works systemically by interfering with the hormone receptors in the insects, hence it is referred to as a broad-spectrum insecticide.

    Alcohol sprays

    Rubbing alcohol is an easily available, affordable, and simple solution to aphid infestations. Mix equal parts water and alcohol in a sprayer bottle, add a teaspoon of soap to make the mixture more effective, and spray it on your infested plants.

    Humus

    Adding humus as a soil amendment around your tomato plants will control infestations, as aphids do not like it.

    Pruning

    If you notice that only certain leaves of the tomat0 plant are heavily infested, and perhaps have started showing signs of damage, pruning them off may be the best way to get rid of the clusters of aphids and will stop them from breeding.

    In summary, natural options such as rubbing alcohol and neem oil are great products to use for treating aphid infestations on tomato plants. If these are unavailable to you, mix a few teaspoons of liquid dish soap with one quart of water. Always make sure to check the undersides of tomato leaves to get rid of aphids efficiently.

    How to Prevent Aphids on Tomatoes

    As you probably know, prevention is better than cure. Instead of waiting until you get an infestation to deal with, there are certain proactive steps you can take to prevent or minimize the risk of getting an aphid infestation on your tomatoes;

    Healthy soil and healthy plants

    Insects and other pests prey on weak plants that are growing on low-quality or degraded soil. The best way to avoid this is to build up healthy soil in your garden by mulching or adding organic matter so that there is a constant availability of nutrients to your plants.

    Companion planting

    Planting fragrant flowers and herbs alongside tomatoes can help control pests. Plants such as marigolds and basil are great insect and pest repellents that can ask the scent of tomatoes, hiding and protecting them from aphids.

    Sticky traps

    Aphids are attracted to bright colors such as yellow. You can purchase yellow sticky boards and place them around your tomatoes. The aphids will get attracted to them and will get trapped before they get to the plants.

    Attract more aphid predators

    Aphids have natural predators such as lady beetles, syrphid flies, and lacewings. If you can find a way to grow these insects in your garden, they will do a great job of helping you out with pest control.

    Setting up birdhouses and feeders in the garden before there is any noticeable infestation may be a great idea t keep it at bay.

    Row covers

    Place row covers over your tomato plants immediately after planting them. This will help to protect them from extreme weather conditions and changes that could potentially hurt the growth and health of their plants, making them susceptible to opportunistic pests.

    Conclusion – Aphids on Tomato Plants

    Aphids can cause great destruction to tomato plants if left unchecked. It is therefore best to tackle them as soon as you notice them in your garden before they cause devastating that they are very well capable of in large populations. Another great way to deal with a possible infestation is by being proactive and placing systems and measures in place that will prevent infestations from taking place.

    Use the tips and tricks provided in this article to get rid of aphid infestation problems in your tomato plants so you can get a good harvest.

    Happy growing!

  • Disease Resistant Tomatoes: Top List of Varieties

    Disease Resistant Tomatoes: Top List of Varieties

    Tomato plants can be prone to a bunch of unimaginable problems or diseases capable of taking a toll on the entire crop. The good news is that you can avoid the various problems or diseases that tomato plants tend to be susceptible to. This is why we will be looking into disease resistant tomatoes.

    There are over 60 different diseases tomato plants are inclined to catch. With so many unpleasant diseases tomatoes tend to be prone to, it is only right you select the best varieties that can be resistant to most of these various tomato-related diseases.

    Diseases-resistant tomatoes have been selected and bred for years to resist some common diseases they tend to be vulnerable to. So, let’s look into the list of disease-resistant tomatoes we can go for when planning on growing our juicy tomatoes.

    Selecting Disease Resistant Tomatoes

    Even though you can take some measures to manage these diseases such as crop rotations, drip irrigation, sterilization of garden tools, and so on, all these will only control these issues to a limited range. The key to decreasing the issue of tomato disease relies mainly on choosing disease-resistant tomatoes. 

    The selection of disease-resistant tomatoes has helped a lot in reducing the risk of tomatoes being vulnerable to different diseases. However, this does not guarantee the total immunity of tomatoes to all kinds of diseases. Of all these diseases resistant varieties, no single tomato variety resistant to all diseases has been developed yet. For this reason, when choosing tomato disease-resistant varieties, we recommend you select the ones applicable to your garden.

    Selecting Disease Resistant Tomatoes

    For instance, a particular tomato breed may thrive or flourish in your garden. On the other hand, this same tomato variety may end up catching a tomato-related disease from another gardener two states away. Therefore, if verticillium wilt or tobacco mosaic virus was once a problem in your garden region in the past years, it is only ideal to choose the tomato variety resistant to this disease.

    Disease Resistant Tomatoes 

    Each variety of tomato resistance is mainly resistant to some or most tomato diseases. However, they aren’t resistant to all types of tomato-related diseases.

    When you purchase your disease-resistant tomato seeds varieties, the seed packets or seed labeling often has some abbreviations. These abbreviations or letters mark the disease-resistant variety for that specific tomato breed. Therefore, it’s important to read these abbreviations right so you can know which varieties you are purchasing.

    Understanding codes for disease resistant tomatoes 

    Here is a list of some of the most common disease-resistant tomato variety codes you may find and their meaning:

    1. AB – Alternarium Blight
    2. EB – Early Blight
    3. F – Fusarium wilt
    4. FF – Fusarium races 1 and 2
    5. FFF – Fusarium races 1, 2, and 3
    6. N – Nematode
    7. PM – Powdery Mildew
    8. T or TMV –Tobacco Mosaic Virus
    9. TSWV – Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
    10. V – Verticillium wilt

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    Apart from these codes, other codes such as HR or IR may as well be written next to the codes. HR means High Resistance and IR means Intermediate Resistance.

    Multiple letters seen in a tomato disease-resistant variety name means the tomato is resistant to more than one disease.

    • So now that we have an idea of some codes you may come across, let’s look at an example. If you come across a seed labeled VFNT, it simply means that the seed has been bred to resist verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, nematode, and tobacco mosaic virus.

    In all this, keep in mind that the label you find on the seed package is simply an indicator. The performance of a specific tomato variety will depend on various factors such as rainfall, soil content, environment, and plant care.

    Choosing the Right Tomato Breed for Your Garden

    A type of tomato variety may thrive well in your garden and this same variety may not do well for someone else in another state.

    This is majorly due to different climates and different soil that produce different patterns for the same tomato variety. Even those regions with slight variations in climate (temperature, rainfall, and air quality) can still cause the same tomato variety to flourish differently for different regions.

    For instance, Septoria leaf spot and early blight are tomato-related diseases that tend to progress or thrive in humid regions such as the eastern United States. Therefore, if you live in these regions, it would be wise to select tomato varieties that are resistant to early blight and Septoria leaf spots.

    Guidelines for Choosing Tomato Breed

    The guidelines below will assist you further on how to find out and select which tomato variety best suits your region:

    1. Recognize the vulnerability your region tends to face – The first important step is to discern which tomato diseases are common in your region. You can do some findings by asking your local nursery owner or having a chat with your local gardeners. You can also put a call through to your local extension office to know which tomato diseases are frequently recorded by local gardeners.

    1. Understand resistant code on the seed package – It’s also important you learn what codes are written on the seed package. We’ve given you some tips above to understand codes you may find on the seed package.

    2. Choose the best that suits your region – At the end of it all, ensure you choose the best tomato variety that suits your region.

    Which Tomato Breed is the Hardiest?

    Here is a list of some of the best tomato varieties resistant you can go for:

    • Bush big boy
    • Bush early girl
    • Sweet tangerine
    • Fourth of July
    • Big beef
    • Celebrity
    • Umamin
    • Super tasty
    • Big daddy
    • Summer girl
    Choose The Best That Suits Your Region

    All of these varieties will resist the most common tomato diseases. That includes nematode, verticillium, fusarium, and tobacco mosaic virus.

    Additional Say on Disease Resistant Tomatoes

    Knowing a great list of tomato-resistant varieties isn’t just enough. Even after you’ve purchased a hardy tomato breed that can sufficiently avoid these diseases, you need to also imbibe some measures so your plant can flourish.

    Here are some preventive measures to take:

    • Crop rotation.
    • If you’ve worked on any diseased plant, ensure you disinfect your gardening tools.
    • Water at the base of the plant.
    • Maintain moisture conditions and avoid wet and humid conditions that may entertain diseases.
    • Mulch your soil.

    Tomato Seeds Resistant to Blight

    Before we look at varieties that are resistant to blight, we must first identify what blight is. You may know blight better as late blight, tomato blight, or potato blight. It unfortunately can cause catastrophic problems for your tomatoes. It’s a fungal disease that will quickly lead tomatoes to rot and die. The more humid the environment, the more likely this is to happen.

    Some of the most common seeds resistant to blight are as follows:

    • Blush beefsteak F1. It’s sweet and juicy, which is unusual for a beefsteak tomato. This tomato usually fruits between July and October, and the best thing about it is that it’s incredibly resistant to blight.
    • Crimson cherry F1. A sweet but tangy tomato that’s small in size. It’s best at preventing late and early blight. It has an outstanding yield and will continue to fruit until the first frost begins.
    • Crimson plum F1. If you’re looking to make an incredible Bolognese or ragu, this is the tomato choice for you. It doesn’t contain many seeds and has a rich flavor. This tomato usually fruits between July and October.
    • Crimson crush F1. Flavorful and fantastic tasting. Even if other plants have blight, the Crimson Crush is hardy enough to not be affected.

    Fusarium Wilt Resistant Tomato Varieties

    If you’re looking for tomato varieties that are resistant to fusarium wilt, then look no further! You should try one of the following options:

    • Porterhouse
    • Sungold
    • Yellow Pear
    • Big Daddy
    • Rutgers
    • Summer Girl
    • Super Sauce

    Bacterial Wilt Resistant Tomato Varieties

    If you’re looking for tomato varieties that are resistant to bacterial wilt, then look no further! You should try one of the following options:

    • Tropic Bay
    • Venus
    • Neptune
    • Saturn
    • Kewalo

    Tomato varieties

    Disease Resistant Heirloom Tomatoes

    If you’re looking for heirloom tomato varieties that are disease resistant, there are many to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best.

    • Cherokee Purple: resistant to bacterial speck, fusarium wilt 1, 2, and 3, tomato spotted wilt virus, verticillium wilt, and root-knot nematode
    • Black Velvet F1: disorder resistant
    • Caiman F1: resistant to fusarium wilt 1 and 2, tobacco mosaic virus, verticillium wilt, tomato spotted wilt virus, tomato leaf mold, and root-knot nematode
    • Fargo Yellow Pear: disorder resistant
    • Delicious: disorder resistant
    • Damsel F1: resistant to root-knot nematode, late blight, and verticillium wilt
    • Aosta Valley: resistant to early and late blight
    • Green Zebra: resistant to Septoria leaf spot and late blight
    • Legend: resistant to late blight
    • Chocolate Sprinkles: resistant to fusarium wilt 1, fusarium crown rot, tobacco mosaic virus, and root-knot nematode
    • Garden Peach: resistant to late blight
    • Cauralina F1: resistant to fusarium wilt, fusarium crown root, and tomato mosaic virus
    • Italian Heirloom: resistant to late blight
    • Marglobe: resistant to fusarium wilt 1 and 2
    • Chiapas: resistant to early and late blight, and Septoria leaf spot
    • Mt. Gold: resistant to fusarium wilt 1 and 2
    • Grandma’s Pick F1: resistant to verticillium wilt, root-knot nematode, and fusarium wilt 1
    • New Yorker: resistant to verticillium wilt
    • Mt. Rouge: resistant to root-knot nematode and late blight
    • Marbonne F1: resistant to tomato mosaic virus and fusarium wilt

    Conclusion

    I hope this post has helped you to identify the best disease-resistant tomatoes, as well as how best to find the right variety for you. It’s getting easier and easier to grow disease-resistant tomatoes; just be sure to check the abbreviations on any tomato seeds that you buy. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to disease-resistant tomatoes? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

    FAQs

    Which tomato variety is resistant to blight?

    Mountain Magic F1 (Medium) is resistant to blight.

    If you see symptoms of bacterial blight on your tomato plants, remove them by cutting the stems at the base of the plant. Make sure to wash your hands after removing the infected parts so you don’t spread the bacteria around. If you see the bacteria on the leaves, you can spray them with a mixture of water and bleach to kill the bacteria.

    Which tomato variety is resistant to bacterial wilt?

    The best known varieties are “Green Zebras” and “Roma”. There are also a number of hybrids that have been bred for this resistance.

    If you see any signs of Verticillium wilt, you should remove the plants from the soil as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If you are unable to remove the plants from the ground, you can treat the soil with a fungicide such as copper or sulfur to prevent the disease from spreading.

    Are cherry tomatoes disease resistant?

    Cherry tomatoes are a great choice for any gardener looking to add a little variety to their vegetable garden. Liike most other types of tomatoes, cherry tomatoes are susceptible to various diseases.

    However, they are resistant to a wide variety of diseases, and in some cases the resistance is due to the plant’s own immune system.

    Are heirloom tomatoes disease-resistant?

    Heirloom tomatoes are not resistant to the major diseases that affect tomato crops, but they can be used as a food source when combined with other plants and insects that provide natural pest control. The best way to prevent diseases is by growing tomatoes in a healthy garden environment that includes annuals and perennials, mulching, regular watering and harvesting regularly.

    How do you know if bacteria is wilting of tomatoes?

    The first thing to check is whether or not the plant has any signs of disease.
    There are a number of ways to tell. One of the most reliable is the color of the tomato. If it’s dark green, it’s probably ok. If it’s light green, it may be starting to decay. If it’s yellow or brown, it’s most likely too far gone. Another way is to press your thumb on the stem of the tomato and see how it feels. If it’s waxy, it’s ok. If it’s dry and hard, it’s dead.
    You can look at the underside of the leaves. If the leaves have turned yellow, this is a sign of bacterial wilt.

    What is the hardiest tomato plant?

    A tomato plant can be grown in almost any location, but it’s important to choose a site that offers the proper amount of sunlight. Tomatoes are a warm-weather crop, so they need lots of sun. They also like plenty of water, so make sure that you water regularly and give the leaves a good soaking once or twice a week. If you have a big enough garden space, tomatoes are the perfect addition to any vegetable garden.
    There are many varieties of tomatoes, and many are very different in hardiness. We have found that the most hardy tomato is

  • Do Tomato Hornworms Bite: Best Ways to Control

    Do Tomato Hornworms Bite: Best Ways to Control

    Tomato worms are one common pest that bothers tomato plants and they can ruin your plants. They may look fierce and dangerous, but do tomato hornworms bite?

    The huge green tomato worm can grow up to 4 or 5 inches long and they are one of the longest types of caterpillar. There is nothing more devastating than finding tomato worms in your garden feeding on your sweet tomato fruits.

    The fact that the tomato worm has a stinger-like horn shape, some may be scared of them. So, if you’ve got tomato worms in your garden and you’re wondering if they bite then you should read on to know the answer to this. We will also discuss what you can do to get rid of these troubling worms.

    What Are Tomato Worms?

    Tomato worms, also known as hornworms are huge caterpillars that have a tail that looks like a horn. They love to chew on tomatoes, meaning tomato is their favorite food. They not only enjoy fruits, but they can also feed on plant leaves as well as their stems. These worms will eat plant leaves and can render your plant leafless.

    Tomato worms will as well feast on other plant’s fruits such as eggplant, pepper, potato, and tobacco plants.

    Do Tomato Hornworms Bite?

    Even though these worms may look scary and savage, they are not stingers. Therefore tomato worms do not bite. They are harmless to humans and you can even pick them up off your plants anytime you sight them.

    What Are Tomato Worms

    Where Do Tomato Worms Come From?

    Tomato worms come from eggs laid by the adult moth. These moths are huge heavy-bodied insects that have narrow front wings. They are gray-brown and can have yellow spots on their abdomen.

    Life cycle

    The tomato worm life cycle begins as eggs are laid by the adult moths. These eggs are laid by the female after mating around summer and the eggs are laid on the host such as tomato, pepper, eggplant, etc. The eggs are oval and smooth with a light green color.

    Next, the eggs hatch into caterpillars and the caterpillars are the worms that begin to feed and grow. The caterpillars can feed up until late summer or early fall.

    Once they begin to feed and grow, in about 3 to 4 weeks, they become matured green caterpillars. This matured caterpillar will drop from the plants they are feeding into the soil and burrow into the soil. In the soil, they will change or transform into pupae. The pupae will stay in the soil and thrive through winter.

    After surviving through winter, the pupae will emerge as adult moths during spring. Then the moths start another generation around mid-summer by depositing their eggs on their host plant.

    Identifying Caterpillar on Tomato Plant

    The tomato worm caterpillars may be hard to notice because they are green and can blend with your green plants. But once you notice any caterpillar of about 4 to 5 inches of green color and horn-like shape on your plant, then that’s a sign of tomato worm infestation. You need to act fast. If you delay any longer, they will continue to spread causing even bigger problems.

    They are capable of devouring your plant leaves and causing serious damage a night. Once they grow bigger and older, they consume more and more. Those fully matured tomato caterpillars can consume a lot at that stage.

    So, because of their green camouflaging color, you may not notice them on time. However, you should look closely and also look for droppings and follow the trail.

    You can as well identify these worms with black lights. Once it gets dark, scrutinize your plant with the black lights. Tomato worms usually come out in the dark to feed and they will glow in the dark.

    Let’s take a look at some control measures we can take to mitigate the situation.

    Controlling Tomato Worms

    There are various methods of getting rid of tomato worms and they include:

    • Handpicking

    Tomato worms will not bite you so you can simply handpick them when you notice them in your garden. This process may take a while, but it’s totally worth it as you will be saving your plants.

    After handpicking them, you can simply drop them in hot soapy water to kill them. You can as well feed them to your chicken or any birds if you raise them.

    • Spray the plant with soap and water

    Another natural way to get rid of these worms is to spray them with liquid dish soap mixed with water. Spray your entire plant and worms until they are all covered. Doing this should eliminate them without causing any havoc to your plants.

    • Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT)

    If the two natural methods we mentioned above don’t work, you can go for natural pesticides. It is safe to use on your plant and also safe for humans. Bacillus thuringiensis is a natural bacteria found in soil. The worm consumes these bacteria and its digestive system becomes paralyzed and it will eventually die.

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    • Beneficial insects

    Beneficial insects can as well be used to control tomato worms. However, they can only work for a small population. Examples of these beneficial insects are ladybugs, lacewings, paper wasps, and so on. You can obtain these beneficial insects online or from your local garden stores.

    • Chemical insecticides

    Chemical insecticides can be used to control these worms. However, they may not be safe for your organic garden. Notwithstanding, there are good options such as sevin insecticides which are non-systematic. This means they will not penetrate plant tissues and you can simply wash them off after their job is done.

    Signs of Tomato Worms Infestation

    When you begin to notice your plant leaves having holes or becoming wilted, then you need to have a close inspection of your plant.

    You may also notice droppings of these worms on your tomato leaves or the ground. Also, if there are any green caterpillars around your plants, that may be a sign of tomato worm infestation.

    Signs Of Tomato Worms Infestation

    Are Tomato Worms Poisonous?

    Now that we know that tomato worms do not bite humans, you may be wondering if they are poisonous. You can safely touch tomato hornworms without being concerned about them biting, stinging, or being poisonous. However, you should never ingest these worms. If they are ingested, they may be toxic as tomatoes are part of the nightshade family and these worms remove the toxins from the plant. It’s important to seek medical advice if this happens.

    What is the Best Tomato Worm Killer?

    When killing tomato hornworms, it’s best to use a low-risk pesticide. There are many low-risk pesticides you can use. But some of my personal favorites are Spinosad, insecticidal soap, or Bacillus thuringiensis. Let’s take a closer look at all three.

    • Spinosad. It’s derived from a natural microorganism. Can kill tomato hornworms through contact, or ingestion. However, ingestion is the most effective. You’ll notice the effects within one to two weeks. Be sure you keep a watchful eye on it until it’s dried, as it can be harmful to bees.
    • Insecticidal soap. This doesn’t need to be ingested; contact is enough, but it must be direct. It’s effective against hornworms and what’s great about this is that it isn’t harmful to good insects.
    • Bacillus Thuringiensis. A bacteria that derive from the soil. Contact is not enough for this pesticide, it must be consumed by the tomato hornworms. The younger the caterpillars, the more effective this method will be. This method is ideal if you’re looking to protect bees and insects.

    Can a Tomato Hornworm Sting?

    If you take a close look at the tomato hornworm, they are quite terrifying. They look as though they could be dangerous, but as well as not being poisonous, and not being able to bite, they also can not sting you. Apart from being harmful to your garden, they can’t cause any damage to humans whatsoever! They’re nowhere near as scary as they first appear.

    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hornworms?

    Bearded dragons have a very versatile diet, and you may be wondering if you can feed them hornworms. And the answer is, absolutely. However, it’s best to buy the hornworms from a reputable store. Hornworms are used as food for many reptiles besides bearded dragons, such as geckos and chameleons.

    Hornworms are easy for your bearded dragons to digest, as well as being a great source of calcium and hydration.Where Do Tomato Worms Come From

    Are Tomato Hornworms Poisonous to Dogs?

    We’ve mentioned that tomato hornworms can cause problems if ingested by humans, and the same can be said if ingested by your pets. Tomato hornworms can be poisonous to your dogs, so it’s important to seek veterinary advice if you think your dog has swallowed any.

    Conclusion: Do Tomato Hornworms Bite?

    Tomato worms may look fierce and dangerous but they do not bite humans. However, the damage they will do to your plants can be very serious. Ensure you monitor your plants closely, especially their favorite plants which are tomato, pepper, eggplants, and tobacco plants.

    I hope this post has helped to answer the question: “do tomato hornworms bite?” and given you an idea of how to prevent and control them if you do manage to get an infestation. While they can be a nuisance to your garden, it’s a super easy problem to resolve. Do you have any tips and tricks when it comes to removing hornworms? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

    FAQs

    Do hornworms bite humans?

    Hornworms are not harmful to humans. However, they can cause damage to plants. The eggs and larvae are very destructive. They eat grass, soil, and roots. They can also kill plants.

    A hornworm may bite if it feels threatened or cornered. They also may bite if they are hungry. If they are hungry, they may be trying to feed on the roots of a plant.

    The most common cause of a hornworm bite is in the spring. The adults are out looking for food and the young ones are out looking for mates.

    Are green hornworms poisonous?

    Some people think that the green hornworm is poisonous because it tastes bad, and they won’t eat it. Others think that the green hornworm is poisonous because it has a very hard exoskeleton which doesn’t easily break down in the stomach.
    But, they are not.

    Where do tomato hornworms go during the day?

    Tomato hornworm caterpillars are active during the day, and they may be feeding on leaves or other parts of plants. If you find a large number of them, try to see where they are hiding. Look for places where they might have access to foliage and leaves. You can also check under shrubs and trees for signs of feeding. Hornworms will leave a silken web on their food source. You can also look for frass, or insect droppings.

    Tomato hornworms (Manduca sexta) are large, dark-colored caterpillars with a horn on their head and antennae. They feed on the leaves of tomatoes and other nightshade plants like eggplant and peppers. Hornworm larvae chew holes in plant leaves to feed on sap and then pupate. When they emerge as adults, they’ll feed on foliage until they reach maturity.

    How do you prevent tomato worms?

    Tomato worms are not a problem for everyone. I can’t say that I have ever had problems with them, but when I did, I didn’t know what to do about it. So I want to share some tips on how to get rid of tomato worms in your garden. Tomato Worms – What are they? A common pest for tomatoes, the tomato worm is a small insect, which can be up to 2 inches long.
    They are most often seen in the garden when the temperatures are warm and humid. You may see them crawling around the base of plants, or laying eggs in the soil. How do you get rid of them? The best way to prevent tomato worm damage is to pick off any infested leaves, and destroy the eggs in the soil. Another good method is to grow plants in containers, so that you can take them out of the garden if they begin to appear. If you do need to control these pests, the easiest solution is to use a systemic pesticide. These products work by killing the pest from the roots down, which will help reduce any future problems. This is one of the best ways to prevent tomato worms, and many other plant pests.

  • Does Salt Kill Termites: Best Way to Prevent Pests

    Does Salt Kill Termites: Best Way to Prevent Pests

    So you have a termite problem, and are wondering does salt kill termites? What can one use to treat this problem?

    Termites are such a nuisance for gardeners as they naturally occur in soils. If you find termites in the garden, it means they have found a good source of food. Termites feed on cellulose that exists in either wood or plant remains.

    Termites tend to stay hidden first before spreading especially in an outdoor setting. It’s very hard to spot termites when they are in the larvae stage. However, once they grow, they are attracted to the light and become active in your garden.

    Termites can be detrimental to wood structures, that’s why it’s best to destroy them. So does salt kill termites? Let’s learn all about it.

    Does Epsom Salt Kill Termites?

    Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral that can be used in a hundred ways around your home and garden. Many gardeners swear by this inexpensive product, however, personal opinions can be mixed.

    Epsom is used in various ways and one of them is to kill termites. This falls in the category of using Epsom as an insect solution. Here are a few ways you can use Epsom salt to kill termites.

    Epsom Salt Kill Termites

    As a Mixture. Mix about 240ml of Epsom salt and 5 gallons of water and spray this where you have termites and any other destructive insects. Spray a good amount of this mixture several times in case some insects are too stubborn to die. In the case of termites, spray repeatedly so you can destroy the larvae too. This product not only kills insects but it deters them from your home and garden.

    As Dry Epsom Salt. Sprinkling dry Epsom salt in areas where you notice termites or slugs is an effective measure. Epsom salt is known for its effect on insects by drying them up to the point of death. You can use the dry Epsom salt around your young seedlings to keep insects away from them. As a bonus, your seedlings benefit from a boost of magnesium and sulfur.

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    How Else Can You Kill Termites?

    1. By keeping the moisture levels under control

    Termites are attracted to damp places. If you are a homeowner, you need to keep watch on damp areas or wood around your yard. This can become an ideal breeding ground for termites.

    In any place where moisture collects, termites will breed there in large numbers. Be sure to remove all such breeding grounds and if it proves impossible, pour a generous amount of Epsom salts in the moist areas to eliminate termites.

    Remove every item that causes the ground to be too moist, especially if you live in areas that have a high likelihood of breeding termites. Keep an eye on areas that are pooling water across your garden and yard.

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    2. Use nematodes to kill termites

    Nematodes are naturally occurring roundworms and they can kill termites. They are an effective natural insecticide because of their gut bacterium. Once a nematode enters a termite’s body, it releases bacteria that start to slowly kill it.

    Nematodes are easy to find because they live in a variety of habitats. They do not cause any harm to plants, pets, or humans thus a very organic way to deal with termites. When you introduce nematodes to your garden, they will serve you for a lifetime because they will continue to multiply while keeping the termites at bay. They breed very fast and can start as fast as the first 24 to 48 hours after they are first released. Even if you are facing a huge termite threat, nematodes can kill a ton of termites and other household insects within a very short time.

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    3. Go for boric acid

    Boric acid is available in powder form and is one of the best ways to eliminate destructive insects. This acid once ingested, complicates termites or any other insect’s digestive system eventually leading to death. This will take about 3 to 7 days for the acid to work in the insects.

    Boric acid is also friendly and less toxic compared to other acids. To use it, prepare a simple concoction of boric acid powder, sugar, and water to attract the termites. Be sure to use a dust mask and goggles when preparing this mixture. The termites will start moving the boric acid back to their colony and start to die off. Add this mixture for 3 to 5 days until you cannot see any termites left.

    How Does Salt Kill Termites?

    You may be wondering how salt kills termites, and it’s pretty simple really. Salt works as dehydration for termites. If you’re familiar with termites, you’ll know that to thrive, they need a moist environment. With salt acting as a dehydrator, this means that they will dry out and eventually die from lack of water and moisture.

    However, depending on the type of termite, it may not be as effective as other methods. For example, if you have dry or damp wood termites, it won’t work as well, and you may need another solution.

    Does Epsom Salt Kill Termites?

    Yes. The reason Epsom salt kills termites is that it has a high level of magnesium and the magnesium will destroy the termites. What’s great about Epsom salt is that it isn’t harmful to plants or humans too; which isn’t the case for other types of pesticides.

    Will Epsom Salt Kill Nematodes?

    You may be curious as to whether Epsom salt kills nematodes. And the truth is, it isn’t known whether it kills them or not. As they can survive in so many environments, and some are good, while others are bad; it is simply not known. If you are concerned about a nematode infestation, try using a product that is made to eliminate nematodes, for best results.

    Does Epsom Salt Keep Bugs Away?

    So we’ve established that Epsom salt can kill bugs, but can they keep bugs away? The answer is…absolutely! It’s thought to both kill bugs and keep them away, which is why it’s such a great solution to use. Use around a cup of Epsom salt for every 5 gallons of water. Mix well, and then add using a sprayer.

    How Do I Permanently Get Rid of Termites?

    Permanently getting rid of termites can be a challenge. However, there are many ways you can do this. Let’s take a closer look.

    • Liquid barrier. This works to keep termites away, as well as exterminate any that are already there. What’s great about this method is that you can use it inside and outside of your home.
    • Bait. If your termite problem is smaller, try using a small amount of poisoned bait. This is just as effective as the liquid method, but simply less radical.
    • Boric acid. This method works on termites, as well as other bugs. It will take around 3-7 days for your termites to be exterminated. This method is good if you’re looking for a less toxic method.
    • Diatomaceous earth. If you’re looking for a method that is 100% non-toxic and completely natural, this is the method for you. It’s a slightly slower way of killing termites, but they will eventually dry out and die.
    • Chemical treatment. We recommend only using this method outside, as it’s not ideal to have in your home. It’s also one of the easiest methods to obtain too.
    • Good nematodes. Another natural option is using good nematodes. This will only work if your termite problem is on the smaller side. These types of nematodes usually eat insects, like termites.

    What Does Salt Do to Termites?

    Salt simply dehydrates termites. They begin to dry out and then will eventually die from lack of moisture and water.

    What Scent Do Termites Hate?

    There are many scents that termites do not like. Some of these include:

    • cloves
    • tea tree oil
    • cinnamon
    • garlic
    • geranium
    • cedarwood

    salt kill termites

    Conclusion: Does Salt Kill Termites?

    I hope this post has helped to answer the question: does salt kill termites? Knowing the best way to eliminate termites will save you time and money. Avoid using over-the-counter insect spray or pine sleepers, or even relocation methods in fighting termites.

    Insect sprays are known to kill plants and not termites; some of the termites on the surface might be affected but the deeper problem is left untouched. If you have a big termite infestation, use Epsom salt or nematodes. These are some of the best methods you can trust.

    So next time someone asks you does Epsom salt kill termites, you know how to answer. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to eliminating termites? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    Does Epsom salt keep bugs away?

    Epsom salt is able to keep different types of bugs away as it kills them slowly.  Epsom salt is friendly to use in the garden, in human life, and with your pets.

    What does salt do to termites?

    Epsom salt is effective on insects and termites alike.  Once fed, the insects and termites start to dry off to the point of death within a few days of ingestion.

    How do I permanently get rid of termites?

    Using Epsom salt for a good amount of time, it will eliminate even the larvae.  You can also use nematodes which is an organic way to destroy termites and other insects.

    What scent do termites hate?

    Termites love to eat a lot of plants and trees, however, it has been recorded that termites do not like the smell of cinnamon, cedarwood, geranium, tea tree oil, garlic buds, and gloves. Termites have an antenna to smell making it easy to choose their food source.

  • Smallest Grow Tents – Our Top 5

    Smallest Grow Tents – Our Top 5

    Having good control over your indoor grow space allows you to create the perfect growing environment for your hydroponic garden. Space is one factor in hydroponics, and not everyone has a lot of it to put all the materials and equipment that they need, such as grow tents. However, with the availability of the smallest grow tents, growers can manage space and indulge in some amazing cultivation.

    Space management can be achieved with portable grow tents and we will be looking at some options of the best, smallest grow tents available on the market today.

    What is a Mini Grow Tent?

    A grow tent is a compact tent used to arrange hydroponic equipment, and they are made of reflective interior walls. They are capable of fitting into most closets, so it allows you to raise your plants in a closed space. The interior space is utilized by hanging some hydroponics equipment such as grow lights, fans, etc.

    What Is A Mini Grow Tent

    Why Use The Smallest Grow Tents?

    When it comes to hydroponic indoor grow space, growers who wish to maximize their use of small spaces can do so using the smallest grow tents available.

    With these small tents, you get an almost pest anddisease-freee environment because of their little space use and they are usually isolated, which makes them easy to manage. All you need to do is to make sure there is sufficient aeration to prevent the development of fungi and the formation of mold.

    However, these small grow tents are only ideal for small-scale farming and are not suitable for industrial or commercial purposes. They are best used for small plants as well.

    Also, because they are small, you may not get a good return on your investment if you plan to use the tents for business purposes. However, in some cases, you still get high yields but just in a managed space depending on the plants that you are growing.

    You can find these small grow tents in sizes of about 3 to 4 feet (12 to 48 inches) tall. Note that if the size exceeds about 6 to 7 feet (72 to 84 inches), it’s no longer considered a small or portable tent. So, be sure of the size you are purchasing.

    If you follow this guide, you can be guaranteed to get only the best smallest grow tents that you can find.

    Why Use The Smallest Grow Tents

    Smallest Grow Tents For Indoor Hydroponics

    We have narrowed down the smallest grow tents you can find for your indoor hydroponics. So read on to learn more about our 5 best picks

    1.    GreenHouser 24″X24″ X48″ High Reflective Grow Tent Indoor Grow Room for Planting Fruit Flower Veg

    In number 1, we have the GreenHouser reflective grow tent. It is great for the indoor planting of various plants such as flowers, veggies, and fruits. It is one of the best smallest growing tents you can go for. It is a portable grow tent with a size of 24x24x48 inches.

    This grow tent is made of 96% reflective interior walls so you can be assured your plants will get adequate grow light effects. It is also made of lightproof and waterproof materials. Thus, there’s no stress of little light sneaking or reflective outer light bothering your eyes when the tent is closed.

    The durable and sturdy material used to make this grow tent makes it pretty easy to assemble. It also has convenient zippers that zip up and down easily as you open and close your tent. So you can get easy access to your little hydroponic garden.

    We appreciate the multiple ports and vents for optimal air circulation. It as well features a afloor-growingg tray of size 2 x 2 feet.

    The one downside of this grow tent is that it has no window for observation. However, the thezip-upp and the down feature can serve this purpose.

    Pros                                                                              

    • Features nicezip-upp and down for easy access.
    • Easy to assemble.
    • Made of reflective walls and waterproof materials.
    • Durable and sturdy materials.

    Cons

    • No observation window.
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    2.    VIVOSUN 24″x24″x36″ Mylar Hydroponic Grow Tent with Observation Window and Floor Tray

    This VIVOSUN grow tent is another great choice amongst the smallest grow tents you can find. No installation hassles and it’s made of sturdy, durable, and tear-proof materials. The size of this small tent is 24x24x36 inches.

    It is made of 98% highly reflective inner materials for your plants’ growing benefits. All light reflections are sealed so no external light will disturb your eyes. It can fit your LED or any portable grow light you have, and it will also fit in one or two fans. There are also vents for air circulation and vents for fan space.

    Another advantage we admire is the accessibility to window observation. You can simply take a peek at your hydroponic garden without interrupting your setup. It is great for vegetative plants, flowering plants, as well as fruiting plants. It is made of eco-friendly materials that are safe for your plants.

    The only drawback we noticed is you have to be gentle with the delicate zipper to enjoy long-lasting zipping.

    All in all, you will get your money’s worth with all these great features that are great for hydroponic plant hobbyists.

    Pros

    • Easy to install.
    • Sturdy, durable, and tear-proof.
    • Access to window observation.
    • Made of reflective inner materials.

    Cons

    • Zippers require gentle handling.
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    3.    OPULENT SYSTEMS 24″x24″x48″ Hydroponic Mylar Water-Resister Grow Tent Reflective Garden Growing Dark

    This OPULENT grow tent features a removable floor tray and a pocket for keeping tool bags in an orderly fashion. It is made of superior and durable material that will last you a long time. It offers 98% reflective interior walls for optimal light for your plant’s growing needs. The size is 24x24x48 inches.

    The design is double stitched to prevent tear and it offers light blocking to the exterior. It is easy to assemble with user-friendly instructions. This grow tent is also waterproof so it eliminates the worry of water mess wherever you decide to place this tent in your home.

    Another great advantage of this grow tent is the observable window view for monitoring your hydroponics garden from the window without the stress of disturbing your setup. The window is also quite easy to clean.

    Pros

    • Features tool pockets for keeping tools.
    • Removable floor tray.
    • Observation window available.
    • Tear-proof material.

    Cons

    • Not suitable for growing bigger plants due to its size.
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    4.    Quictent SGS Approved Eco-Friendly 24″x24″x55″ Reflective Mylar Hydroponic Grow Tent

    In number 4 we have the Quictent.  This is another great option for small growth tents. It is easy to assemble and comes with easy-to-read instructions. The size is 24x24x55 (in inches).

    This grow tent is made of water-proof designs, and the inner materials are highly reflective. There are no light leaks as the exterior is made of a light-blocking design.

    This portable grow tent is made of eco-friendly materials that are safe for your plants. It is a sturdy grow tent that is capable of holding your grow light, fans, and other equipment.

    The grow tent is lined with non-toxic materials, thus safe for your plants’ health. It is also made of water-resistant materials to prevent any water splash or leak mess.  There’s the feature of an observable window for brief viewing. There’s also access to holes and vents for ventilation. The zipper door is easy to zip in and out.

    The only downside we are aware of is that it’s not ideal for growing bigger plants. The grow tent is only suitable for smaller plants.

    Pros

    • Eco-friendly materials that are safe for the plant.
    • Observation window.
    • Sturdy and capable of holding equipment.
    • Great ventilation.

    Cons

    • Not suitable for larger plants.
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    5.    TopoLite 20″x20″x48″ 600D Grow Tent Room Reflective Mylar Indoor Garden Growing Room Hydroponic System

    TopoLite is another brand of the smallest grow tent you can find for your indoor hydroponic garden. The installation is easy as it comes with an assembling manual. The size is 20 inches in length, 20 inches in width, and 48 inches in height.

    This grow tent is made of quality reflective interior materials and it is also waterproof. It also has zippers for easy accesstor opening and closing the tent.

    It features some vents for fans for optimum air circulation. This grow tent is ideal for growing veggies, fruits, herbs, and flowers. It also comes with a removable waterproof floor tray to collect any dripping water that drips so your hydroponics tent remains clean and less messy.

    It’s made of durable materials so be assured of long-lasting usability. It is also sturdy. However, it does not have an observation window and there might be a few light leaks.

    Overall, this TopoLite grows tent is a great choice for raising small plants in a portable space.

    Pros

    • Made of reflective walls.
    • Waterproof.
    • Durable and sturdy.
    • Comes with a removable waterproof tray.

    Cons

    • Light may leak a bit.
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    The Best Indoor Greenhouse

    Using indoor greenhouses is an ideal and inexpensive sustainable way of growing plants in your home all year round. This means that regardless of season, you can still enjoy fresh, homegrown fruits, vegetables, herbs,s and flowers from your indoor garden.

    Indoor greenhouses come in different sizes and a variety of price ranges. A good indoor greenhouse should fulfill the following requirements:

    • compact and portable
    • improved air quality
    • plant protection 

    The best indoor greenhouse would be one that fulfills this requirement and fits your budget.

    How to Set Up a Grow Tent

    Wondering how to set up your grow tent? This should not be a monumental task, provided you have all the tools required. The most important ones you should have are:

    1. A Grow Tent

    2. An appropriate Grow Light

    3. Appropriate Ventilation

    • ​Carbon Filters
    • Ducting
    • Duct clips
    • Can Fans

    4. Miscellaneous tools

    • ​Temperature and Humidity Gauge
    • Basic Assembly Tools
    • Plants
    • Tape and Fasteners

    Here are the basic steps to assembling a grow tent:

    Step 1: Assembling or putting together the frame.

    Step 2: Put the cloth over the frame.

    These are the two major steps of putting together a grow tent. If you carefully follow the instructions as outlined in the package, you will have the entire structure of your growth tent. The next steps you need to take care to put together the small bits and pieces to get it functional. These include;

    • setting up the grow lights
    • setting up ventilation as well as air filtration
    • checking the balance of all parameters inside the grow tent. These include humidity, temperature, airflow, and carbon dioxide. Ensuring that these factors are ideal will ensure that you get optimal productivity out of your tent.

    Grow Tent Setup Diagram

    If you are a visual person who works better with pictures than word explanations, a diagram may be more appropriate for you to figure out how to set up your grow tent. Here is a diagram to help you visualize how it should look when it is complete:

    All You Need to Know About Grow Tent Size Epic Growing Guide. ????ACTUAL 2023

    Additional Say On Micro Grow Tents

    As a hobbyist, you can venture into indoor hydroponics with style by creating the ideal environment with the use of a grow tent. And if you’re bothered about space, going for the smallest grow tent will allow you to arrange your hydroponic garden in a managed space. Some simplicities and conveniences comee from making use of portable grow tents. There is also the guarantee of better yield and little or no pest issues with these tents. Getting good or high germination rates from your seeds is another added benefit. Because you can control so many of the conditions in there, you can almost guarantee great success.

    You get so much control when making use of grow tent. You can closely control the light intensity, humidity, temperature, and water which will enhance optimal plant growth. Enjoying allyear-roundd produce is another plus. This means you would never have to miss any of your favorite vegetables or fresh salads because you can produce them all year round.

    We have made finding the smallest grow tents for your hydroponic garden easy with these great options. We hope the information provided here will help you a great deal in selecting the best one for you. So, any of our picks can be a nice place to start your search when it comes to choosing the smallest hydroponics to grow tents. Happy growing folks!

    FAQs

    Are smaller grow tents worthwhile?

    Smaller grow tents are becoming more and more popular, particularly within the cannabis industry. They’re cheaper than their bigger counterparts, yet still offer a nice amount of growing space. You may have seen smaller grow tents at your local dispensary, or maybe you’ve even had one for yourself.

    Well, growing plants inside your home is not only an easy way to save space but also provide you with a beautiful environment. The best part is that you can grow plants inside your house without spending much money.

    You can even use a 1 gallon (3.8 liters) pot with a dome top. I have 2 of them, one for my indoor plants, the other for my outdoor plants. When I bring them outside, I just remove the dome, and they’re ready to go.

    What Is a small grow tent?

    A small grow tent is basically a smaller version of the larger grow tent. The main difference between the two is the size, which means the size of the area they can grow in. For example, the average small grow tent is around 5×5 feet (2.52m), whereas the average large grow tent is usually around 10×10 feet (3m×3m). Small grow tents are great for indoor growers because they provide a decent amount of growing space for the budget-conscious consumer. They also give you a lot more options when it comes to lighting, ventilation, and other things that affect the growth rate of your plants. Small grow tents come in all different sizes, but they generally fall into two categories: mini and micro. We’ll go over both of these in this article, and we’ll also explain why you might want one over the other.

    Is smaller better?

    Smaller is not always better. You need to take into account what you’re going to use it for.

    If you’re going to grow in a garage or some other location where space is limited, then maybe a smaller grow tent is best. On the other hand, if you’re growing outdoors, or in a more spacious location, then you may want to consider a larger grow tent.

    There is no hard and fast size limit on these tents. The size of the tent will depend upon how much space you want to dedicate to growing and what style of grow you want to do.

    What’s the best small cannabis grow tent for a beginner?

    AeroGarden is one of the best brands for growing cannabis indoors. The company has a wide variety of products that you can use to grow weed at home.

    They offer both hydroponic and soil-based systems. They’re known for being very durable and sturdy. If you’re new to growing, then the G2 is the perfect starter kit. It’s easy to set up and use. You’ll get everything you need to get started in just a few minutes. This is the best small grow tent for cannabis because of its durability.

    AeroGarden Mini G2 Mini The G2 Mini is the perfect size for a beginner grower. You’ll be able to get your hands on everything you need to get started with indoor growing. It comes with everything you need to get started with a grow room. It’s easy to setup and operate. It has a lightweight design that makes it easy to transport.

    AeroGarden Nano G2 Nano The Nano G2 is a very small. It’s perfect for beginners who want to start their cannabis grow at home. It’s very affordable. You’ll get all the equipment you need to get started. It’s easy to set up and use. It comes with everything you need to grow weed at home.

  • Is Captain Jack’s Deadbug Safe For Pets, Humans, and The Environment?

    Is Captain Jack’s Deadbug Safe For Pets, Humans, and The Environment?

    Is Captain Jack’s Deadbug safe for pets, humans, and the environment? Can it be used around the house or garden with no concern for the health of animals or polluting the environment?

    Every organic farmer’s goal is to grow safe foods that are free from harmful pesticides.  To make this goal reachable, Captain Jack’s Deadbug has been instrumental in doing this, while successfully eliminating all harmful pests. It also significantly protects against predatory bees, mites, and insects that may harm plants.

    What is Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew and What is It Made Of?

    Captain Jack’s Deadbug is an approved organic insecticide. It is great for garden use and is effective against a wide range of insects and pests. It is safe to use for vegetables, citrus, fruit flowers, and various ornamental plants.

    Captain Jack’s contains the natural substance spinosad. This substance is made by a soil bacterium that can be toxic to insects. It is a mixture of two chemicals, spinosyn A and spinosyn D. This unique bacterium was collected from an abandoned rum distillery on a Caribbean island in 1982 and has never been found anywhere else in the world.

    What Insects and Pests Does Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew Eliminate?

     This substance is used to control a wide variety of pests such as thrips, leafminers, spider mites, mosquitoes, ants, and fruit flies. This compound is what makes Captain Jack’s deadbug so effective against;
    • insects on vegetables, berries, citrus, grapes, nuts, ornamentals
    • bagworms, borers, beetles, caterpillars
    • leaf miners, spider mites, and thrips
    As already mentioned, Captain Jack’s deadbug is approved for organic gardening. This product is safe to use up to the day of the harvest of the crops that are listed as safe to use.

    Is Captain Jack’s Deadbug Safe?

    Captain Jack’s Dead bug is safe for pets, humans and the environment, it is approved and certified as a safe pesticide for organic farming in the United States.  Unlike other chemicals, this pesticide is 100% organic with no toxic chemicals to worry about.  It has no fumes that will affect your breathing during the application, even if you spread it on the plants.

    Captain Jack’s deadbug is safe to use around pets and people. You also don’t have to worry about it polluting the environment when you irrigate and the water runs off to natural water bodies for example. Captain jack’s dead bug ingredients are all-natural, including citric acid and clove oil, along with the main ingredient, spinosad. These are biodegradable and will get broken down by natural systems where and when necessary. So as long as the product is used as directed on the label, it is completely safe to use.

    Is Captain Jack’s Dead bug Safe?

     

    Which Fruits and Vegetables Can Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew Be Used On?

    Captain Jack’s insecticide can be safely used on the following edible plants and vegetables throughout their entire life cycle, up to the day of harvest;

    • Apples, pears, crabapples, quince, Mayhew, and other pome fruits
    • Bush berries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cranberries
    • Stone fruits like plums, prunes, nectarines, and apricots
    • Cantaloupe and honeydew
    • Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and other cole crops
    • Tomato, pepper, eggplant, okra, and other fruiting vegetables
    • Lettuce, celery, spinach, and other leafy vegetables
    • Potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes, cassava, Chinese artichokes, Jerusalem artichokes, and other tuberous vegetables

    It is recommended that you add the right amount of water to this brew and mix well.  So what is the right amount?  The table below shows the right amount of the dead bug brew to use:

    UNIT OF MEASURE

    AMOUNT TO USE PER GALLON, PINT, OR QUART
    PER PINT (16 FL. OZ OF SPRAY) PER QUART (32 FL.OZ OF SPRAY) PER GALLON (128 FL. OZ OF SPRAY)
    Teaspoon (tsp) 1 ½ tsp 3 tsp 12 tsp
    Tablespoon (tbsp) ½ tbs 1 tbs 4 tbs
    Milliliters (ml) 7.5 ml 15 ml 60 ml
    Fluid Ounces (fl. Oz) 0.25 fl. Oz 0.5 fl. oz 2 fl. Oz

    Remember to mix only the amount required for a single-use dose.  And in vegetable gardens, do not use more than 3 gallons for a 1000 square feet area.

    Where is Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew used

    You can check Captain Jacks’s dead bug reviews here.

    How to Use Captain Jack’s Deadbug Spray On Houseplants

    Houseplants would most likely be the place where pets and small children would be exposed to the dangers of insecticides. Fortunately, Captain Jack’s dead bug brew indoor plants. You can safely use the ready-to-use mixture on your houseplants to get rid of any sneaky critters. Simply spray the mixture on the surfaces of the plan, as well as the underside of the leaves.

    Indoor plant owners can often face challenges with spider mites and thrips, but captain Jack’s deadbug brew for indoor plants has been reported by other indoor plant owners to have saved their plants from certain death.

    To treat indoor plants, you can get the ready-to-use bug spray or the concentrate which will need to be mixed with water according to the package instructions, and used as directed. If you use the spray once and you still see the insects or bugs that have infested your plants, incorporate the spaying into your regular routine until the problem disappears.

    Using Captain Jack’s deadbug brew for indoor plants will help keep infestations and bay and keep your houseplants strong and healthy.

    Captain Jack’s Deadweed Brew

    This herbicide acts fast to control weeds, grass, mosses, and algae in a matter of hours Captain Jack’s™ Deadweed Brew can be used to control or get rid of visible weeds that are within vegetable gardens, flower gardens, landscaped areas, and lawns. It can also be used on weeds that grow on buildings, sidewalks, fences, bark mulch, driveways, patios, and gravel. It can be used safely in all these places because it is approved for organic gardening.

    Conclusion – Is Captain Jack’s Deadbug Safe For Pets, Humans, and The Environment?

    Captain Jack’s Deadbug brew is one of the safest insecticides on the market that can be used with no risks to humans, pets, or the environment. The ingredients that are used to formulate this product are all-natural, making the use of this pesticide sustainable. So if you are ever worried about which insecticide to use for your indoor or outdoor garden, your worries have now been put to rest as you have now learned about this fantastic product that will solve your pest infestation problems in no time. Captain Jack’s dead bug-safe Brew is the new jackpot in farming.  And that jackpot is all yours to enhance your plants!

    FAQs

    Is Captain Jacks Deadbug safe for humans?

    Captain Jacks is a popular line of bug spray from Captain Jacks. It is a non-toxic insect repellent that is approved by the EPA and FDA, and is safe for humans. It has been available in Canada since 2004, but is not currently available in the United States.

    The original product was created by a company called The Captain Jacks Company, which was located in Pennsylvania. In 1996, The Captain Jacks Company changed its name to Captain Jack’s Inc. When the company was sold in 2003, the new owner changed the name of the product to “Captian Jacks.

    Is Captain Jack’s Deadbug organic?

    It has been approved for organic gardening, so if you would like to take care of your garden in an organic manner, this is a fine product to use that you won’t have to worry about doing any harm to your plants.

    What are the ingredients in Captain Jack’s Deadbug?

    Captain Jack’s Deadbug is an insecticide based on a combination of neem and pyrethrum. It is a low-toxicity pesticide that has been approved for use in the United States, Canada, and most other countries. It is considered safe for human consumption, and it is widely used as a household insecticide. It is commonly used to control pests such as roaches, ants, fleas, and mosquitos.

    The ingredients in Captain Jack’s Deadbug are natural, simple and powerful.

    The active ingredient of Captain Jack’s Deadbug is Captan, which is a copper based fungicide. This compound has been tested and proven to be highly effective against powdery mildew. The active ingredient is absorbed by the plant’s cells and travels throughout the plant. It inhibits the growth of the fungi and stops them from infecting the plant. There are other fungicides on the market that are similar to Captan.

    How do you use Captain Jack’s Deadbug brew on indoor plants?

    I use the same method as I do for my outdoor garden. The first thing to do is make sure your plants are in a location that will not be disturbed for at least a week. Next, I put a few drops of the Deadbug brew on each leaf and then cover it with a small plastic bag. After several days, I remove the plastic bags and water the plants.

    Is Captain Jack’s Deadbug fungicide?

    Captain Jack’s Deadbug is the most effective and most widely used fungicide for controlling powdery mildew. It is a systemic fungicide that kills the fungi when they are in the leaf. This means it will not be in contact with your fruit or vegetables and you will not need to spray your crops twice.

  • How to get rid of striped cucumber beetles

    How to get rid of striped cucumber beetles

    There are several organic methods you can try to get rid of striped cucumber beetles in your garden or farm:

    • Planting varieties of cucumbers that are resistant to cucumber beetles, such as ‘County Fair’ and ‘Double Yield’.
    • Using row covers to protect your plants from cucumber beetles. These are lightweight, fabric barriers that can be placed over plants to keep the insects out.
    • Planting cucumbers near plants that cucumber beetles dislike, such as catnip, tansy, or radishes.
    • Using a trap crop, such as ‘Blue Hubbard’ squash, to lure the cucumber beetles away from your main cucumber plants.
    • Spraying a mixture of water and liquid soap on your plants to discourage cucumber beetles from feeding.
    • Using a natural predator, such as the praying mantis, to control cucumber beetles.
    • Using a homemade, organic pesticide made from hot pepper spray or neem oil.

    Remember to always follow label instructions when using any type of pesticide, and take care to avoid contaminating your crops or the environment.

    Cucumber beetles can be a nuisance if you have a farm or garden, as they can damage plants by feeding on them.

    What are Cucumber Beetles?

    Cucumber beetles are a type of insect that feeds on the leaves, stems, and fruit of cucumber, squash, and melon plants. There are two main types of cucumber beetles: the striped cucumber beetle and the spotted cucumber beetle. Both types have a yellow or orange body with black stripes or spots, and are about a quarter of an inch long.

    Cucumber beetles can cause significant damage to cucurbit crops, as they can transmit diseases and reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. They are most active during the summer months, and can be found in gardens and farms throughout the United States. To control cucumber beetles, it is important to identify the type of cucumber beetle present and choose the appropriate control measures.

    Ways to Get Rid of Them Organically

    To protect your cucumber plants from cucumber beetles, you can try adding companion plants that are known to repel these insects. Some plants that can be helpful in repelling cucumber beetles include marigolds, nasturtiums, corn, and radishes. Planting these companion plants near your cucumber patch can help keep cucumber beetles away, allowing your cucumber plants to grow and thrive without interference. Remember, using organic methods is often a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable way to control pests in your garden.

    How to Get Rid of Cucumber Beetles Organically
     Marigolds flower

    How to Get Rid of Cucumber Beetles Organically
        Nasturtiums flower

    To maximize the effectiveness of companion plants in repelling cucumber beetles, you can try planting them in between your cucurbit patches. This will create a barrier of plants that cucumber beetles are less likely to cross, helping to protect your cucumber plants from these pests. By alternating the placement of these companion plants, you can create a more effective defense against cucumber beetles, allowing your cucurbit crops to grow and thrive without interference.

    Taking Advantage of the Season

    One way to manage cucumber beetles organically is by taking advantage of the season. Cucumber beetles are most active during the warmer months of the year, so planting your cucurbits at the right time can help reduce the risk of an infestation. In general, it is best to plant cucurbits after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. This can help ensure that your plants are well established and less vulnerable to damage from cucumber beetles.

    Additionally, removing any plants that have been damaged by cucumber beetles at the end of the growing season can help reduce the risk of an infestation the following year. This is because cucumber beetles overwinter in the soil, and removing any plants that may harbor these insects can help reduce their numbers. By taking advantage of the season and being proactive in your pest management strategies, you can help keep cucumber beetles at bay and protect your cucurbit crops.

    How to Get Rid of Cucumber Beetles Organically

     

    Taking Care of Beneficial Insects

    In addition to using companion plants and taking advantage of the season, another way to control cucumber beetles organically is by protecting beneficial insects that can help eliminate these pests naturally. Beneficial insects, such as

    • braconid parasitoid wasps
    • tachinid flies
    • ground beetles
    • wolf spiders
    • and insect-eating nematodes

    can all help control cucumber beetles by preying on them or laying eggs that hatch into larvae that feed on cucumber beetles. By taking care of these beneficial insects and providing them with a habitat in your garden, you can encourage their populations to grow and help control cucumber beetles naturally. Just be sure to research the specific needs of each beneficial insect and provide them with the proper care to ensure their success in your garden.

    Creating Traps

    One way to control cucumber beetles is by using sticky traps. These traps are usually made of yellow paper or plastic and are coated with a sticky substance that traps insects when they land on them. Cucumber beetles are attracted to the color yellow, so using yellow sticky traps can be particularly effective in trapping these pests. These traps can be purchased online or at a gardening store, and can be hung near your cucurbit plants to catch cucumber beetles as they fly by. However, it is important to note that sticky traps may also catch other beneficial insects, so you may want to consider this before using them in your garden.

    Alternatively, you can try handpicking cucumber beetles off your plants or using a vacuum to remove them. Both of these methods can be effective, but may be time-consuming and may not completely eliminate the cucumber beetle population. It is important to monitor your plants regularly and take action as needed to control cucumber beetles and prevent them from causing significant damage to your crops.

    Installing Row Covers

    Another organic method for controlling cucumber beetles is to use row covers. Row covers are lightweight, fabric barriers that can be placed over plants to protect them from pests. These covers can be particularly useful for protecting young cucurbit plants, which may be more vulnerable to attack from cucumber beetles. You can purchase row covers online or at a gardening store, and they can be easily installed by draping them over your plants and securing them in place with stakes or other anchors. Row covers can provide a physical barrier between your plants and cucumber beetles, helping to keep these pests out and giving your plants a chance to grow and develop without interference. Be sure to remove the row covers once your plants start blooming, as the covers can also prevent pollinators from accessing your plants.

    Additional Tips to Handle the Cucumber Beetle

    To speed up the process of eliminating cucumber beetles using organic methods, you can try the following additional steps:

    1. Keep your garden clean and free of debris, as this can help reduce the number of places where cucumber beetles can hide and reproduce.
    2. Water your plants in the morning, as this will allow the leaves to dry more quickly, which can help prevent the spread of cucumber beetle-borne diseases.
    3. Use a natural, organic pesticide made from hot pepper spray or neem oil to repel cucumber beetles.
    4. Consider using a biological control, such as the praying mantis, to help eliminate cucumber beetles.
    5. Keep an eye on your plants and take action as needed to control cucumber beetles, such as handpicking or using sticky traps.

    By following these additional steps and using a combination of the organic methods outlined above, you can effectively control cucumber beetles and protect your cucurbit crops. Remember to always follow label instructions when using any type of pesticide, and take care to avoid contaminating your crops or the environment.

    Will Sevin Dust kill cucumber beetles

    Sevin dust is a type of insecticide that contains the active ingredient carbaryl. It is effective at controlling a wide range of insects, including cucumber beetles. When applied according to label instructions, Sevin dust can kill cucumber beetles and help protect your plants from damage. However, it is important to note that Sevin dust is a chemical insecticide and may have negative impacts on the environment and non-target species, including beneficial insects. If you are interested in using an organic method to control cucumber beetles, there are several alternatives you can try, such as using companion plants, row covers, or natural pesticides made from hot pepper spray or neem oil.

    Does neem oil kill cucumber beetles

    Neem oil is a natural pesticide that is extracted from the seeds and leaves of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). It has a number of insecticidal properties and is effective at controlling a wide range of insects, including cucumber beetles. When applied to plants, neem oil can kill cucumber beetles by disrupting their growth and reproduction. It can also repel cucumber beetles, helping to keep them away from your plants. However, it is important to note that neem oil can be toxic to some insects, including bees and other beneficial pollinators. To minimize the risk of harm to non-target species, it is important to follow label instructions when using neem oil and to apply it only to the plants that are being targeted by cucumber beetles.

     Plants that repel cucumber beetles

    There are several plants that are known to repel cucumber beetles, including:

    1. Marigolds: These brightly-colored annual flowers produce a chemical that can repel cucumber beetles and other insects.
    2. Nasturtiums: These annual flowers have a strong, pungent aroma that can deter cucumber beetles and other pests.
    3. Catnip: This perennial herb is known to repel a wide range of insects, including cucumber beetles.
    4. Tansy: This perennial herb has a strong, pungent aroma that can repel cucumber beetles and other insects.
    5. Radishes: These annual vegetables produce a chemical that can repel cucumber beetles and other pests.
    6. Dill: This annual herb has a strong, pungent aroma that can deter cucumber beetles and other insects.
    7. Garlic: This perennial herb is known to repel a wide range of insects, including cucumber beetles.

    By planting these companion plants near your cucurbit crops, you can help deter cucumber beetles and other pests from feeding on your plants. Just be sure to research the specific care requirements of each plant and provide them with the proper growing conditions to ensure their success in your garden.

    FAQ’s

    Are controlling cucumber beetles a challenge?

    It can be hard, unfortunately. Cucumbers are in the same family as melons and pumpkins, and they are susceptible to the same diseases and pests. Cucumber beetles, when fed upon cucumbers, produce eggs that hatch into larvae that burrow into the fruit. These larvae eat through the fruit, leaving a hole, which is a sign of damage.

    Cucumber beetles are a very annoying pest. They can destroy an entire crop of cucumbers and other cucurbit crops in a matter of days. In fact, they are the most destructive insect pest to cucurbits. Cucumber beetles can eat their way through all parts of the plant including the fruit. If you are growing cucumbers for food, you have to control the cucumber beetles.

    Do they have natural predators?

    The cucumber beetle is an invasive pest that is a major pest of cucumbers and other plants. It has been in the United States since the 1970s and has been spreading rapidly since then. The problem is, it has no natural predators here. Cucumber beetles eat both the leaves and the fruit. In the case of the fruit, they are bad for the plant as they will stop the plant from growing and may even kill it.

    What organic spray kills cucumber beetles?

    I would use an organic spray that has Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in it, but check your label before applying. The label should state Bt or Bacillus thuringiensis. The spray will kill the adult beetles as well as larvae. If you cannot find one with Bt on it, try spraying with pyrethrin or neem oil.

    You can also spray them with an organic spray that says it’s a mix of neem and pyrethrin. It is an oil-based product.

    What are other ways of killing cucumber beetles?

    Organic sprays can kill cucumber beetles, but they are not the only way to control them. Other methods include hand picking, traps and traps with sticky surfaces.

    Will garlic spray deter cucumber beetles?

    Yes it will as the beetles have a pretty strong sense of smell and will stay away from garlic. You can also add in hot peppers to make it even more effective.

    What else can I use to repel them?

    There are a number of things that work to repel them. This includes neem oil, peppermint and radishes. You can make a mixture with neem oil to apply around your cucumbers. As for the latter two you can grow them around your cucumbers as deterrents. Radishes in particular are very highly recommended as they do work exceptionally well in keeping cucumber beetles at bay.

    Conclusion

    Now that you’re aware of some simple and effective organic ways to get rid of cucumber beetles, you’ll now have a healthy and brimming garden. 

    If you have any questions about the cucumber beetles or have more organic ways on how to get rid of them, comment below and share your ideas.

    Remember, if you have this problem in your garden, simply do the following:

    • Identify if you have a cucumber beetle infestation.
    • Use one or all of the suggested organic ways to get rid of them provided above.
    • Repeat when necessary until you can see no signs of cucumber beetles anymore.