Taking care of tomatoes after transplanting

You can save money by scouting your tomatoes regularly and catching diseases and pests such as African bollworm early, before they establish a bridgehead in your crop

- Bill Kerr

Tomato seedlings are usually planted out after winter (or after a break in hotter areas). This means there is a risk of damage to the transplants from insects such as cutworms, beetles and millipedes seeking fresh greens. These pests can be present even when the ground has been barren for some time, as they can survive on dry plant residue. To protect against them, apply an insecticide such as a pyrethroid beforehand.

You may be advised to carry out a complete precautionary spray programme to counter pests or diseases. I find this to be unnecessary and costly. Get to know the diseases that pose a threat in your area and whether any of these are spread by an insect vector. If there's a problem, apply a suitable product. Fungal and bacterial diseases usually become hazards only at a later stage and you can save considerable cost by monitoring the crop frequently and then spraying if any pest or disease starts.