Question
Several months ago my Mother and I purchased an Earthbox setup with two tomatoe plants. This is an in-organic soil mix and has been extremely successful. What can we spray on the leaves/tomatoes that will kill the worms without poisoning the plant?

If you are unaware of the earthbox it is extremely helpful.
www.earthboxresearch.com


Answer
Warren, it sounds like your tomato plants are infested with hornworms.  Tomato hornworms are actually caterpillars that chew large holes in the leaves of tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes.  Their young larvae are white but they eventually mature into a deep green that blends in with the foliage making them hard to detect.

You can control them by hand-picking them or using an organic control called BT (bacillus thuringiensis) commonly sold under the product name Dipel or MVP.  BT is non-toxic to humans, pets, and the environment, and can be applied right up to the time you harvest. You can purchase these products at a local garden center or through an on-line catalog such as Gardens Alive at:

http://www.gardensalive.com

I would recommend rotating your crop next year to prevent future generations of these insects from infesting next year's crop.  Also, be sure to thoroughly till the garden every fall to destroy pupae, the offspring of the tomato worm.

Attached is a link that will show you a picture of the hornworm.

http://entweb.clemson.edu/cuentres/cesheets/veg/ce22.htm

I hope this answered your question.  Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike