The time between when a tomato is placed in the well-prepared garden to when it yields delicious fruit can be full of danger for the plant from disease and insects.
Tomatoes require constant care to stay healthy and produce fruit.
Check regularly for disease and insects and ensure plants have enough moisture and nutrients. Dr. James Jarratt, entomologist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said the threat of cutworms is past for most gardeners as their tomatoes have been in the ground more than three weeks. Those who planted late should watch for plants cut off at ground level, a sure sign of cutworms. To protect the plants, spray or dust the rows with Sevin. A natural remedy is to put collars of aluminum foil around the base of the plants.