In a matter of seconds, a cloud burst!! I had to rush out in the rain to put tools–and planters–under the awning. Compare the two pictures (below): The scene changed rapidly!!

.

Lorraine’s at war with the insects on her tomato plants!! Yesterday, one plant; today, another plant. Spraying does not seem to faze them so I’m “pinching” them. (I read about “pinching” as I searched the Internet for a description and solution.) Personally, I’m not fond of contact with insects but this seems to be the only effective way to get them off my tomatoes!!

.

Handpicking. Ultra-low-tech but effective for organic gardeners, handpicking is just what it sounds like: Spot pests and squish them or brush them into a pail of soapy water (or collect them for your chickens). Keeping a close eye on your crops and knowing how to identify pests are the keys to this method. Pests that haven’t become overwhelming in number and are big enough to spot easily, such as slugs, tomato hornworms and other worm-type pests, are prime candidates for handpicking.

Mother Earth News

Touring my garden, checking my tomatoes, I saw these insects on my first ripening tomato. At this posting (6:00 PM), I do not know what they are.

.

Postscript, Saturday, June 4, 2016, 9:00 AM: An Internet search was tedious!! I’d only checked three sites when my WiFi signal stopped. Hours went by without a signal. 😦  I don’t know how to control the problem if I don’t know who my enemy is?! Exhaustive searches this morning supplied what I believe to be the answer. The picture on the right is from the Internet and appears to match my invaders: Leaf-footed plant bug nymphs. Now (if it quits raining), I can attempt to control or eradicate?!

.

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I love the Internet!! So much information at my fingertips!!

.

Postscript, June 4, 2016, 10:30 AM: I’m selfish!! That’s “my” tomato and I don’t want to share it!!

.

Triple postscript (lol), 1:25 PM: In response to Deb’s comment, I do have cluster tomatoes, too.

.

So far, no problems where I live but devastation from flooding just a few miles south (Houston area). Please keep flood victims in your thoughts and prayers!!

.

Too bad we can’t truck our excess to California.