Do they look like grubs or more like caterpillars? If like grubs, check out photos on the web of root weevil larvae. If like caterpillars, then review cutworms. Those would be the first 2 things I'd think of.

Dave

They look like caterpillars. Definitely not the pictures of root weevil larvae I found. All the damage was below the soil line. Is that what cutworms do?

Yes, cutworms work just at and just below the soil line. They come in several different colors. Many of us insert a plastic straw, a nail, a twig, or something similar along side the plant stem when we plant because if they cannot encircle the stem, they can't cut into it. Some also advocate putting a band of cornmeal around the base of the plant as it kills them. Once the plants are well established they aren't much of a problem.

You'll find many previous discussions here doing a search on "cutworms" with many other tips and suggestions.

Dave

Here's a picture of the worm:
{{gwi:72135}}

Is that cut worm? I spread cornmeal and replanted. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Not a cutworm or any other kind of caterpillar.

Instead, a "wireworm" which is the youngster of a beetle.

How do I keep it away from my tomato plants?

Pic again...the last one doesn't show anymore....

{{gwi:72136}}

Darn! Wireworms are much more difficult to control than cutworms. Granular insecticides worked into the soil seem to be the only thing that works according to most of the literature. It is one of the cases where heavy spring tilling before planting is also advised. And planting some potatoes as a trap crop for them is another recommendation.

Did you find many of them? There is a trick I read about once - never needed it so can't guarantee it but maybe others here have tried it - cutting potatoes in half and staking them in among the tomato plants cut side down. They are apparently drawn to the potatoes and you can kill them then.

PDF article from Utah State Univ. Extension linked below has a great deal of info about them. I hope it helps. Good luck.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Wireworms

Thanks, Dave

I tried the potato trap. I put six cut pieces around the plants. I also read that when the weather gets warm they aren't as much of a problem. It's supposed to be 90 this weekend so maybe that will help. I'll post an update when I have one. I appreciate the help.

Dan

I have the same problem with my onion plants. I just read that beneficial nematodes may be helpful. I am going to give it a try.