Marigolds are a wonderful addition to any garden for many reasons, one of which is their ability to repel insects, including the tomato hornworm. These plants contain essential oils that act as a natural deterrent to many pests, making them an effective companion plant for crops that attract tomato hornworms.
I have personally experienced the benefits of planting marigolds around my tomato plants to keep the tomato worms at bay. The strong scent of the marigolds seems to mask the scent of the tomatoes, making them less attractive to the moths that lay the eggs of the hornworms. As a result, I have noticed a significant decrease in the presence of these destructive pests in my garden.
When it comes to using marigolds to deter tomato worms, it is important to plant them strategically. I recommend planting marigolds not only around the crops that attract tomato hornworms, such as tomatoes and peppers, but also throughout the entire garden. By doing so, you create a barrier of marigolds that can help protect your plants from these voracious caterpillars.
In addition to their insect-repellent properties, marigolds also attract beneficial insects to the garden. These beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, are natural predators of tomato hornworms and can help keep their populations in check. By providing a habitat rich in marigolds, you are creating an environment that attracts these beneficial insects, creating a natural balance in your garden.
To maximize the benefits of marigolds in deterring tomato worms, I recommend choosing the right variety. While all marigolds have some level of insect-repellent properties, certain varieties, such as French marigolds (Tagetes patula) and Mexican marigolds (Tagetes erecta), are particularly effective. These varieties tend to have a stronger scent and contain higher concentrations of the essential oils that repel insects.
Marigolds can indeed help keep tomato worms away from your garden. Their essential oils act as a repellent to many insects, including the moth that lays the eggs of the tomato hornworm. By strategically planting marigolds around crops that attract tomato hornworms, as well as throughout the garden, you can create a natural barrier and deter these destructive pests. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects that can help keep tomato worm populations in check. So, consider adding marigolds to your garden to enjoy their beautiful blooms and reap the benefits of their insect-repellent properties.
