Tomato plants are prone to a variety of pests, making it important for gardeners to find ways to protect their crops. One effective and natural solution is companion planting with flowers that repel insects. Certain flowers not only add beauty to your garden but also help deter bugs that can harm your tomato plants. In this article, we will explore which flowers are the best at keeping bugs away from tomatoes and how you can use them in your garden for a healthier harvest.
Why Companion Planting Works
Companion planting involves growing different types of plants together to benefit each other. Some plants naturally repel pests, while others attract beneficial insects that help protect your crops. When it comes to tomato plants, companion flowers can create a barrier against harmful insects like aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms. These flowers often produce scents, oils, or colors that insects find unpleasant, making them stay away from your tomato plants.
By using flowers that naturally repel bugs, gardeners can reduce the need for harmful chemicals. This method supports a healthy, eco-friendly gardening environment. Let’s dive into the flowers that can be your allies in keeping bugs away from your tomato plants.
Marigolds: The Classic Bug Repellent
Marigolds are one of the most well-known flowers used in companion planting. These bright, cheerful flowers emit a strong scent that many bugs, including aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes, find unpleasant. Marigolds contain a compound called limonene, which is toxic to some insects but harmless to humans and pets.
Planting marigolds around your tomato plants can help keep pests away. Their vibrant color and scent also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees, which further enhance your garden’s health.
How to Use Marigolds with Tomato Plants
Plant marigolds at the edges of your tomato patch or interspersed among your tomato plants. This creates a natural barrier that discourages insects from getting too close. Be sure to choose French or African marigolds, as they are particularly effective in repelling pests.
Nasturtiums: Dual Benefits for Your Garden
Nasturtiums are another excellent flower to consider for protecting tomato plants. Not only do they repel aphids, whiteflies, and other harmful insects, but they also attract pests like aphids away from your tomatoes and onto their own leaves. This makes them an ideal trap crop.
Additionally, nasturtiums have a pungent odor that insects dislike, and their bright, colorful blooms are a lovely addition to any garden. Nasturtiums are easy to grow and require minimal care, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
How to Use Nasturtiums with Tomato Plants
Plant nasturtiums near your tomatoes or along the edges of your garden to act as a natural bug trap. Ensure they are placed in areas where insects are likely to approach, creating a diversion away from your tomato plants. Since they are fast-growing, you will quickly see their benefits.
Lavender: A Fragrant Bug Deterrent
Lavender is not only a beautiful and fragrant addition to your garden but also an effective insect repellent. The strong scent of lavender is known to keep mosquitoes, flies, and other pests at bay. Lavender’s scent is particularly disliked by mosquitoes, which can be a nuisance in summer.
While lavender may not directly affect all bugs that target tomato plants, its general pest-repelling qualities make it a good companion flower for tomatoes. Furthermore, lavender attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, which help your tomatoes thrive.
How to Use Lavender with Tomato Plants
Lavender thrives in sunny, well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for planting near tomatoes. It can be placed around the edges of your garden or in between tomato plants to create a fragrant pest-repelling boundary. Lavender’s striking purple flowers also add beauty to your garden, complementing the red hues of ripe tomatoes.
Borage: Attracting Beneficial Bugs
Borage is a unique flower that benefits tomato plants in several ways. This hardy herb produces beautiful blue flowers and attracts beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies. These insects help pollinate your tomatoes, promoting better fruit production. Additionally, borage has been shown to repel harmful pests like tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.
Borage is also known to improve soil health, adding nutrients like potassium and calcium, which benefit tomato plants. It can be a great companion plant for improving the overall health and growth of your garden.
How to Use Borage with Tomato Plants
Plant borage near your tomato plants, either as a border or intermixed with them. This will attract pollinators and keep harmful insects at bay. Borage thrives in well-drained, sunny locations, making it easy to grow alongside your tomatoes.
Chrysanthemums: A Powerful Pest Fighter
Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are not only a popular garden flower but also an effective natural insect repellent. These flowers contain a compound called pyrethrum, which is toxic to a wide range of pests, including aphids, mites, and whiteflies. While pyrethrum is commonly used in insecticides, chrysanthemums produce it naturally, providing pest protection without chemicals.
Chrysanthemums can be particularly useful in areas with high insect pressure. They not only protect your tomato plants but also add a pop of color to your garden.
How to Use Chrysanthemums with Tomato Plants
Plant chrysanthemums around the perimeter of your tomato garden or among the tomato plants themselves. Their insect-repelling qualities will help create a protective barrier. Chrysanthemums require full sunlight and well-drained soil, so choose a location that provides these conditions.
Geraniums: Natural Pest Control
Geraniums are another great option for keeping bugs away from tomato plants. These colorful flowers produce a scent that repels mosquitoes, aphids, and other insects that may harm your tomatoes. Geraniums are especially effective in keeping aphids at bay, which are a common pest for tomato plants.
Aside from their pest-repelling abilities, geraniums also attract beneficial pollinators and add vibrant color to your garden.
How to Use Geraniums with Tomato Plants
Plant geraniums near your tomato plants or use them as a border around your garden. Their strong scent will help repel pests, and their bright flowers will enhance the visual appeal of your garden.
Calendulas: A Friendly Insect Repellent
Calendulas, also known as pot marigolds, are another flower that can help protect your tomato plants. These cheerful orange and yellow flowers attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on aphids, whiteflies, and other pests. Calendulas also produce a scent that repels many common garden pests.
Additionally, calendulas can be used in salads and have medicinal properties, making them a versatile plant in your garden.
How to Use Calendulas with Tomato Plants
Plant calendulas near your tomatoes to attract beneficial insects and deter harmful ones. Calendulas grow well in both full sun and partial shade, making them adaptable to different garden environments.
Conclusion
Using flowers to keep bugs away from tomato plants is a natural, effective way to protect your crops without relying on harmful chemicals. Marigolds, nasturtiums, lavender, borage, chrysanthemums, geraniums, and calendulas are all excellent options for companion planting. These flowers not only repel harmful pests but also attract beneficial insects that help your tomato plants grow strong and healthy. By carefully selecting and placing these flowers in your garden, you can create a thriving, eco-friendly environment for your tomatoes to flourish.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, incorporating these flowers into your garden will help you grow better tomatoes and keep pests at bay.
