There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of watching your homegrown tomatoes ripen on the vine, ready to be plucked at their peak.
However, pests like whiteflies, slugs, and aphids can quickly turn your bounty into a disappointment, stunting growth and leading to weaker or deformed fruit.
Fortunately, gardeners have long known a simple secret to protecting their tomato crops: planting marigolds nearby. These vibrant flowers have been used for generations to naturally deter pests, and recent research supports their effectiveness.
The strong scent of marigolds, particularly the chemical limonene, repels pests such as whiteflies, which are notorious for damaging tomato plants.
Laura Osteen, an expert from Secret Garden Landscrapes, highlights the benefits of marigolds: “The strong smell of marigolds helps deter pests like tomato worms and other unwanted garden visitors.”
By incorporating marigolds into your garden design, you can create a healthier environment for your tomatoes to thrive, ensuring bigger and more robust fruit without the need for chemical pesticides.
This natural approach not only supports sustainable gardening practices but also adds a burst of colorful beauty to your garden.
