Introduction

Tomatoes are a great addition to any garden. Whether you're growing them in a container on a patio or in a backyard garden, there's nothing quite like the taste of a freshly picked tomato. However, along with the delicious taste comes the unwanted attention of various pests. In this article, we'll discuss what you can plant with your tomatoes to keep bugs away without the use of harmful chemicals.

Companion Plants

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together in order to benefit each other. In the case of tomatoes, there are several plants that can help deter pests. One such plant is basil. Basil is known to repel aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. It's also said to improve the taste of tomatoes when planted nearby. Other companion plants to consider include marigolds, which are known to deter nematodes and other soil-borne pests, and borage, which attracts beneficial insects like bees and wasps.

Natural Repellents

There are several natural repellents you can use to keep bugs away from your tomatoes. One such repellent is garlic. Simply crush a clove of garlic and mix it with a quart of water. Let it sit overnight and then strain it into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on your tomato plants once a week to repel pests. Another effective natural repellent is hot pepper spray. To make this spray, boil a handful of hot peppers in a quart of water for about 15 minutes. Strain the mixture and add a few drops of dish soap to help the spray stick to the plants. Spray your tomato plants with this mixture once a week to deter pests.

Trap Crops

Another way to keep pests away from your tomatoes is to plant trap crops. These are plants that are attractive to pests and will lure them away from your tomatoes. Once the pests are on the trap crop, they can be easily removed. One such trap crop is nasturtium. Nasturtiums are attractive to aphids and can be used to lure them away from your tomato plants. Another trap crop to consider is radishes. Flea beetles are known to love radishes, so planting them near your tomato plants can help keep the beetles away.

Conclusion

There are several ways to keep bugs away from your tomato plants without using harmful chemicals. Companion planting, natural repellents, and trap crops are all effective methods. By incorporating these strategies into your gardening routine, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, pest-free tomatoes all season long.