What Can I Plant with Tomatoes to Keep Away Deer

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable that is grown in many home gardens. However, they are also a favorite food of deer, who can easily munch on them and leave nothing behind. Fortunately, there are several plants that you can companion plant with tomatoes to keep deer away. Here are some of the best options:

1. Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular companion plant for tomatoes for several reasons. For one, their strong scent is unappealing to deer, who will avoid them. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on harmful pests like aphids and spider mites that can damage your tomato plants. You can plant marigolds along the edges of your tomato beds, or in small clusters throughout the garden.

2. Garlic

Garlic is known for its strong scent, which can help to deter deer from munching on your tomatoes. Plant garlic bulbs around the edge of your tomato bed or in between tomato plants. Garlic is also a natural pest repellent and can help to keep away unwanted insects like leafhoppers and whiteflies.

3. Onions

Onions are another excellent companion plant for tomatoes. Like garlic, they have a strong scent that deer find unappealing. They also help to repel a variety of pests, including aphids, root maggots, and slugs. Plant onion bulbs in between your tomato plants or in a ring around the edge of your tomato bed.

4. Chives

Chives are a member of the Allium family, and like garlic and onions, they have a strong scent that deer do not like. Chives also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which help to pollinate your tomato plants. You can plant chives between your tomato plants, or in small clusters throughout the garden.

5. Mint

Mint is a fragrant herb that deer do not like. Plant mint around the edges of your tomato bed or in between tomato plants to help keep them away. Mint also repels a variety of pests, including ants, cabbage moths, and rodents.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is a hardy herb that deer tend to avoid. Plant rosemary in between your tomato plants, or in small clusters throughout the garden. Rosemary also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help to pollinate your tomato plants.

In conclusion, planting companion plants with your tomato plants can help to keep deer away and protect your crop. Some of the best plants to companion plant with tomatoes include marigolds, garlic, onions, chives, mint, and rosemary. Try incorporating some of these plants into your garden this season and see the difference it makes!