What Can I Put Around My Tomato Plants Outside?

Growing tomato plants outside can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. However, there are various factors to consider to ensure that they grow healthy and produce a bountiful harvest. One of these factors is pest control. While there are various ways to control pests, one effective method is to use natural barriers around your tomato plants. In this article, we will explore some options that you can put around your tomato plants outside to keep pests away.

1. Eggshells

Tomato plants are susceptible to snail and slug attacks, which can be detrimental to their growth and yield. To prevent these pests from eating your tomato plants, you can use eggshells. Crushed eggshells act as a natural barrier, creating a rough, sharp surface that snails and slugs cannot slide over. You can simply crush the eggshells and sprinkle them around the base of your tomato plants.

2. Marigolds

Another excellent natural barrier for tomato plants is marigolds. Marigolds produce chemicals known as thiopenes, which repel several pests, including nematodes, whiteflies, and aphids. You can plant marigolds around your tomato plants, creating a protective ring that keeps away pests. Apart from their pest-repelling qualities, marigolds are also a beautiful addition to your garden, with their bright, vibrant colors.

3. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are an excellent addition to your tomato plants' soil. They contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, essential nutrients that help plants grow healthily. Additionally, coffee grounds also repel pests such as slugs, snails, and ants. Sprinkle coffee grounds around the base of your tomato plants or mix them into the soil to enrich the soil and keep pests away.

4. Garlic

Garlic is well-known for its pungent smell and potent taste. These qualities make it an effective natural barrier against pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. To use garlic as a natural pest repellent, add minced garlic into a spray bottle filled with water. Let the mixture soak for one day, then spray the solution onto the tomato plants' leaves and stems, taking care not to spray directly on the fruit.

5. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that consists of the fossilized remains of diatoms. It's an excellent natural barrier that repels pests such as ants, fleas, and beetles. It works by creating tiny cuts on the pests' exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and die. To use diatomaceous earth, sprinkle it around the base of your tomato plants or use a duster to apply it to the plant's leaves and stems.

Conclusion

Growing tomato plants outside can be a rewarding experience, but keeping pests at bay is crucial for healthy plant growth and a bountiful harvest. Using natural barriers such as eggshells, marigolds, coffee grounds, garlic, and diatomaceous earth is an effective way of repelling pests naturally. So next time you're wondering what to put around your tomato plants outside, give these natural methods a try.