What Flowers to Plant with Tomatoes to Ward Off Bugs

Planting flowers alongside your tomato plants is an organic way to deter bugs and pests from your garden. Certain flowers attract beneficial insects that prey on pests, while others emit scents and aromas that mask the tomato plants’ natural scent, making them less attractive to pests. Here are some of the best flowers to plant with your tomatoes:

Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular and effective companion plant for tomatoes. They emit a smell that repels many pests, including whiteflies, nematodes, and aphids. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies that feed on pests like tomato hornworms. Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your tomato plants or intersperse them throughout your garden.

Calendula

Calendula, or pot marigold, is another flower that repels pests and attracts beneficial insects. It emits a strong scent that deters aphids and helps to mask the scent of tomato plants. Additionally, calendula attracts hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which prey on various garden pests. Plant calendula near your tomato plants or incorporate them into your garden beds.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for tomatoes because they repel aphids, squash bugs, and other pests. Their bright flowers attract pollinators like bees and also attract predatory insects like spiders and ground beetles, which feed on pests. Nasturtiums can be directly seeded in the soil around your tomato plants or in containers placed near your tomatoes.

Borage

Borage is a herb with blue, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators and predatory insects. It also repels tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. Borage can be sown directly in the ground or in pots and then transplanted into your garden. Make sure to plant borage near your tomato plants to reap its benefits.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums contain a natural insecticide called pyrethrum that repels many garden pests, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. They also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. Plant chrysanthemums in pots and place them near your tomato plants or incorporate them into your garden beds.

Conclusion

By planting these flowers alongside your tomato plants, you can create a natural and beautiful garden environment that is free of pests. Not only will these companion plants help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects, but they will also provide a splash of color and variety to your garden. Try mixing and matching these flowers to find the combination that works best for your tomatoes and your garden.