Basil repels tomato hornworms as well as aphids, flies, mosquitoes and spider mites, so it's worth growing in your garden beds as well as near your doors and windows. Like tomatoes, basil benefits from a deep, thorough watering.
Any variety of basil does wonders to help repel the tomato horn worm. So basil is always gonna be one of your number one go-to things to be planting around your tomatoes.
“Other popular companion plants that effectively deter tomato hornworms include marigolds, dill, borage, parsley, and thyme,” he says.
Basil: Not only does basil enhance the flavor of tomatoes, but it also repels insects like mosquitoes and flies.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a natural bacterial insecticide that kills hornworms by paralyzing their digestive systems. Dusted or sprayed onto the foliage, it is most effective when the caterpillars are small (under 2 inches long) and must be reapplied every 5 to 7 days to remain viable.
How do you get rid of tomato hornworms? Pluck the worms by hand and place them in soapy water to kill them, or spray your plant with a mix of water, cayenne pepper, and dish soap for a natural insecticide. Interplanting dill, basil, and.or marigolds may keep worms away too.
Most herbs have been found to enhance the flavor of fruits and vegetables grown nearby, and Basil grown beside tomatoes is an excellent example. Similarly, chamomile has an aromatic scent that is believed to improve the growth and flavor of cabbages, cucumbers, and onions when grown beside them.
Attracts / Repels: Basil naturally repels asparagus beetle, carrot fly, tomato hornworm, mosquitoes, flies, and whiteflies. It also attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
What is best insect spray for tomato plants? To make an insect spray at home for tomato plans, mix 10 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 1 gallon of water and 10 ounces of sugar together. Mix it well and spray it on and around the tomato plant and leaves. Remember to wash it off after a day or two though.
▶ Look for missing leaves at the top of the plant
Feeding damage, in the form of missing leaves, occurs first on the tops of plants, where the caterpillars feed at night. During the heat of the day, caterpillars take shelter on or under interior leaves.
Keep four-legged pests out of your garden by soaking several rags in white vinegar and place on stakes around your vegetables.
Control: Begin applying weekly sprays for fruitworms as soon as tomatoes begin to bloom and set fruit. Products containing spinosad will control fruitworms, but products containing pyrethroid insecticides (permethrin, cyfluthrin, bifenthrin) will control fruitworms as well as stink bugs and leaffooted bugs.
The adult form of the tomato hornworm is a relatively large, robust-bodied moth, commonly known as a hawk moth or sphinx moth. The adult moth feeds on the nectar of various flowers and, like the larval form, is most active from dusk until dawn (Lotts and Naberhaus 2017).
Basil is great herb to plant in a tomato garden, not only because it tastes great in pasta sauce, but also because basil helps protect against tomato hookworm infestations that can wreak havoc on crops. Basil's aroma naturally deters some mosquitos and house flies.
Bugs hate the smells associated with repellency, such as lavender, citronella, vinegar, peppermint, and geranium. These oils are considered a natural way of driving away bugs from your home without harming you, your family, and other animals.
Basil performs best in full sun—that means 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day—which is necessary for the best possible flavor and fast growth. If you're growing indoors, place the planter in a south or west-facing window. North and east-facing windows just won't cut it!
Basil grows well next to many plants, but there are a couple of plants to avoid growing near basil. Herbs. While you can plant basil next to chamomile, oregano, and chives, basil generally prefers the company of vegetables over other herbs, and should not be planted near rue or sage.
Dill. While many herbs grow well with tomatoes, dill is an exception. Young dill plants can actually do quite well next to tomatoes because they are known to help repel aphids, a tiny pest that affects many plants in the garden. However, when dill matures and is ready to seed, the herbs can inhibit tomato plant growth.
Sweet Basil pairs great with tomatoes and tomato-flavored dishes. LEMON BASIL - Known for its fresh, tangy citrus flavor and fragrance. Perfect for use in salads, dressings, vinegars, and fish dishes.
So here are a few things that will help your vegetables stay beautiful and taste great: Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper won't hurt your plants but it will keep many small animals away. Every few days, sprinkle about ¼ cup of cayenne pepper throughout your garden.
As you baby your plants with tomato fertilizer spikes, plenty of water, and a little TLC, keep them secure with these anti-hornworm gardening tips: Lure them away with basil, marigolds, or dill. Apply insecticidal soap to plants to kill smaller worms.