Tomato hornworms may look harmless, but these plump green caterpillars can strip a tomato plant of its leaves almost overnight. While they eventually turn into hawkmoths – valuable pollinators – their caterpillar stage is notorious for damaging crops.
Handpicking is the most direct way to remove them, but prevention is far easier. Companion planting is a natural method that helps deter hornworms while attracting beneficial insects. By growing the right mix of plants alongside your tomatoes, you can make your garden less appealing to these hungry pests.
Here are nine plants that not only repel tomato hornworms but also bring beauty, biodiversity, and extra harvest potential to your plot.
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Basil
A classic partner for tomatoes in the kitchen and the garden, basil’s aromatic leaves deter tomato hornworms and other pests. It shares the same sun and soil preferences as tomatoes, making it an easy companion to tuck between plants. Regular harvesting keeps it bushy and productive throughout the summer.
Marigolds
Bright, cheerful marigolds aren’t just for show – their scent and natural compounds can help repel hornworms, whiteflies, and other unwanted visitors. They also attract pollinators and beneficial predatory insects.
Borage
With star-shaped blue flowers and a cucumber-like flavour, borage earns its place in both ornamental and edible gardens. It attracts bees and parasitic wasps that prey on hornworm larvae, while its foliage helps deter aphids and other pests.
Nasturtium
These trailing plants bring vibrant blooms and peppery leaves – and play an important role in pest control. Nasturtiums attract beneficial wasps that target hornworms, while also acting as a trap crop for aphids, drawing them away from your tomatoes.
Scallions
Like other members of the onion family, scallions release a pungent aroma that confuses and deters pests, including the moths that lay hornworm eggs. They’re easy to grow and can be succession-planted for a steady supply.
Sage
This Mediterranean herb’s earthy scent helps repel hornworms, and its summer flowers attract pollinators. Sage grows well alongside tomatoes, especially when given good drainage and a sunny spot.
Calendula
Golden-orange calendula blooms bring colour to the vegetable patch while discouraging hornworms and other pests. They also lure beneficial insects like ladybirds and hoverflies that help keep pest populations in check.
Yarrow
A hardy perennial with feathery foliage, yarrow attracts predators such as ladybirds and parasitic wasps that feed on hornworm eggs and caterpillars. Its flat-topped flowers also provide an excellent landing pad for pollinators.
Parsley
This fragrant herb masks the scent of tomatoes, making it harder for pests to locate them. Parsley also draws predatory insects to the garden, adding another layer of natural pest control.
Final tip: Interplanting these species among your tomatoes can reduce hornworm damage without relying on chemical sprays. As a bonus, most of them are edible, medicinal, or ornamental – turning pest prevention into a win-win for your garden.
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Featured Image: Pexels
