Hornworms can eat basil, but they generally prefer tomato plants as their main source of food. However, planting basil near your tomatoes can actually help deter hornworms from feasting on your tomato crop. The strong scent of basil can confuse and repel these pests, making them less likely to target your tomato plants.
I remember one summer when I planted tomatoes and basil side by side in my garden. I noticed that while the tomato plants were being attacked by hornworms, the basil plants remained largely untouched. This led me to do some research on the topic and I discovered that planting basil near tomatoes is a common practice among gardeners to protect their crops from these voracious caterpillars.
The reason behind this is that basil contains natural compounds, such as essential oils, that emit a strong aroma. This scent can mask the smell of the tomato plants, making it harder for hornworms to locate them. Additionally, some studies have suggested that certain compounds found in basil may have insecticidal properties, further deterring pests like hornworms.
To maximize the effectiveness of using basil as a repellent, it is recommended to plant several basil plants around your tomato plants. This will create a stronger scent barrier and increase the chances of confusing and repelling hornworms. You can also try intercropping basil and tomatoes, alternating rows or planting them in close proximity.
It’s worth mentioning that while planting basil near tomatoes can help deter hornworms, it is not a foolproof method. Some determined hornworms may still find their way to your tomato plants despite the presence of basil. Therefore, it’s important to regularly inspect your plants for any signs of hornworms and manually remove them if necessary. Handpicking or using organic insecticides specifically designed for caterpillar control can be effective methods to manage hornworm infestations.
While hornworms can eat basil, planting basil near your tomato plants can help deter these pests from feasting on your tomato crop. The strong scent of basil can confuse and repel hornworms, making them less likely to target your tomatoes. However, it’s important to regularly monitor your plants and take appropriate measures to control hornworm populations if they do appear.