The Spicy Kitchen Staple That'll Keep Pests Away From Your Tomatoes

Tomatoes are far and away the most popular homegrown vegetable. In fact, as The National Gardening Association claims, tomatoes are cultivated by nearly 90 percent of gardeners who plant food crops. Almost all of those gardeners have faced challenges keeping their tomato plants pest-free. Of particular concern is the tomato hornworm, which is a type of worm you never want to see in your garden. These harmful pests can quickly undo anything you've done to grow thriving tomato plants.

Although tomato hornworms are considered the most formidable pests for tomato plants, they can be controlled. Better yet, tomato hornworms can be kept at bay with natural, non-toxic methods. While hand-picking hornworms from tomato plant leaves is a tried-and-true natural method, it can be time-consuming. Additionally, it is easy to miss hornworms that are hiding beneath leaves, which allows them to wreak havoc on your plants before they are caught.

To that end, cayenne pepper is a spicy kitchen staple that'll keep pests away from your tomatoes. Indeed, thanks to the burning-sensation-causing capsaicin found in cayenne peppers, this popular kitchen spice has been touted as an effective deterrent for numerous garden nuisances. Additionally, if you would like to add to your pantry staples while eradicating hornworms from your garden, there are a number of companion plants that can be grown in your garden to deter hornworms and be harvested for use in the kitchen as well. 

An easy way to get rid of hornworms naturally is to create a cayenne pepper spray. To make this simple concoction, you will need some ground cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, water, dish soap, and a mister bottle. Mix ½ teaspoon of ground cayenne or one tablespoon of red pepper flakes with two cups of water. Although some recipes call for adding the pepper to boiling water, you can also add to room temperature water and allow it to sit overnight. Add a few drops of dish soap so that it adheres to plants and pour the concoction in a mister bottle. If you used red pepper flakes, it is a good idea to strain them out so they don't clog the mister. 

Spraying your plants with this cayenne pepper mixture will deter hornworms from feeding on your tomato plants, as the heat from the capsaicin is harsh on their mouth and organs. In order to maximize the effectiveness of the spray, apply it at least twice a week and reapply after any rainfall. You can also use this cayenne pepper spray to humanely banish rabbits, as well as a variety of other insects and rodents from your garden. Sprinkling red pepper flakes in your garden will also help deter pests by creating a barrier, although it will not have any effect on the hornworms already residing on the leaves of your plants.

Furthermore, while there are some plants you should never grow near tomatoes, there are a number of companion plants that can help protect your tomatoes from hornworms, enhance their flavor, and provide you with fresh herbs for cooking. Basil, dill, parsley, and thyme are just a few such plants that will furnish these benefits if added to your garden.