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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBorage, calendula, dill, opal basil, and thyme are suggested tomato companions that gardeners may try around tomatoes. A Cornell Cooperative Extension chart lists all five in connection with tomato hornworm, but that list is not proof they reliably repel or prevent hornworms. Think of them as possible additions to a diverse garden—not a substitute for checking plants and removing larvae.
Which plants are suggested for tomato hornworms?
The five plants below appear in a Cornell Cooperative Extension companion-plant chart associated with tomato hornworm. The chart does not rank them or establish that any one reliably keeps hornworms off tomatoes.
| Plant | What the cited guidance says |
|---|---|
| Borage | Listed in the Cornell Cooperative Extension chart as a companion associated with tomato hornworm: Cornell Cooperative Extension. |
| Calendula | Listed in the Cornell Cooperative Extension chart; no hornworm-control rate or ranking is stated: Cornell Cooperative Extension. |
| Dill | Listed in the Cornell chart. UCANR also calls dill a trap crop for tomato hornworm, but does not state a validated effectiveness rate, planting distance, or variety: Cornell Cooperative Extension; UCANR. |
| Opal basil | Listed in the Cornell chart. UCANR discusses basil and scent as possible pest-deterrence or host-finding mechanisms, not as demonstrated reliable hornworm protection: Cornell Cooperative Extension; UCANR. |
| Thyme | Listed in the Cornell Cooperative Extension chart; the cited chart does not establish a specific level of protection: Cornell Cooperative Extension. |
What “trap crop” means for dill
UCANR identifies dill as a trap crop for tomato hornworm. That describes a proposed role in a planting, not a guarantee that dill will attract every hornworm away from nearby tomatoes. The source does not specify a proven distance or planting setup, so treat dill as an experiment rather than a dependable barrier.
How companion planting might help—and where it falls short
Different plantings may make it harder for insect pests to locate a host by sight or smell. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension explains that different plant species grown together can disrupt pests’ ability to find host plants. UCANR likewise describes scent masking as a possible mechanism; plants do not literally drive hornworms away.
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- CORRECTS CALCIUM DEFICIENCY - Our garden fertilizer is used to control blossom end rot on tomatoes by adding calcium to the plant.
- CONTAINS NUTRITIONAL CALCIUM - Plant food that uses nutritional calcium derived from calcium chloride as the main active ingredient.
- MULTIPLE USES - Rot Stop is also effective at correcting calcium deficiencies for cucumbers, melons, and peppers
- EASY TO APPLY - Product instantly mixes with water and should be applied using either a hose-end sprayer or tank sprayer. Simply spray foliage to the point of run-off. Make sure to carefully read and use according to label directions.
- FOLIAR FERTILIZATION - Intended as a supplement to a regular fertilization program and may not, by itself, provide all the nutrients normally required by crops or other intended plants.
More plant diversity does not invariably mean fewer pests on tomatoes. Companion plants can also compete with tomatoes for light, water, and nutrients. The available guidance does not establish a reliable hornworm-reduction rate for these five plants, so leave room for tomatoes to grow and judge the planting by what you observe.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to find and manage hornworms on tomatoes
Tomato hornworms feed on tomatoes and other nightshade-family crops, including peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. They can strip foliage and damage fruit. Their camouflage makes larvae difficult to spot, so inspect plants regularly rather than waiting for companion plants to solve the problem. In Florida, the related tobacco hornworm is commonly the species damaging tomatoes.
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1. Inspect and remove larvae
For a home garden, University of Minnesota Extension says physical removal is usually the only management needed. Check tomato plants frequently and remove hornworms when you find them.
2. Leave visibly parasitized hornworms in place
If a hornworm has white, rice-like cocoons attached to it, leave it in the garden. These are parasitoid cocoons; leaving the caterpillar allows wasps to emerge and attack other hornworms.
Rank #3
- Durable Green Plant Shade Cover: this green plant shade cover uses durable polyester to shield plants from direct sun, reducing leaf scorch; Quick setup keeps out birds, butterflies and other garden pests, stabilizing the growing environment for healthier foliage
- Breathable Yet Blocking: polyester blends offer breathable structure with sufficient shade, aiding moisture retention and reducing heat buildup while keeping air circulating around the canopy
- Easy Setup and Convenient Storage: user-friendly assembly allows quick deployment; After use, it folds compactly for tidy storage on balconies and in sheds, saving space for seasonal protection
- Versatile Outdoor Use for Garden and Patio: ideal for vegetables, flowers, herbs, and ornamental plants on patios, decks, and lawns; Provides reliable sun protection while maintaining plant aesthetics; It can also be applied to raise butterflies, the mesh design makes it easy to observe butterflies emerging from their chrysalides
- Foldable design for easy storage and reuse: unfolded size 24 x 24 x 36 inches. Large zippered door for easy access. Ideal high-capacity crop cage and grow tent for potted plants, bonsai, seedlings, herbs, and small fruit bushes (strawberries, tomatoes)
3. Consider Bt only when additional control is warranted
Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Bt kurstaki) can control young caterpillars, but they must eat it for it to work. Follow the specific product label. UC IPM advises treatment when foliage damage is extensive or larvae are feeding on fruit; it is not a blanket recommendation to spray whenever a hornworm appears. UC IPM also notes that biological and cultural controls, including Bt, can be acceptable in organically certified production.
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