How to Keep Stink Bugs Away from Your Garden

Growing tomatoes is one of the joys of summer gardening, yielding a bounty of fresh, juicy vegetables to enjoy all year. But nothing is more frustrating than finding your carefully nurtured plants riddled with holes, yellowing, or odd textures. If your tomatoes seem under attack, stink bugs might be the culprits. These insects love feasting on tomatoes and can quickly ruin your harvest. Here’s how to protect your plants and keep stink bugs at bay.

Why Are Stink Bugs Harmful to Tomatoes?

Stink bugs cause damage by piercing the skin of tomatoes with their needle-like noses, injecting an enzyme that turns the inside of the tomato to liquid. They then suck out the juice, leaving behind small holes and discolored spots that make the fruit unappetizing. A single stink bug can harm multiple tomatoes, but when they invade in large numbers, they can devastate your entire crop.

Tips to Keep Stink Bugs Out of Your Garden

1. Remove Weeds and Debris Stink bugs are attracted to weeds and other unwanted plants, which provide shelter and a breeding ground. Before your tomatoes start to ripen, clear out all weeds, fallen leaves, and plant debris from your garden. Keep your garden tidy throughout the growing season to make it less inviting for these pests.
2. Wash Your Plants Regularly Spraying your plants with water can help knock stink bugs off your tomatoes. For added protection, create a simple homemade repellent by mixing water with olive or vegetable oil. Spray this mixture on the tops and undersides of leaves to deter stink bugs from settling in.
3. Use Natural Deterrents Some plants can act as natural stink bug repellents. Planting marigolds, garlic, buckwheat, or sunflowers near your tomatoes can help divert stink bugs away.

Keep Your Garden Thriving

A little diligence and strategic planning can go a long way in keeping stink bugs away from your tomatoes. Clearing out weeds, washing your plants, planting natural repellents, and removing bugs by hand, you can ensure a healthy harvest. Protect your tomatoes from these invaders and enjoy the fruits of your labour!