October 15, 2025 – I’ve grown French marigolds with tomato plants for years. They’re great companion plants and can combat gardening pests. For me, they’ve always done great. Besides, everyone else uses them, so they must work; right? Unfortunately, we’re starting to learn that when planted in mass (not once every three feet) they do work, although not as successfully as we’ve always thought.
There’s a new plant to consider that apparently works far better than marigolds. The plant called Sweet Alyssum (lobularia maritima). Many of you use it in your flower beds. It’s little more than a ground cover, but acts as an emergency signal to any and all beneficial insects nearby. Its flowers are full of nectar to act as an attractant. Further, they bloom from spring well into the fall. Some say it creates an all-you-can-eat buffet!
Sweet alyssum attracts ladybugs, which love aphids, hoverflies, which love thrips and spider mites, lacewings which love caterpillars and mealybugs, parasitic wasps, which go after hornworms, and more. The long-term flowers are critical in keeping a food supply for the beneficial insects.
An additional benefit of Sweet alyssum is that it’s low maintenance. Also, it doesn’t need deadheading like marigolds. Once established, it’s drought tolerant, which shouldn’t be needed if you’re watering your tomatoes on a regular basis. It grows fast and will continue to grow and spread throughout the growing season. As a low ground cover, it can act as a living mulch.
This article was written for tomato plant and fruit protection, but it’s great for virtually any vegetables you want to grow in your gardens. It can also be used to provide protection for potted vegetables and flowers. Using it is a win-win situation.
So, where can you get Sweet alyssum? Check your local garden supply stores and/or Google it on-line.
