Veg./herb plants that attract moths/caterpillars

12 years ago

First off, I'm looking to avoid increasing the population of moths/caterpillars in my garden, not increase them. It looks like I need to be better familiar with what attracts them though.

I was thinking of trying some new plants this year - mostly herbs - that are also edible. But I started to realize that they may be counterproductive. For example, I was going to plant milk thistle, but then found out that they attract sphinx moths / hornworms. I'm sure they'll come back anyway this year due to tomatoes, but maybe I can reduce the chances by being careful with the other plants.

Does anyone know about borage, lemon balm, and nasturtium, as far as helping or making matters worse? I know the first two attract bees, but I'm not sure how the three factor in with moths/caterpillars.

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Comments (5)

jimr36
Original Author
12 years ago
This seems to be one of the deadest areas of this forum. I wonder why people from the the Gulf coast states don't visit here and comment more often...
honeybunny2 Fox
12 years ago
Jim, where are you located? Linda lives in Rockport, she is our herb expert. You might want to post your questions regarding herbs on the Gardening in Texas forum. Barbra
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honeybunny2 Fox
12 years ago
I will be going down to Rockport next weekend, if Linda has not responded by then, I will go to her house so she can post a replay. She knows everything about herbs ,caterpillers, and host plants. Barbra
ltcollins1949
12 years ago
Thanks for the compliments Barbra! I plant to attract butterflies! I love them. But if you are interested in what attracts them in order to avoid them, check out the following article that I posted on Rockport Herbies Blog. And here is some more information courtesy of The Herb Companion.
jimr36
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks honeybunny2 and company. I'm around Houston, but I believe the zone and weather are quite close to those around Rockport.

Yeah, seeing what attracts them is a great tool to know what to avoid (for my approach). I've already found rosemary to be a problem. It looks like I'll need to rethink and maybe reconsider the thyme, sage, nasturtium, and oregano.