Cayenne pepper on plants

I just planted my tomatoes. I'm excited. I think I was a gardener in a past life... I decided to plant some squash seeds in an area that is heavy on the sand. (I mixed in some yummy sheep manure and did some other bits. )

I looked it up. Apparently squash loves sandy soil. Im thrilled.

I'm trying to garden with no chemicals and more natural things... I love our earth and feel like if I can help in my little way, I want to try. And no, I don't judge people who don't only use natural stuff. Particularly with certain plans that are taking over. I may do this in my front garden if my locus keeps sprouting up.. but that's a question for another time.

My question... I put down some cayenne pepper around the tomatoes. It's worked in the past for other plants.. but this was in the autumn. Has anyone else used cayenne pepper around tomatoes? It keeps rodents away.. did it work? How often do you reapply?

Thanks. I'm somewhat new to gardening... I used to help my dad, but it's been awhile.