The Best Companion Plants For Tomatoes

The Best Companion Plants for Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable to grow in gardens, but they can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Companion planting is a great way to help protect your tomato plants and improve their overall health. Companion plants are those that benefit each other when they are grown near each other. Some companion plants can help to repel pests, attract beneficial insects, or improve the soil quality.

Here are some of the best companion plants for tomatoes:

• Basil: Basil is a classic companion plant for tomatoes. It helps to repel tomato hornworms and other pests, and it also enhances the flavor of tomatoes.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They help to repel nematodes, which are microscopic worms that can damage tomato roots. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which help to control pests.
• Chives: Chives help to repel aphids and other pests. They also improve the flavor of tomatoes.
• Garlic: Garlic helps to repel tomato hornworms and other pests. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums help to repel aphids, whiteflies, and other pests. They also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hoverflies.
• Borage: Borage helps to attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes.
• Beans: Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which can help to improve the growth of tomatoes. They also help to suppress weeds.
• Peas: Peas fix nitrogen in the soil, which can help to improve the growth of tomatoes. They also help to suppress weeds.
• Lettuce: Lettuce helps to suppress weeds and improve the drainage of the soil. It also provides shade for tomato plants, which can help to protect them from pests and diseases.
• Carrots: Carrots help to improve the drainage of the soil and deter nematodes. They also provide shade for tomato plants, which can help to protect them from pests and diseases.

In addition to these plants, there are many other companion plants that can benefit tomatoes. Some other good options include:

• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and tomatoes have similar growing requirements and can benefit from being planted together.
• Potatoes: Potatoes and tomatoes can be planted together, but they should be planted in separate rows. This will help to prevent the spread of diseases between the two plants.
• Spinach: Spinach can help to suppress weeds and improve the drainage of the soil. It also provides shade for tomato plants, which can help to protect them from pests and diseases.
• Melons: Melons and tomatoes can be planted together, but they should be planted in separate rows. This will help to prevent the spread of diseases between the two plants.
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers can help to attract beneficial insects and improve the pollination of tomato plants. They also provide shade for tomato plants, which can help to protect them from pests and diseases.

When choosing companion plants for tomatoes, it is important to consider the growing conditions and the needs of both plants. Some plants, such as cucumbers and melons, need a lot of water and nutrients, while other plants, such as lettuce and spinach, are more drought tolerant. It is also important to consider the height of the plants. Some plants, such as sunflowers and beans, grow very tall, while other plants, such as chives and parsley, are relatively short.

By carefully choosing companion plants for tomatoes, you can help to create a healthy and productive garden.

When it comes to planting tomatoes, it's important to consider what you're planting them next to. Some plants are natural companions for tomatoes, while others can actually inhibit their growth or attract pests.

Here are a few of the best companion plants for tomatoes:

• Basil: Basil is a classic companion plant for tomatoes. It helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes and also repels pests like aphids and whiteflies. Garden Wiki
• Marigolds: Marigolds are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They help to repel nematodes, which are soil-dwelling pests that can damage tomato roots. Garden Wiki
• Chives: Chives are a member of the allium family, which means they have a strong oniony smell. This smell can help to repel pests like mosquitoes and rabbits. Garden Wiki
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are not only beautiful flowers, but they also help to repel aphids and other pests. They can also help to improve the nitrogen content of the soil, which can benefit tomato plants. Garden Wiki

Of course, there are also some plants that you should avoid planting next to tomatoes. These include:

• Brassicas (such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower): Brassicas are heavy feeders and can compete with tomatoes for nutrients.
• Corn: Corn can shade tomato plants and stunt their growth.
• Eggplant: Eggplant and tomatoes are both members of the nightshade family, and they can share the same pests and diseases.
• Potatoes: Potatoes and tomatoes are both susceptible to the same blight fungus.

If you're not sure what to plant next to your tomatoes, it's always a good idea to consult a gardening expert or do some research online. Garden Wiki has a wealth of information about companion planting, and you can also find helpful articles and tips on their website.

FAQ of plant next to tomatoes

1. What are some good companion plants for tomatoes?

Some good companion plants for tomatoes include:

• Basil: Basil helps to repel tomato hornworms and other pests.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers help to suppress the growth of powdery mildew on tomatoes.
• Peas: Peas help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit tomatoes.
• Spinach: Spinach helps to shade the soil around tomatoes, which can help to prevent weeds and retain moisture.
• Herbs: Herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary can help to repel pests and attract pollinators.

2. What are some bad companion plants for tomatoes?

Some bad companion plants for tomatoes include:

• Potatoes: Tomatoes and potatoes are both susceptible to the same diseases, so planting them near each other can increase the risk of infection.
• Melons: Melons compete with tomatoes for water and nutrients.
• Fennel: Fennel can inhibit the growth of tomatoes.
• Eggplant: Eggplant can attract the same pests as tomatoes, so planting them near each other can increase the risk of infestation.
• Kale: Kale can shade tomatoes, which can stunt their growth.

3. How far apart should tomatoes be planted?

The amount of space you need between tomato plants depends on the variety of tomato you are growing. Generally speaking, however, you should space tomato plants at least 2 feet apart. If you are growing determinate tomatoes, which are bushier plants, you may need to space them even further apart, at 3 feet or more.

4. How much water do tomatoes need?

Tomatoes need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Water your tomatoes deeply once or twice a week, making sure to soak the soil thoroughly. Avoid watering your tomatoes from overhead, as this can spread diseases.

5. What type of soil do tomatoes need?

Tomatoes prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. If your soil is not ideal, you can amend it with compost or other organic matter.

Image of plant next to tomatoes

Here are 5 images of different plants that can be planted next to tomatoes:

• Basil: Basil is a classic companion plant for tomatoes. It helps to repel pests and improve the flavor of tomatoes.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
• Chives: Chives are a good companion plant for tomatoes because they help to repel pests and improve the flavor of tomatoes.
• Asparagus: Asparagus is a good companion plant for tomatoes because it helps to improve the soil quality and repel pests.
• Borage: Borage is a good companion plant for tomatoes because it helps to attract beneficial insects and improve the flavor of tomatoes.