The 12 Most Popular Companion Plants For Growing Tomatoes
Companion Planting for Growing Tomatoes
Companion planting involves planting different plants with one another. It’s based on the idea that certain plants work well with others, and that it can be a boon to plant health and productivity.
Below we’ll go over some of the benefits of companion planting, and how to get started with the best companion plants for your tomato plants.
What is companion planting?
Planting Plants that work well together in the same area is called companion planting. The right combinations give you a greater yield and fewer weeds.
Some beneficial relationships are designed to keep pests out, while others work to encourage plant growth, promote vegetable production, attract beneficial insects, and help fend off harmful diseases.
For instance, basil can be helpful in masking the odor of tomatoes from tomato plant pests like thrips, a common tomato plant pest.
Interplanting tomatoes with basil plants can help keep your tomato plants safe from stunted growth and dropped fruit caused by thrips.
Why should You try companion planting?
Companion planting can help reduce a lot of pest pressure in your garden, plus it can increase the flavor and production of your tomato plants.
What’s even better is that it’s super EASY to get started! Just select one of our recommended companion plants below to get started.
What are the benefits of growing companion plants?
They protect, suppress plant diseases, and produce more nutritious, delicious plants naturally. Apart from the benefits to your plants, companion planting uses your garden space more efficiently, letting you grow more harvests.
The various benefits of companion planting are also good for pollinators, wildlife, and soil health.
What are the disadvantages of companion planting?
The planting of a companion crop can also have disadvantages, including a decrease in vitality caused by competition for water and nutrients.
The area where the main crop will be planted will need to be filled in when a companion crop is removed.
What Are Good Companion Plants For Tomatoes
Most people think that planting tomatoes are a relatively easy task, but it can be a bit complicated. A little knowledge about the different varieties of tomatoes and their different needs can make a huge difference.
The Best companion Plants to grow alongside your tomatoes include amaranth, asparagus, basil, borage, beans, marigold, carrots, celery, chives, cleome, cucumber, garlic, lemon balm, lettuce, marigold, mint, nasturtium, parsley, onions squash, and sage.
- The Amaranth plant serves as a trap for beneficial insects, keeping away pests.
- Basil Basil repels insects (even fruit flies), improves growth, and enhances the flavor. Even Repels mosquitos.
- Borage increases plant growth and heightens taste, Also great at deterring tomato hornworms.
- Mint, parsley, chives, lemon balm, and parsley all improve the health and flavor of your tomato plants.
Also, pay attention when companion planting lemon balm, and mint, as they may grow uncontrollably.
- Nasturtium is not only beautiful when planted alongside your tomato plants, but also effectively puts a stop to aphids. In addition, it is edible, thus tempting many people to try to add it to salads.
- Carrots are a great companion plant for tomatoes. They also help loosen the soil around your tomato plants to help with plant drainage. If the carrots are planted too close to your tomato plants, they might not grow up as tall as they should, but they will still taste delicious.
- Garlic is excellent at repelling red spider mites from your tomatoes. Sprays containing also help control late blight which can be devastating to the health of your tomato plants.
- Lettuce thrives when planted in vegetable gardening within the shadow of taller tomato plants, which offer the soil with added ambiance and moisture retention.
- Marigolds, as root-knot nematodes deterrents, can reduce fatal worms in soil which can protect your tomato crop.
Bad Companions Plants for Tomatoes
- Cabbage: All of the leaves and stems of cabbage stunt the growth of all tomato plants (including Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, turnip, rutabaga kohlrabi, Kaler, and Cauliflower).
- Walnuts: Tomatoes are vulnerable to walnut wilt, which can be found in walnut and butternut trees. Do not use tomato plants near walnut or butternut trees, which are covered with juglone, an all-pathogen that promotes the development of nightshade.
- Peppers, Potatoes, and Eggplants: These plants belong in the nightshade family, like tomatoes, and are susceptible both early and late to blight, which can lead to perilous fungus buildup in the soil.
Take into consideration planting them at least three years apart from one another. These worms have a fondness for tomatoes and pepper foliage and fruit.
- Corn: The corn earworm and tomato fruitworm (Helicoverpa zea) are two species that share certain resemblances. Being able to reach ripe fruits and vegetables with similar pests in proximity to your home is a security hazard, which can destroy a cultivated garden.
- Fennel: Fennel can be a complete nightmare for your tomato plants. Fennel secretes a substance from its rootstocks that prevents tomato plant development. This also affects affects many other garden plants as well so is a MUST to avoid as a companion plant.
Are You Ready to Try Your Hand at Companion Planting?
Adding companion plants to your tomato garden is an easy way to improve yields, deter pests, and add nutrients to the soil. By planting basil, marigolds, or mint near your tomatoes, you can help keep your plants healthy and productive. So why not give it a try this year?
Frequently Asked Questions about CompaniOn Planting for Tomato Plants
Can I grow tomatoes and peppers together?
Yes, you can grow tomatoes and peppers together – While it is important to keep in mind that planting plants of the Nightshade or Solanaceae families together can increase the likelihood that disease will spread to them, especially if they’re cultivated in the same bed, it is unwise to grow them near one another.
What is the proper spacing for tomato plants and companion Plants?
The ideal spacing for tomato plants varies depending on their companion. It is usually between 24 and 36 inches (61 and 91 cm.) apart. Spacing tomatoes with other plants closer than 24 inches (61 cm) will eliminate air circulation among the plants and could promote disease.
Should I mulch tomato plants when growing with a companion Plant?
Yes You Should Mulch your plants. Many tomato plants grow large, heavy fruit. Mulch protects the least amount of growing fruit and allows them to develop without resting on the ground and becoming rotten.
Do Tomato plants grow better together or separate?
Plants that are grown far apart will avoid competing for limited resources and may share the nutrients among them. Plant yields endowed by these plants will probably be greater than those of plants grown close together or that are scarcely competing for resources. Tomatoes are a popular vegetable, but if they are not cultivated with companion plants, their yield will decline.
