What Grows Well With Tomatoes and Peppers in Your Garden: Companion Planting Tips
What Grows Well With Tomatoes and Peppers?
Tomatoes and peppers benefit from being planted alongside a variety of other plants.
Some examples of companion plants that grow well with tomatoes and peppers include marigolds, garlic, onions, lavender, basil, parsley, carrots, nasturtiums, borage, mint, chives, celery, flowers that attract pollinators, and asparagus.
These companion plants not only help to deter pests and protect against diseases but also enhance the growth and flavor of tomatoes and peppers.
Key Points:
- Companion plants that grow well with tomatoes and peppers include:
- marigolds
- garlic
- onions
- lavender
- basil
- parsley
- carrots
- nasturtiums
- borage
- mint
- chives
- celery
- flowers that attract pollinators
- asparagus
- These companion plants help to deter pests and protect against diseases.
- Companion plants enhance the growth and flavor of tomatoes and peppers.
Did You Know?
1. Basil: Did you know that planting basil alongside tomatoes and peppers can help repel pests like aphids and mosquitoes? Plus, it enhances the flavor of the tomatoes and peppers!
2. Marigolds: These vibrant flowers not only add a splash of color to your garden but also serve as great companions for tomatoes and peppers. Marigolds repel harmful pests like nematodes and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs that control aphids.
3. Borage: This lesser-known herb is not only delicious and great for attracting bees, but it also makes an excellent companion for tomatoes and peppers. Borage deters tomato hornworms and other pests while improving the overall health and flavor of the plants nearby.
4. Nasturtiums: These beautiful and edible flowers make an excellent companion for tomatoes and peppers. Nasturtiums attract predatory insects like ladybugs and hoverflies that feed on aphids and other harmful pests, keeping your plants protected naturally.
5. Onions: While it might sound surprising, planting onions near your tomatoes and peppers can actually benefit all three plants. Onions naturally repel pests like aphids and onion flies, creating a protective barrier for tomatoes and peppers, as well as enhancing their flavors.
Marigolds: The Perfect Companion For Tomatoes And Peppers
When it comes to companion planting, marigolds are a fantastic choice to grow alongside tomatoes and peppers. These vibrant flowers not only add aesthetic appeal to your garden, but they also provide numerous benefits to your crops.
Marigolds are known for their ability to repel harmful insects, such as aphids, nematodes, and whiteflies, which are common pests for tomatoes and peppers. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on garden pests.
Marigolds are also believed to release chemicals into the soil that can suppress certain root-knot nematodes, a common problem affecting tomato and pepper plants. By planting marigolds around your tomatoes and peppers, you create a natural barrier that protects your crops from pests and disease. It is recommended to plant marigolds as a border around your tomato and pepper beds or interspersed within the rows for optimum results.
Furthermore, marigolds have a reputation for enhancing the flavor of tomatoes and peppers when grown together. The unique aromatic compounds released by marigolds may influence the taste of the nearby crops, resulting in more flavorful tomatoes and peppers. With all these benefits, it is clear why marigolds are considered the perfect companion for tomatoes and peppers.
Boost Vegetable Health With Garlic And Onions
Garlic and onions are staple ingredients in the kitchen and also companion plants for tomatoes and peppers in the garden. These alliums possess natural pest-repellent qualities, deterring pests like aphids, spider mites, and ants. Their strong aroma confuses and repels some above-ground pests. Planting garlic and onions near tomatoes and peppers can protect them from insect damage.
Moreover, garlic and onions have antimicrobial properties that help prevent certain diseases, including fungal infections. They also inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi in the soil, benefiting the overall health of tomato and pepper plants. For maximum benefits, plant garlic and onions close to your tomato and pepper beds.
Furthermore, the pungent scent of garlic and onions masks the aroma of tomatoes and peppers, which may attract pests. By intercropping these alliums, you create a natural barrier against pests and improve the overall health of your vegetable garden.
Fragrant Herbs: Lavender, Basil, And Parsley
Incorporating fragrant herbs like lavender, basil, and parsley into your garden can have a positive impact on the growth of tomatoes and peppers.
Lavender, with its beautiful purple flowers, acts as a natural insect repellent, warding off pesky pests like mosquitoes, whiteflies, and moths. Additionally, its aromatic scent attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for the successful pollination of tomatoes and peppers.
Basil and parsley, on the other hand, not only provide culinary delights but also have benevolent effects on the health of tomato and pepper plants. These herbs release volatile compounds that deter certain pests, including aphids and tomato hornworms. By planting basil and parsley near your tomatoes and peppers, you can help protect your crops from damage caused by these common pests.
Furthermore, the aroma emitted by these fragrant herbs can help mask the smell of tomatoes and peppers, making them less attractive to pests. The added benefits of attracting pollinators and repelling pests make lavender, basil, and parsley excellent companions for your tomato and pepper plants.
Benefits of incorporating fragrant herbs in your garden:
- Lavender acts as a natural insect repellent, warding off mosquitoes, whiteflies, and moths.
- Basil and parsley release volatile compounds that deter pests like aphids and tomato hornworms.
- Fragrant herbs attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, essential for successful pollination.
- Aromas emitted by these herbs mask the smell of tomatoes and peppers, making them less attractive to pests.
“Incorporating fragrant herbs like lavender, basil, and parsley into your garden can have a positive impact on the growth of tomatoes and peppers.”
Colorful Flowers: Nasturtiums, Borage, And Mint
Add a splash of color to your tomato and pepper garden by planting companion flowers such as nasturtiums, borage, and mint.
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Nasturtiums are visually appealing with vibrant flowers and serve as a natural pest deterrent. They repel aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs, which can cause damage to tomato and pepper plants.
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Borage, with its striking blue flowers, attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, ensuring proper pollination for your tomatoes and peppers. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes when grown together. The leaves of borage can be used as a companion to repel harmful insects like tomato hornworms.
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Mint, with its refreshing scent and rapid growth, acts as a natural insect repellent when planted near tomatoes and peppers. It deters pests like aphids, ants, and cabbage loopers, reducing the risk of damage to your crops.
By including these colorful flowers in your garden, you not only enhance its visual appeal but also promote the health and productivity of your tomato and pepper plants.
- Nasturtiums serve as a natural pest deterrent.
- Borage attracts pollinators and improves the flavor of tomatoes.
- Mint acts as a natural insect repellent.
Unique Pairings: Chives, Celery, And Peppers
Chives, celery, and peppers are unique companion plants that can offer substantial benefits when grown alongside tomatoes and peppers. Chives repel aphids, Japanese beetles, and other common pests. Planting chives near your vegetable beds can reduce pest damage and improve crop health.
Celery acts as a natural repellent for whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites. By intercropping celery with tomatoes and peppers, you create a barrier against pests.
Peppers are also suitable companions for tomatoes. Both plants thrive together, benefiting from shared nutrients and space. Tall tomato plants can provide shade for pepper plants, protecting them from excessive sun exposure and heat stress.
By incorporating these unique pairings into your garden, you can create a harmonious environment that promotes the growth and protection of your tomato and pepper plants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What plants go well with peppers?
Peppers are known to thrive when planted alongside certain companion plants. One plant that goes particularly well with peppers is borage. Borage not only acts as a natural pest repellant but also attracts beneficial insects that help control pests. Additionally, borage’s deep taproots help improve soil structure and nutrient content, benefiting the overall growth of peppers. Another plant that pairs well with peppers is basil. Not only does basil enhance the flavor of peppers when used as a culinary herb, but it also repels pests such as aphids and whiteflies. As a bonus, planting basil near peppers can boost the overall yield and improve the quality of the peppers.
What not to plant next to peppers?
While there is limited evidence regarding plant interactions, it is generally recommended to avoid planting peppers next to cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and fennel. Peppers thrive in specific soil acidity levels, which might differ from the preferences of brassicas. Moreover, some gardeners believe that fennel may hinder the development of peppers, making it another plant to steer clear of when planning your vegetable garden.
Do tomatoes go well with peppers?
Yes, tomatoes and peppers undoubtedly go well together. The combination of roasted peppers and tomatoes with herbs and capers creates a delightful medley of flavors. The sweetness of the tomatoes complements the slight heat of the peppers, while the herbs and capers add a fresh and tangy twist. Whether enjoyed as a salad or a side dish, this colorful mixture is sure to please the taste buds and add a visually appealing touch to any meal.
What do peppers like to be planted near?
Peppers prefer to be planted near herbs such as oregano, dill, cilantro, chives, and marjoram. These herbs serve as beneficial companion plants since their low growth doesn’t compete with peppers for space. Moreover, the aromatic properties of these herbs act as natural protection against garden pests that may harm the pepper plants, ensuring a successful yield.