What Not to Plant Near Tomatoes: 8 Surprising Facts
What Not to Plant Near Tomatoes?
When planting tomatoes, it is important to be mindful of the plants that should be avoided in their vicinity.
Cabbage, corn, broccoli, fennel, dill, potatoes, eggplant, walnuts, and cauliflower should not be planted near tomatoes as they can interfere with their growth and health.
For a successful tomato garden, consider planting asparagus, chives, onions, lettuce, marigolds, and basil near tomatoes.
These companion plants can positively influence the growth and productivity of tomatoes.
Key Points:
- Cabbage, corn, broccoli, fennel, dill, potatoes, eggplant, walnuts, and cauliflower should not be planted near tomatoes.
- These plants can interfere with the growth and health of tomatoes.
- To have a successful tomato garden, consider planting asparagus, chives, onions, lettuce, marigolds, and basil near tomatoes.
- These companion plants can positively influence the growth and productivity of tomatoes.
- Mindful of plants that should be avoided near tomatoes.
- Certain plants can negatively impact tomatoes, while others can benefit them.
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that planting carrots near tomatoes can actually improve the flavor of both crops? Carrots produce a chemical that repels pests harmful to tomatoes, while tomatoes release a chemical that deters pests from attacking carrots. It’s a win-win situation for your vegetable garden!
2. When deciding what not to plant near tomatoes, keep in mind that they shouldn’t be planted close to members of the Brassicaceae family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. These plants can attract similar pests and diseases, increasing the risk of infestations and reducing the overall yield of your tomato plants.
3. One surprising companion plant to avoid near tomatoes is corn. While corn can provide some shade to tomato plants, their growth patterns are quite different. Corn grows tall and can cast shadows that stunt the growth of neighboring tomato plants, leading to decreased fruit production.
4. Beware of planting potatoes near your tomatoes! Both plants are susceptible to late blight, a devastating fungal disease that can quickly spread between them. To avoid this, it is advised to separate these crops and provide proper spacing to ensure good air circulation and minimize the risk of infection.
5. While basil is often recommended as a companion plant for tomatoes, it’s important to note that not all basil varieties are suitable partners. Spicy Globe basil, for instance, can negatively affect the growth and flavor of nearby tomatoes. Opt for sweet basil varieties such as Genovese or Italian Large Leaf to enjoy the benefits of this popular pairing.
Cabbage And Corn: Tomato Incompatible Plantings
When it comes to planting tomatoes, it is essential to be aware of the plants that can hinder their growth. One such example is cabbage. While cabbage is a popular vegetable known for its nutritional value, it should not be planted near tomato plants. Cabbage and tomatoes belong to the same plant family, Brassicaceae, and can be susceptible to similar diseases and pests. Planting these two together increases the risk of cross-contamination and can negatively impact the health of both plants.
Similarly, corn is another plant that should not be planted near tomatoes. Corn has a high demand for nutrients, especially nitrogen, and can deplete the soil of essential resources that tomatoes also require. Additionally, the tall stalks of corn can overshadow the tomato plants, depriving them of much-needed sunlight. Therefore, to ensure the optimal growth and yield of your tomato plants, it is best to keep them separate from cabbage and corn.
- Avoid planting cabbage near tomato plants
- Avoid planting corn near tomato plants
Broccoli And Fennel: Avoid These Near Tomato Plants
Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable, is not a compatible companion for tomato plants. Both broccoli and tomatoes are heavy feeders and have similar nutritional requirements. Planting them near each other leads to fierce competition for nutrients, resulting in stunted growth and diminished yields for both crops.
Fennel, with its aromatic and flavorful leaves and seeds, may be a wonderful addition to many dishes. However, it is not recommended to plant fennel near tomato plants. Fennel is known to emit a chemical called anethole, which can negatively impact the growth and development of tomatoes. The emissions of fennel can interfere with the natural growth processes of tomatoes, leading to reduced productivity.
Dill And Potatoes: Not Compatible With Tomatoes
Dill, a popular herb with a distinct flavor, is often used in pickling and seasoning. However, it is best to avoid planting dill near tomato plants. Dill and tomatoes are incompatible due to their similar growth habits and nutrient requirements. Both plants have a tendency to attract aphids and other pests, increasing the risk of infestation when grown together. Moreover, planting dill near tomatoes can result in reduced air circulation, which can contribute to the development of fungal diseases.
Potatoes, a staple crop in many households, should also not be planted near tomatoes. Both potatoes and tomatoes are susceptible to a shared set of diseases, including blight. When planted together, these diseases can spread rapidly, making it challenging to control and prevent their progression. Furthermore, tomatoes and potatoes have similar nutrient requirements. Planting them together can result in nutrient imbalances and deficient growth for both crops.
To summarize:
- Avoid planting dill near tomatoes to prevent infestation and fungal diseases.
- Do not plant potatoes near tomatoes to control the spread of diseases.
- Proper spacing between crops is essential to ensure optimal air circulation.
- Be mindful of nutrient requirements to avoid imbalances and deficient growth.
Eggplant And Walnuts: Plants To Keep Away From Tomatoes
Growing tomatoes near eggplants can be a risky venture. Both plants are members of the Solanaceae family and are susceptible to similar diseases, such as verticillium wilt and fusarium wilt. Planting them together can create an environment conducive to the spread of these diseases, causing significant damage to both crops.
Walnut trees, while producing delicious nuts, release a chemical compound called juglone. This compound can be toxic to many plants, including tomatoes. Planting tomatoes near walnut trees or any area with juglone exposure can result in stunted growth, wilting, and overall poor health. Therefore, it is advisable to keep tomato plants at a safe distance from walnut trees.
Cauliflower: Best To Keep Separate From Tomato Plants
Cauliflower is not considered a suitable companion for tomato plants. Both cauliflower and tomatoes have similar growth requirements and are vulnerable to similar diseases. Planting them adjacent to one another can increase the risk of fungal infections and pest infestations. Additionally, cauliflower plants tend to have broad leaves that can overshadow and hinder the growth of tomato plants, limiting their access to sunlight.
In contrast, there are certain plants that can be beneficial when grown near tomatoes. These companion plants can aid in pest control, enhance soil fertility, and improve the flavor of tomatoes. Some examples include asparagus, chives, onions, lettuce, marigolds, and basil. Including these plants in your tomato garden can create a harmonious and mutually beneficial environment for your crops.
In summary, careful consideration of companion planting is crucial for tomato plants. Avoid planting cabbage, corn, broccoli, fennel, dill, potatoes, eggplant, walnuts, and cauliflower near tomatoes to ensure optimal growth and productivity. By selecting suitable companion plants and avoiding incompatible ones, you can create a thriving tomato garden that yields bountiful and delicious fruits.
- Avoid planting: cabbage, corn, broccoli, fennel, dill, potatoes, eggplant, walnuts, and cauliflower near tomatoes.
- Select suitable companion plants and avoid incompatible ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What plants go well with tomatoes?
In addition to the suggested plants, another great companion for tomatoes is rosemary. This aromatic herb not only deters pests but also enhances the flavor of tomatoes when grown together. Furthermore, planting onions alongside tomatoes can be beneficial. Onions act as a natural insect repellent and can help ward off pests that commonly affect tomatoes.
What is good to put on tomato plants?
To promote healthy growth and fruitful yield, tomato plants benefit from a nutrient-rich environment. Consider incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting to boost overall fertility. During planting time, a water-soluble fertilizer with a high phosphorus content can be applied, which aids in root development and strengthens the plants. Once the first fruits appear, a 5-10-5 fertilizer can be utilized to maintain the plant’s vigor and encourage abundant production throughout the growing season.
What do tomatoes grow best beside?
Tomatoes thrive when planted alongside companion plants such as marigolds and Nasturtiums. These flowers not only add beauty to the garden but also attract beneficial insects that control harmful pests and aid in pollination. Additionally, planting tomatoes near herbs like oregano and parsley can help repel pests and enhance the flavors of both the tomatoes and the herbs. By intercropping tomatoes with these companion plants, gardeners can create a harmonious and productive environment for their tomato plants to flourish.
What vegetables can be planted next to tomatoes?
Carrots. Planting carrots alongside tomatoes is a beneficial practice as they help break up compacted soil and provide the tomatoes with necessary nutrients. Additionally, the tall carrot tops can provide some shade to the tomato plants, protecting them from excessive sunlight.
Beans. Growing beans near tomatoes is a win-win partnership. Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they convert nitrogen from the air into a usable form for plants. This benefits the tomatoes, which are heavy feeders and require ample nitrogen for healthy growth. In return, the tomatoes provide support for the climbing bean plants, creating a mutually beneficial relationship in the garden.