What to Plant with Tomatoes: 8 Companion Plants
What to Plant With Tomatos?
When planting tomatoes, there are several companion plants that can be beneficial.
Marigolds help deter tomato hornworms and aphids, while garlic repels moths, cabbage loopers, and root maggots.
Onions act as natural pest repellents, except for thrips.
Lavender repels mosquitoes and flying pests, attracts bees, and enhances pollination.
Basil helps control aphids, spider mites, and thrips, as well as repelling mosquitoes.
Chives produce oils that repel predators.
Asparagus repels asparagus beetles and acts as a natural fungicide.
Celery deters bugs that eat tomatoes, and parsley attracts hoverflies that eat aphids.
Peppers are generally compatible companions for tomatoes, and beneficial insects like ladybugs, green lacewings, and hoverflies can help control pests.
Other suitable companion plants for tomatoes include squash, zucchini, nasturtiums, borage, and sunflowers.
However, plants such as dill, eggplant, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, corn, cucumber, potatoes, strawberries, cauliflower, and broccoli should not be planted with tomatoes as they can have negative effects.
Additionally, the Brassica family, including cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi, should be grown separately from tomatoes.
Rosemary is not compatible with tomatoes, fennel inhibits tomato growth, and black walnut trees hinder tomato plant growth.
Carrots can be good companions for tomatoes, but tomato plants can stunt carrot roots.
Key Points:
- Marigolds deter tomato hornworms and aphids.
- Garlic repels moths, cabbage loopers, and root maggots.
- Onions act as natural pest repellents, except for thrips.
- Lavender repels mosquitoes and flying pests, attracts bees, and enhances pollination.
- Basil helps control aphids, spider mites, and thrips, and repels mosquitoes.
- Chives produce oils that repel predators.
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that planting marigolds alongside your tomatoes can help repel harmful pests? Marigolds emit a distinctive scent that deters insects, making them excellent companions for your tomato plants.
2. For an added boost of flavor in your tomato garden, consider planting basil nearby. Basil not only complements the taste of tomatoes but can also enhance their growth as they release certain compounds that act as natural pesticides.
3. Companion planting tomatoes with carrots can be beneficial for both crops. Tomato plants can provide some shade for the carrots, preventing them from wilting in direct sunlight, while the carrots help deter weeds from growing around the tomato plants’ roots.
4. Want to deter pesky aphids and whiteflies from infesting your tomato plants? Try planting garlic nearby. The strong aroma of garlic acts as a natural deterrent, keeping these common tomato pests at bay.
5. If you’re looking to make the most of your tomato harvest, consider planting some borage alongside your tomato plants. Borage flowers are not only beautiful but attract pollinators like bees, which can result in better fruit set and higher yields for your tomatoes.
Marigolds: Natural Defense Against Tomato Hornworms And Aphids
Marigolds, with their vibrant blooms and pleasant fragrance, are not just decorative additions to your garden. They also serve as natural defenders against two common pests that plague tomato plants: tomato hornworms and aphids. These pests can cause significant damage to tomato foliage, leading to reduced yields and overall plant health. However, by strategically planting marigolds alongside your tomato plants, you can harness the power of these beautiful flowers to protect your precious crop.
Marigolds, particularly the French and African varieties, release a compound called alpha-terthienyl, which is highly effective in repelling tomato hornworms. These large, green caterpillars can devour tomato leaves at an alarming rate, leaving behind a trail of devastation. By planting marigolds around your tomato patch, you create a barrier that deters these pests from approaching your plants in the first place. Additionally, marigolds emit a scent that discourages aphids, small insects that suck the sap from tomato plants and spread diseases. By planting marigolds in close proximity to your tomatoes, you can reduce the occurrence of aphid infestations, allowing your plants to thrive.
To maximize the benefits of marigold companionship, it is essential to plant them in key locations within your garden. Create a border around your tomato beds with a dense planting of marigolds. Alternatively, interplant marigolds between your tomato plants, ensuring that every few feet there is a splash of bright yellow or orange. By strategically placing marigolds, you create an invisible shield that deters tomato hornworms and aphids, preserving the health and productivity of your beloved tomatoes.
Companion Plants: Garlic, Onions, And Lavender For Pest Control
In the quest for a pest-free tomato garden, consider incorporating some powerful allies into your planting scheme. Garlic and onions, known for their distinct flavors and aromas, also possess remarkable pest-repellent properties. These members of the Allium family work by emitting sulfur compounds that deter a wide range of pests, including moths, cabbage loopers, and root maggots. By interplanting garlic and onions with your tomato plants, you create an environment that is less appealing to these destructive insects, increasing the chances of a bountiful tomato harvest.
Lavender, with its fragrant purple blooms, also plays a crucial role in pest control. While mosquitoes and flying pests can be a nuisance in the garden, a well-placed lavender plant can provide some relief. Its strong scent acts as a natural repellent for mosquitoes, reducing the annoyance factor during garden gatherings. Additionally, lavender attracts bees, which are essential pollinators for tomato plants. By inviting bees to your garden with lavender’s irresistible fragrance, you enhance the pollination of your tomato flowers, resulting in larger yields and healthier plants.
When incorporating garlic, onions, and lavender into your tomato garden, proper placement is key. For garlic and onions, consider planting them alongside your tomato beds or in between individual plants. Lavender, on the other hand, can be planted around the garden perimeter or interspersed within the tomato patch. By strategically incorporating these companion plants, you create a harmonious environment that repels pests, supports pollination, and rewards you with a thriving tomato harvest.
- Garlic and onions: emit sulfur compounds that deter pests
- Lavender: acts as a natural repellent for mosquitoes and attracts bees for pollination
Basil And Chives: Dual Role In Pest Control And Repelling Mosquitoes
Basil, with its fragrant leaves and culinary versatility, is a beloved herb in many kitchens. However, its benefits extend beyond the dining table and into the garden. Basil not only adds flavor to your tomato dishes but also acts as a valuable ally in pest control. This aromatic herb has natural properties that help control aphids, spider mites, and thrips, three common pests that can wreak havoc on tomato plants.
By interplanting basil with your tomatoes, you create a natural defense system against these pesky intruders. Basil emits volatile compounds that discourage aphids, sucking insects that can stunt the growth of tomato plants and spread diseases. Spider mites, another common pest, can cause leaves to become yellow and mottled. Basil’s strong fragrance acts as a deterrent, reducing the likelihood of a spider mite infestation. Lastly, thrips, tiny insects that feast on tomato foliage, can be discouraged by the presence of basil. By incorporating this flavorful herb into your garden, you not only enhance pest control but also have a ready supply of fresh basil leaves for culinary creations.
Chives, with their slender green leaves and delicate purple flowers, also provide valuable assistance in pest control. These onion relatives produce natural oils that repel predators, making them beneficial companions for tomato plants. By planting chives near your tomato patch, you create a barrier that deters common pests, such as aphids and spider mites, reducing the potential for damage to your tomato plants.
When establishing the partnership between basil, chives, and tomatoes, proper placement is essential. Basil and chives can be interplanted between tomato plants, forming a cohesive and protective garden community. By combining these herbs with your tomatoes, you not only improve pest control but also add culinary variety and visual interest to your garden.
Suitable Companion Plants: Peppers, Nasturtiums, And Sunflowers
Companion planting is a valuable technique that maximizes the potential of your garden by harnessing the benefits of plant relationships. When it comes to tomatoes, several suitable companion plants can enhance growth, repel pests, and increase overall productivity.
Peppers, with their vibrant colors and spicy flavors, make excellent companions for tomatoes. These two members of the Solanaceae family share similar cultural requirements and thrive in similar environmental conditions. By interplanting peppers with tomatoes, you create a harmonious environment that allows both plants to flourish. Additionally, peppers are known to repel certain pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, reducing the likelihood of damage to your tomato plants.
Nasturtiums, with their cheerful flowers and edible leaves, also pair well with tomatoes. These vibrant companions not only add visual interest but also act as a trap crop, luring aphids away from your precious tomatoes. Aphids are readily attracted to nasturtiums but tend to leave tomato plants alone when presented with the tempting alternative. By incorporating nasturtiums into your garden, you create a diversion that protects your tomatoes from aphid infestations.
Sunflowers, with their towering stalks and golden flowers, are impressive companions for tomatoes. These majestic plants enhance the overall health of the garden by attracting beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, green lacewings, and hoverflies. These insect allies feed on common tomato pests, including aphids, caterpillars, and mites. By attracting these natural predators to your garden with the presence of sunflowers, you create a balanced ecosystem that supports pest control without introducing harmful chemicals.
When incorporating peppers, nasturtiums, and sunflowers into your tomato garden, consider the different growth habits and spacing requirements of each plant. Ensure that each plant has adequate room to grow and thrive, avoiding overcrowding. By carefully arranging these companion plants, you create a functional and vibrant garden that showcases the beauty and productivity of tomatoes.
Incompatible Plants: Brassicas, Rosemary, Fennel, And Black Walnut Trees
While companion planting can provide numerous benefits to your tomato garden, it is equally important to be aware of plants that should not be planted alongside tomatoes. Certain plants, when grown in close proximity to tomatoes, can interfere with growth, attract common pests, or hinder overall plant health.
Members of the Brassica family, such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, should be grown separately from tomatoes. These plants have similar nutritional requirements and are susceptible to similar pests and diseases. Growing them together increases the likelihood of cross-contamination, leading to weakened plants and reduced yields. Additionally, the presence of brassicas can attract pests such as aphids and caterpillars, which can subsequently infest tomato plants.
Rosemary, a popular evergreen herb with a distinct aroma, is not compatible with tomatoes. While rosemary is highly valued for its culinary use and its ability to repel certain pests, its proximity to tomato plants can inhibit their growth. The essential oils released by rosemary can have an adverse effect on tomato plants, stunting their growth and causing poor yields.
Fennel, characterized by its delicate leaves and flavorful seeds, should also be avoided as a companion for tomatoes. Although fennel is attractive to certain beneficial insects, it can inhibit the growth of tomato plants and hinder their overall performance. The presence of fennel can negatively affect the flavor and quality of tomatoes, making it an unsuitable companion.
Black walnut trees, with their majestic stature and rich, dark wood, can pose a significant challenge to tomatoes. The roots of black walnut trees release a natural chemical compound called juglone, which inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. If your garden is in the vicinity of black walnut trees, it is advisable to choose a different location for your precious tomatoes to ensure their optimal development and productivity.
When planning your tomato garden, it is essential to avoid companion planting with incompatible plants. By steering clear of brassicas, rosemary, fennel, and black walnut trees, you create an environment that fosters the growth and success of your tomatoes.
understanding the intricate world of companion planting opens up a realm of possibilities for cultivating successful tomato gardens. By strategically selecting companion plants, you can enhance pest control, improve pollination, and bolster overall plant health. Marigolds, garlic, onions, lavender, basil, chives, and other suitable companions contribute to the well-being and productivity of tomatoes. Conversely, avoiding brassicas, rosemary, fennel, and black walnut trees helps safeguard the growth and development of this beloved fruit. By harnessing the power of companion planting, you can create a garden oasis where your tomatoes thrive and provide bountiful harvests year after year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What plants go well with tomatoes?
Two plants that complement tomatoes well are cucumbers and peppers. Cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch and add a cool, hydrating element to dishes when paired with juicy tomatoes. Additionally, peppers offer a delicious spicy kick that can enhance the flavor profile of tomato-based recipes. Whether in a salad or a salsa, the combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers creates a vibrant and flavorful dish.
What is good to put around tomato plants?
To keep tomato plants thriving, it is essential to provide them with a consistent water supply. Deeply watering tomato plants with about an inch of water each week is crucial for their growth. Additionally, surrounding the plants with a layer of mulch can greatly benefit them. Whether using shredded pine bark, grass clippings, or composted leaves, mulching acts as a protective blanket preventing the water from evaporating under the scorching summer sun. This helps to maintain the moisture levels around the plants and ensures their hydration, resulting in healthier and juicier tomatoes.
What is the best mix for tomato plants?
Finding the perfect mix for tomato plants can greatly enhance their growth and yield. While pre-made soilless potting mixes are convenient, you can also prepare your own with excellent results. A recommended mix involves combining one bushel each of vermiculite and peat moss, along with 1 ¼ cups of dolomitic lime, ½ cup of 20 percent superphosphate, and 1 cup of 5-10-5 fertilizer. The addition of quality compost will further enrich the nutrient content. By striking the right balance of these components, you can ensure optimal conditions for your tomato plants to thrive and produce abundant, healthy fruits.
Can I plant peppers next to tomatoes?
While it is generally advised to avoid planting tomatoes and peppers consecutively in the same bed each year, they can be successfully cultivated alongside each other within the same garden bed. To ensure optimal growth and prevent potential diseases, it is recommended to rotate their placement to a different bed in the following season. By implementing this practice, both peppers and tomatoes can thrive harmoniously in your garden while maintaining the health of the soil.