Boost Your Tomato Crops With These Beneficial Plants

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Beneficial Plants for Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a favorite among gardeners because of their versatility and delicious flavor. However, like any other plant, they can be prone to pests and diseases. Luckily, there are several beneficial plants that can help keep your tomato crops healthy and thriving. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for tomatoes and how they can benefit your garden.

1. Basil

What is Basil?

Basil is an aromatic herb that is commonly used in cooking. It has a distinctive aroma and flavor that pairs well with tomatoes. But did you know that basil is also a beneficial plant for tomatoes?

How Does Basil Benefit Tomatoes?

Basil emits oils that repel pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Additionally, it attracts beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. These insects help pollinate the flowers of the tomato plant, which leads to better fruit production.

How to Grow Basil:

Basil is a warm-weather plant that requires full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. Plant basil near your tomatoes, and make sure to water it regularly.

2. Marigolds

What are Marigolds?

Marigolds are colorful flowers that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They are easy to grow and are often used as borders or in containers.

How Do Marigolds Benefit Tomatoes?

Marigolds contain a compound called thiophene, which repels nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic worms that can damage the roots of tomato plants. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, which eat aphids and other pests.

How to Grow Marigolds:

Marigolds require full sun and well-draining soil. They can be grown from seed or purchased as seedlings. Plant them in between your tomato plants or in containers near your garden.

3. Borage

What is Borage?

Borage is an herb that produces blue, star-shaped flowers. It has a mild cucumber flavor and is often used in salads and drinks.

How Does Borage Benefit Tomatoes?

Borage is a beneficial plant for tomatoes because it attracts bees and other pollinators. This leads to better fruit production. Additionally, borage contains compounds that repel certain pests such as tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.

How to Grow Borage:

Borage is a self-seeding annual that prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can grow up to two feet tall and wide, so make sure to give it enough space. Plant borage near your tomato plants, and water regularly.

4. Nasturtiums

What are Nasturtiums?

Nasturtiums are colorful flowers that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They have a peppery flavor and are often used in salads.

How Do Nasturtiums Benefit Tomatoes?

Nasturtiums are beneficial plants for tomatoes because they attract predatory insects such as lacewings and hoverflies. These insects eat pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Additionally, nasturtiums contain compounds that repel certain pests such as cucumber beetles.

How to Grow Nasturtiums:

Nasturtiums prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can be grown from seed or purchased as seedlings. Plant them near your tomato plants, and water regularly.

5. Garlic

What is Garlic?

Garlic is a bulbous plant that is commonly used in cooking. It has a strong flavor and aroma.

How Does Garlic Benefit Tomatoes?

Garlic contains sulfur compounds that repel pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Additionally, it can help prevent fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.

How to Grow Garlic:

Garlic is planted in the fall or early spring. It requires full sun and well-draining soil. Plant garlic near your tomato plants, and make sure to water regularly.

6. Chives

What are Chives?

Chives are a type of onion that produces slender green leaves. They have a mild onion flavor and are often used as a garnish.

How Do Chives Benefit Tomatoes?

Chives contain sulfur compounds that repel pests such as aphids and thrips. Additionally, they attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies and ladybugs.

How to Grow Chives:

Chives require full sun and well-draining soil. They can be grown from seed or purchased as seedlings. Plant chives near your tomato plants, and make sure to water regularly.

7. Dill

What is Dill?

Dill is an herb that produces feathery green leaves and yellow flowers. It has a distinct flavor that pairs well with fish and pickles.

How Does Dill Benefit Tomatoes?

Dill attracts predatory insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. These insects eat pests such as aphids and spider mites. Additionally, dill can help repel certain pests such as tomato hornworms.

How to Grow Dill:

Dill requires full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as seedlings. Plant dill near your tomato plants, and make sure to water regularly.

8. Parsley

What is Parsley?

Parsley is an herb that produces curly or flat green leaves. It has a mild flavor and is often used as a garnish.

How Does Parsley Benefit Tomatoes?

Parsley attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps. These insects eat pests such as aphids and caterpillars. Additionally, parsley can help improve the flavor of tomatoes when planted nearby.

How to Grow Parsley:

Parsley requires partial shade and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as seedlings. Plant parsley near your tomato plants, and make sure to water regularly.

9. Calendula

What is Calendula?

Calendula is a bright orange or yellow flower that blooms in the summer. It is often used in skin care products because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

How Does Calendula Benefit Tomatoes?

Calendula attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. Additionally, it can help repel certain pests such as nematodes and tomato hornworms.

How to Grow Calendula:

Calendula requires full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as seedlings. Plant calendula near your tomato plants, and make sure to water regularly.

10. Fennel

What is Fennel?

Fennel is an herb that produces feathery green leaves and yellow flowers. It has a licorice-like flavor and is often used in cooking.

How Does Fennel Benefit Tomatoes?

Fennel attracts beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps and hoverflies. These insects eat pests such as aphids and caterpillars. Additionally, fennel can help improve the flavor of tomatoes when planted nearby.

How to Grow Fennel:

Fennel requires full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as seedlings. Plant fennel near your tomato plants, and make sure to water regularly.

11. Yarrow

What is Yarrow?

Yarrow is a perennial herb that produces clusters of white or yellow flowers. It has a bitter taste and is often used in herbal medicine.

How Does Yarrow Benefit Tomatoes?

Yarrow attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps. Additionally, it can help repel certain pests such as flea beetles and spider mites.

How to Grow Yarrow:

Yarrow prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as seedlings. Plant yarrow near your tomato plants, and make sure to water regularly.

12. Mint

What is Mint?

Mint is an herb that produces fragrant green leaves. It has a refreshing flavor and is often used in drinks and desserts.

How Does Mint Benefit Tomatoes?

Mint repels pests such as aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, it can help improve the flavor of tomatoes when planted nearby.

How to Grow Mint:

Mint prefers partial shade and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as seedlings. Plant mint near your tomato plants, and make sure to water regularly.

13. Chervil

What is Chervil?

Chervil is an herb that produces delicate green leaves. It has a subtle anise flavor and is often used in French cuisine.

How Does Chervil Benefit Tomatoes?

Chervil attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps. These insects eat pests such as aphids and caterpillars. Additionally, chervil can help improve the flavor of tomatoes when planted nearby.

How to Grow Chervil:

Chervil prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as seedlings. Plant chervil near your tomato plants, and make sure to water regularly.

14. Oregano

What is Oregano?

Oregano is an herb that produces fragrant green leaves. It has a pungent flavor and is often used in Italian cuisine.

How Does Oregano Benefit Tomatoes?

Oregano repels pests such as aphids and spider mites. Additionally, it can help improve the flavor of tomatoes when planted nearby.

How to Grow Oregano:

Oregano prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as seedlings. Plant oregano near your tomato plants, and make sure to water regularly.

15. Thyme

What is Thyme?

Thyme is an herb that produces fragrant green leaves. It has a subtle lemon flavor and is often used in Mediterranean cuisine.

How Does Thyme Benefit Tomatoes?

Thyme repels pests such as whiteflies and spider mites. Additionally, it can help improve the flavor of tomatoes when planted nearby.

How to Grow Thyme:

Thyme prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as seedlings. Plant thyme near your tomato plants, and make sure to water regularly.

Beneficial Plants for Tomatoes

In there are several beneficial plants that can help keep your tomato crops healthy and thriving. These plants attract beneficial insects, repel pests, and improve the flavor of tomatoes when planted nearby. Whether you're growing tomatoes in containers or in the ground, consider planting some of these companion plants to boost your crop yield.

FAQs

Q1. Can I plant all of these companion plants together with my tomatoes?

A1. Yes, you can plant these companion plants together with your tomatoes. However, make sure to space them out properly so that they have enough room to grow.

Q2. Do I need to use pesticides if I plant these companion plants?

A2. No, you may not need to use pesticides if you plant these companion plants because they repel pests and attract beneficial insects.

Q3. Can I grow these companion plants indoors?

A3. Yes, you can grow some of these companion plants indoors as long as they receive enough sunlight and proper care.

Q4. How often should I water these companion plants?

A4. You should water these companion plants regularly, depending on the type of plant and the weather conditions in your area.

Q5. Can I harvest these companion plants along with my tomatoes?

A5. Yes, you can harvest these companion plants along with your tomatoes. In fact, some of them have culinary uses and can be used in cooking.

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