The Ultimate Guide to Companion Planting: What to Plant Next to Tomatoes

Table of Contents

Best Plants to Grow Next to Tomatoes

When it comes to growing tomatoes, choosing the right companion plants can make all the difference. Here are some of the best plants to grow alongside your tomatoes:

1. Basil

Basil is a great companion plant for tomatoes because it helps to repel pests and enhance their flavor. Plus, it's easy to grow and makes a delicious addition to any meal.

How to Grow Basil:

Basil is a warm-weather plant that needs full sun and well-drained soil. You can either seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date or sow them directly in the ground after the danger of frost has passed.

Basil Care Tips:

Basil needs regular watering and should be fertilized every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Pinch off any flowers that appear to encourage more leaf growth.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are another great companion plant for tomatoes because they attract beneficial insects and repel harmful ones. They also add a pop of color to your garden!

How to Grow Marigolds:

Marigolds prefer full sun and well-drained soil. You can seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date or sow them directly in the ground after the danger of frost has passed.

Marigold Care Tips:

Water marigolds regularly and deadhead any spent blooms to encourage more flowering.

3. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for tomatoes because they attract beneficial insects and repel harmful ones. They also add a pop of color to your garden!

How to Grow Nasturtiums:

Nasturtiums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. You can sow seeds directly in the ground after the danger of frost has passed.

Nasturtium Care Tips:

Water nasturtiums regularly and deadhead any spent blooms to encourage more flowering.

4. Carrots

Carrots are a great companion plant for tomatoes because they help to break up heavy soil and improve drainage. Plus, they're easy to grow and make a great addition to any meal.

How to Grow Carrots:

Carrots prefer full sun and well-drained soil. You can sow seeds directly in the ground after the danger of frost has passed.

Carrot Care Tips:

Water carrots regularly and thin them out as they to grow to ensure they have enough space to mature.

5. Peppers

Peppers are a great companion plant for tomatoes because they help to repel pests and enhance their flavor. Plus, they're easy to grow and make a great addition to any meal.

How to Grow Peppers:

Peppers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. You can either seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date or sow them directly in the ground after the danger of frost has passed.

Pepper Care Tips:

Water peppers regularly and fertilize them every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Other Plants to Consider

While these are some of the best plants to grow next to tomatoes, there are plenty of other options to consider. Here are a few more plants that can make great companions:

1. Cilantro

Cilantro is a great companion plant for tomatoes because it helps to repel pests and enhance their flavor. Plus, it's easy to grow and makes a delicious addition to any meal.

How to Grow Cilantro:

Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and partial shade. You can sow seeds directly in the ground after the danger of frost has passed.

Cilantro Care Tips:

Water cilantro regularly and pinch off any flowers that appear to encourage more leaf growth.

2. Garlic

Garlic is a great companion plant for tomatoes because it helps to repel pests and enhance their flavor. Plus, it's easy to grow and makes a great addition to any meal.

How to Grow Garlic:

Garlic should be planted in the fall or early spring in well-drained soil. You can either plant cloves directly in the ground or in containers.

Garlic Care Tips:

Water garlic regularly and fertilize it every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

3. Onions

Onions are a great companion plant for tomatoes because they help to repel pests and enhance their flavor. Plus, they're easy to grow and make a great addition to any meal.

How to Grow Onions:

Onions should be planted in the fall or early spring in well-drained soil. You can either plant bulbs directly in the ground or in containers.

Onion Care Tips:

Water onions regularly and fertilize them every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Companion Planting Tips

When it comes to companion planting, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you get ed:

1. Choose Plants that Complement Each Other

When choosing companion plants, look for ones that complement each other. For example, plants that have similar soil and water requirements will do well together.

2. Consider Plant Height

Consider the height of your plants when choosing companions. Taller plants can provide shade for shorter ones, while shorter plants can help to fill in gaps.

3. Rotate Your Crops

To prevent nutrient depletion and pest buildup, rotate your crops every year. This means planting different plants in different areas of your garden each year.

4. Use Mulch to Conserve Water

Mulching around your plants can help to conserve water and suppress weeds. Plus, it adds organic matter to your soil as it breaks down.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I plant tomatoes next to cucumbers?

While cucumbers and tomatoes can be grown together, they don't make great companions. Cucumbers prefer cooler temperatures and higher humidity, while tomatoes prefer warmer temperatures and lower humidity.

2. What plants should I avoid planting next to tomatoes?

Plants in the nightshade family, such as peppers and eggplants, should be planted away from tomatoes to avoid soil-borne diseases.

3. Can I plant tomatoes next to herbs?

Yes! Many herbs, such as basil and cilantro, make great companions for tomatoes.

4. Will companion planting improve my tomato yield?

Companion planting can help to improve the health of your plants, which can lead to a better yield. However, it's not a guarantee and other factors, such as soil quality and weather conditions, will also play a role.

5. Can I plant tomatoes next to lettuce?

Yes! Lettuce and tomatoes make great companions because lettuce prefers partial shade and cooler temperatures, while tomatoes prefer full sun and warmer temperatures.

Image best to plant next to tomatoes

Pin on for the Garden

How To Grow Tomatoes from Seed FAST and EASY Way WORKS EVERY TIME

Tomato Indigo Apple new blue tomatoes high in natural antioxidants

PERSIMMON Ind regular leaf 80 days 12 lbs cadmium orange

How to Choose Tomato Varieties to Grow in Your Garden Tomato garden

5 Ways to Stake Tomatoes for a Bountiful Tomato Harvest Tomato

8 Problem Causing Mistakes Tomato Plant Growers Make Growing tomato

Try These Simple Tricks to Prevent Tomatoes from Splitting Tomatoes

Embellish tutorial UpsideDown Hanging Tomato Plant Hanging tomato

Pin on All About Tomatoes