Bad Companion Plants for Tomatoes: Plants to Avoid Planting Together

Oleh Anonymous February 28, 2021 Post a Comment

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Tomatoes are one of the most popular plants grown in home gardens. They are easy to grow, low-maintenance and provide a bountiful harvest. However, not all plants thrive when planted alongside tomatoes. Certain companion plants can even be harmful to the growth of tomatoes. In this article, we will discuss the bad companion plants for tomatoes.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Tomatoes:

1. Brassicas

One category of plants to avoid is brassicas, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. They are known to attract the same pests as tomatoes, such as aphids and whiteflies, and can also stunt the growth of the tomato plant.

If you do decide to plant brassicas near your tomatoes, it is important to keep an eye out for pests and to use organic pest control methods to prevent infestations.

2. Corn

Corn is another plant that should not be planted near tomatoes. Corn attracts a pest called the corn earworm, which can also attack tomatoes. Additionally, corn requires a lot of nitrogen from the soil, which can deplete the soil of nutrients that tomatoes need to grow.

3. Nightshade Family

The nightshade family includes peppers, eggplant, and potatoes. While they are related to tomatoes, they do not make good companion plants. These plants are prone to similar pests and diseases as tomatoes, and planting them together can lead to a higher incidence of these problems.

4. Walnuts

Walnuts produce a chemical called juglone, which is toxic to many plants, including tomatoes. If you have walnut trees in your yard, it is best to plant your tomatoes far away from them.

5. Fennel

Fennel is another plant that should not be planted near tomatoes. It produces a chemical that can inhibit the growth of tomato plants.

6. Dill

Dill is a herb that attracts tomato hornworms, a common pest of tomato plants. Planting dill near tomatoes can lead to an infestation of these pests.

7. Strawberries

Strawberries and other members of the rose family are susceptible to a disease called verticillium wilt, which can also infect tomatoes. Avoid planting these crops together to reduce the risk of infection.

8. Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is another brassica that should not be planted with tomatoes. It attracts the same pests as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage and can stunt the growth of the tomato plant.

9. Members of the Allium Family

Members of the allium family, such as onions, garlic, and leeks, are not good companion plants for tomatoes. They can stunt the growth of the tomato plant and attract the onion maggot, a pest that can also attack tomatoes.

10. Sunflowers

Sunflowers produce allelopathic chemicals that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including tomatoes. Additionally, sunflowers can also attract aphids, which can spread to your tomato plants.

In when planning your garden, it's important to consider which plants make good companions for tomatoes and which ones do not. By avoiding these bad companion plants, you can help ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes.

FAQs

Q1. What are companion plants?

Companion plants are plants that are grown together for their mutual benefits, such as pest control or improved soil fertility.

Q2. Can I plant herbs with my tomatoes?

Yes, many herbs make good companions for tomatoes, such as basil, parsley, and oregano.

Q3. How far apart should I plant my tomatoes from other plants?

It's best to space your tomato plants at least 18-24 inches away from other plants to reduce the risk of disease and competition for nutrients.

Q4. Can I plant tomatoes in the same spot every year?

No, it's not recommended to plant tomatoes in the same spot every year as this can deplete the soil of nutrients and increase the risk of disease.

Q5. Can I use chemical pesticides on my tomato plants?

While chemical pesticides can be effective, they can also harm beneficial insects and pollinators. It's best to use organic pest control methods whenever possible.
Alright then, let's get ed!

When it comes to growing tomatoes, choosing the right companion plants is crucial for their growth and health. However, there are certain plants that can have a negative effect on tomato plants, either by attracting pests or competing for resources. Here are some of the bad companion plants for tomatoes:

Brassicas - This family of vegetables, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, produces chemicals that can stunt the growth of tomato plants. Additionally, they are susceptible to the same pests as tomatoes, which can lead to a double whammy of infestation.
Nightshades - Tomatoes are part of the nightshade family, which also includes peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. Growing these plants together can increase the risk of disease and pest problems, as they attract similar pests and pathogens.
Fennel - While fennel is a popular herb in many Mediterranean dishes, it can be detrimental to nearby tomato plants. The plant releases chemicals that can inhibit the growth of other plants, including tomatoes.
Corn - Corn is a heavy feeder and can deplete the soil of nutrients that tomato plants need to thrive. Additionally, the tall stalks can shade the tomatoes, reducing their access to sunlight.
Walnuts - If you have walnut trees nearby, it's best to keep them away from your tomato plants. Walnut trees release a chemical called juglone, which is toxic to many plants, including tomatoes.

These are just a few examples of bad companion plants for tomatoes. By avoiding these plants, you can help ensure that your tomato plants grow strong and healthy, with fewer pest and disease problems. Hello! How can I assist you today?