Discovering the Best Tomato Companions to Boost Your Harvest

Oleh Anonymous June 20, 2021 Post a Comment

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The Importance of Tomato Companions

When it comes to gardening, choosing the right companion plants can make all the difference in the world. Companion planting is a technique that has been used for centuries to improve crop yield, protect against pests and diseases, and promote overall plant health.

Tomatoes are no exception when it comes to needing the right companions. They have unique needs and growing habits that require specific plants to grow alongside them. In this article, we'll discuss some of the best tomato companions to help you boost your harvest.

Best Tomato Companions

Basil

Basil is one of the most popular herbs to plant alongside tomatoes. It's not just because they complement each other well in spaghetti sauce either. Basil has natural pest-repelling properties that make it an excellent choice to plant near your tomato plants. Plus, it smells amazing!

How to Plant Basil With Tomatoes

To plant basil with tomatoes, simply sow the seeds directly into the soil around the base of the tomato plant. Alternatively, you can basil indoors and transplant it outside once it reaches a few inches in height.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for tomatoes. These vibrant flowers attract predatory insects that feed on aphids, spider mites, and other pests that commonly plague tomato plants. Additionally, nasturtium leaves and flowers are edible and make a tasty addition to salads.

How to Plant Nasturtiums With Tomatoes

To plant nasturtiums with tomatoes, simply sow the seeds directly into the soil around the base of the tomato plant. Alternatively, you can nasturtiums indoors and transplant them outside once they reach a few inches in height.

Marigolds

Marigolds are another popular choice to plant alongside tomatoes. Like nasturtiums, marigolds attract beneficial insects that prey on pests that commonly attack tomato plants. Additionally, marigolds have natural nematode-repelling properties, making them an excellent addition to your garden.

How to Plant Marigolds With Tomatoes

To plant marigolds with tomatoes, simply sow the seeds directly into the soil around the base of the tomato plant. Alternatively, you can marigolds indoors and transplant them outside once they reach a few inches in height.

Garlic

Garlic is not just a delicious ingredient in your favorite dishes; it's also a great companion plant for tomatoes. Garlic has natural pest-repelling properties, particularly against aphids and spider mites. Plus, it's easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.

How to Plant Garlic With Tomatoes

To plant garlic with tomatoes, simply sow the cloves directly into the soil around the base of the tomato plant. Alternatively, you can garlic indoors and transplant it outside once it reaches a few inches in height.

Carrots

Believe it or not, carrots make excellent companions for tomatoes! Carrots have a deep root system that helps break up the soil, which in turn improves drainage and aeration for your tomato plants. Additionally, planting carrots with tomatoes can help protect against nematodes, which can be detrimental to your tomato crop.

How to Plant Carrots With Tomatoes

To plant carrots with tomatoes, simply sow the seeds directly into the soil around the base of the tomato plant. Alternatively, you can carrots indoors and transplant them outside once they reach a few inches in height.

Companion Plants to Avoid

While there are plenty of great companion plants for tomatoes, there are also some that should be avoided. These include:

Fennel

Fennel is known for its strong scent, which can attract pests to your garden. Additionally, fennel has allelopathic properties that can inhibit the growth of neighboring plants, including tomatoes.

Cabbage

Cabbage is a member of the brassica family, which means it's susceptible to many of the same pests and diseases as tomatoes. Planting cabbage near tomatoes can increase the risk of cross-contamination and reduce your overall yield.

FAQs

Q: Can I plant tomatoes and peppers together?

Yes, tomatoes and peppers make great companions! They have similar growing requirements and don't compete for nutrients or space.

Q: Are there any other herbs that make good tomato companions?

Yes, there are several other herbs that complement tomatoes well, including oregano, parsley, and thyme.

Q: Can I plant tomatoes next to cucumbers?

It's best to avoid planting tomatoes next to cucumbers. They have different growing habits and can compete for resources. Additionally, cucumbers are prone to powdery mildew, which can spread to your tomato plants.

Q: Can I plant tomatoes next to strawberries?

No, it's best to avoid planting tomatoes next to strawberries. They have different growing requirements and can be susceptible to many of the same diseases, including verticillium wilt.

Q: Can I plant tomatoes next to squash?

It's best to avoid planting tomatoes next to squash. They have different growing habits and can compete for resources. Additionally, squash is susceptible to many of the same pests and diseases as tomatoes.

Great, let's get ed then! So you're interested in writing about tomato companions. There are actually quite a few plants that can be great companions to tomatoes and help them grow better.

One popular companion plant for tomatoes is basil. Basil repels pests like mosquitoes and flies while attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Additionally, studies have shown that growing basil near tomatoes can increase the yield of tomatoes.

Another good tomato companion plant is marigold. Marigolds repel nematodes, which are tiny soil-dwelling pests that can damage tomato roots. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which eat other pests that can harm your garden.

Other plants that can be great companions to tomatoes include garlic, onions, carrots, and peppers. All of these plants repel different types of pests, so planting them near your tomatoes can help keep pests away.

It's important to note that not all plants make good tomato companions. For example, potatoes and fennel should not be planted near tomatoes because they can attract pests that will harm your tomatoes.

Overall, there are many different plants that can be great companions to tomatoes. By planting the right combination of plants, you can create a healthy, thriving garden that produces plenty of delicious tomatoes. Hello! How can I assist you today? Is there anything specific you need help with or would you like to chat about a particular topic?