Growing Tomatoes in Containers: The Best Companion Plants

Table of Contents

Companion Plants for Tomatoes in Containers

Growing tomatoes in containers is a great way to enjoy fresh and juicy tomatoes all year round. However, growing them alone in pots can be challenging as they require a lot of nutrients and care. Companion plants can help support the growth of tomatoes and provide additional benefits. In this article, we will discuss some of the best companion plants for tomatoes in containers.

1. Basil

Basil is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes in containers as it repels pests and attracts pollinators. It also releases essential oils that improve the flavor of tomatoes. Plant basil in the same container as your tomato plant or in a nearby pot. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

How to grow basil with tomatoes?

Plant basil seedlings 6-8 inches away from your tomato plant. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Basil Varieties:

There are many types of basil, but some of the most popular varieties include sweet basil, Genovese basil, Thai basil, and lemon basil.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are another great companion plant for tomatoes in containers. They repel harmful insects and nematodes, which can damage the roots of your tomato plant. Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your tomato container, or in a nearby pot. They prefer full sun exposure and well-drained soil.

How to grow marigolds with tomatoes?

Plant marigold seedlings around the perimeter of your tomato container or in a nearby pot. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Marigold Varieties:

There are many types of marigolds, but some of the most popular varieties include French marigold, African marigold, and signet marigold.

3. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a beautiful and edible companion plant for tomatoes in containers. They repel aphids and whiteflies, which can damage your tomato plant. They also attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Plant nasturtiums in the same container as your tomato plant or in a nearby pot. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

How to grow nasturtiums with tomatoes?

Plant nasturtium seeds 6-8 inches away from your tomato plant. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Nasturtium Varieties:

There are many types of nasturtiums, but some of the most popular varieties include Alaska mix, Cherry rose jewel, and Empress of India.

4. Parsley

Parsley is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes in containers as it attracts beneficial insects and repels harmful ones. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes. Plant parsley in the same container as your tomato plant or in a nearby pot. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.

How to grow parsley with tomatoes?

Plant parsley seedlings 6-8 inches away from your tomato plant. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Parsley Varieties:

There are two types of parsley, flat-leaf parsley and curly parsley. Both are great for growing with tomatoes.

5. Chives

Chives are an excellent companion plant for tomatoes in containers as they repel aphids and improve the flavor of tomatoes. Plant chives in the same container as your tomato plant or in a nearby pot. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

How to grow chives with tomatoes?

Plant chive seedlings 6-8 inches away from your tomato plant. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Chives Varieties:

There are two types of chives, common chives and garlic chives. Both are great for growing with tomatoes.

6. Carrots

Carrots are a great companion plant for tomatoes in containers as they improve the soil quality and attract beneficial insects. Plant carrots in a separate container next to your tomato plant. They prefer well-drained soil and partial shade.

How to grow carrots with tomatoes?

Plant carrot seeds in a separate container next to your tomato plant. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Carrot Varieties:

There are many types of carrots, but some of the most popular varieties include Nantes, Danvers, and Chantenay.

7. Peppers

Peppers are a great companion plant for tomatoes in containers as they repel harmful insects and improve the yield of both plants. Plant pepper seedlings in a separate container next to your tomato plant. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

How to grow peppers with tomatoes?

Plant pepper seedlings in a separate container next to your tomato plant. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Pepper Varieties:

There are many types of peppers, but some of the most popular varieties include bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, and habanero peppers.

8. Garlic

Garlic is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes in containers as it repels harmful insects and improves the flavor of tomatoes. Plant garlic bulbs in a separate container next to your tomato plant. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

How to grow garlic with tomatoes?

Plant garlic bulbs in a separate container next to your tomato plant. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Garlic Varieties:

There are many types of garlic, but some of the most popular varieties include softneck garlic, hardneck garlic, and elephant garlic.

9. Cilantro

Cilantro is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes in containers as it attracts beneficial insects and repels harmful ones. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes. Plant cilantro in the same container as your tomato plant or in a nearby pot. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.

How to grow cilantro with tomatoes?

Plant cilantro seedlings 6-8 inches away from your tomato plant. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Cilantro Varieties:

There are two types of cilantro, slow-bolting cilantro and regular cilantro. Both are great for growing with tomatoes.

10. Spinach

Spinach is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes in containers as it attracts beneficial insects and improves the soil quality. Plant spinach in a separate container next to your tomato plant. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.

How to grow spinach with tomatoes?

Plant spinach seeds in a separate container next to your tomato plant. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Spinach Varieties:

There are many types of spinach, but some of the most popular varieties include Bloomsdale, Giant Noble, and New Zealand.

11. Borage

Borage is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes in containers as it attracts pollinators and improves the flavor of tomatoes. Plant borage in the same container as your tomato plant or in a nearby pot. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

How to grow borage with tomatoes?

Plant borage seedlings 6-8 inches away from your tomato plant. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Borage Varieties:

There is only one type of borage, but it comes in different colors such as blue and white.

12. Calendula

Calendula is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes in containers as it repels harmful insects and attracts pollinators. It also has medicinal properties. Plant calendula in the same container as your tomato plant or in a nearby pot. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

How to grow calendula with tomatoes?

Plant calendula seedlings 6-8 inches away from your tomato plant. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Calendula Varieties:

There are many types of calendula, but some of the most popular varieties include Pacific Beauty, Orange King, and Lemon Gem.

13. Dill

Dill is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes in containers as it attracts beneficial insects and repels harmful ones. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes. Plant dill in the same container as your tomato plant or in a nearby pot. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.

How to grow dill with tomatoes?

Plant dill seedlings 6-8 inches away from your tomato plant. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Dill Varieties:

There are many types of dill, but some of the most popular varieties include Mammoth, Fernleaf, and Bouquet.

14. Mint

Mint is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes in containers as it repels pests and attracts beneficial insects. It also has medicinal properties. Plant mint in a separate container next to your tomato plant. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.

How to grow mint with tomatoes?

Plant mint seedlings in a separate container next to your tomato plant. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Mint Varieties:

There are many types of mint, but some of the most popular varieties include Peppermint, Spearmint, and Chocolate Mint.

15. Oregano

Oregano is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes in containers as it repels pests and attracts beneficial insects. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes. Plant oregano in the same container as your tomato plant or in a nearby pot. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

How to grow oregano with tomatoes?

Plant oregano seedlings 6-8 inches away from your tomato plant. Water them regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Oregano Varieties:

There are many types of oregano, but some of the most popular varieties include Greek Oregano, Italian Oregano, and Mexican Oregano.

Growing tomatoes in containers can be challenging, but with the right companion plants, it can be easier and more enjoyable. Companion plants not only provide additional benefits to tomatoes but also help repel harmful insects and attract beneficial ones. Some of the best companion plants for tomatoes in containers include basil, marigolds, nasturtiums, parsley, chives, carrots, peppers, garlic, cilantro, spinach, borage, calendula, dill, mint, and oregano.

FAQs

1. Can I grow tomatoes with other vegetables in the same container?

Yes, you can grow tomatoes with other vegetables in the same container as long as they have similar growing requirements.

2. How often should I water my tomato plant?

You should water your tomato plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture.

3. Do I need to fertilize my tomato plant?

Yes, you should fertilize your tomato plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients.

4. How do I prevent pests from damaging my tomato plant?

You can prevent pests from damaging your tomato plant by using companion plants, such as marigolds, that repel harmful insects.

5. Can I grow tomatoes indoors?

Yes, you can grow tomatoes indoors as long as they receive at least six hours of sunlight per day and are planted in a large container with well-drained soil.

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