The Best Companion Plants for Your Tomatoes

Oleh Anonymous October 17, 2021 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Companion Plants Overview

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different species of plants together in order to benefit each other. This method can help improve soil quality, increase pollination, and deter pests. When it comes to tomatoes, there are several companion plants that can help boost growth and overall health. In this article, we'll take a look at the five best companion plants for tomatoes.

Basil

One of the best companion plants for tomatoes is basil. Not only does it add flavor to your meals, but it can also help protect your tomatoes from pests. Basil contains natural oils that repel insects like flies and mosquitoes. Plus, it attracts bees and other pollinators to your garden, which can help increase tomato production.

How to Plant Basil with Tomatoes

To plant basil with tomatoes, simply scatter the seeds around the base of your tomato plants. You can also plant small basil seedlings next to your tomatoes. Basil prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight, so make sure to choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sun.

Tips for Growing Basil

Water regularly: Basil needs consistent moisture, so make sure to water it regularly.
Prune often: To encourage bushy growth, pinch off the top leaves of your basil plant every few weeks.
Harvest leaves frequently: The more you harvest, the more your basil plant will produce.

Marigolds

Another great companion plant for tomatoes is marigolds. These bright flowers not only add color to your garden, but they can also help keep pests away. Marigolds contain a substance called thiophene, which repels nematodes and other harmful insects.

How to Plant Marigolds with Tomatoes

To plant marigolds with tomatoes, simply scatter the seeds around the base of your tomato plants. You can also plant small marigold seedlings next to your tomatoes. Marigolds prefer well-drained soil and full sunlight, so make sure to choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sun.

Tips for Growing Marigolds

Deadhead regularly: To encourage more blooms, remove spent flowers from your marigold plants.
Water deeply: Marigolds prefer deep watering rather than frequent shallow watering.
Pinch back tall plants: If your marigold plants to get too tall, pinch back the top few inches to encourage bushier growth.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for tomatoes. These colorful flowers not only add beauty to your garden, but they can also help attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Plus, nasturtiums are edible! You can use the leaves and flowers in salads or as a garnish.

How to Plant Nasturtiums with Tomatoes

To plant nasturtiums with tomatoes, simply scatter the seeds around the base of your tomato plants. You can also plant small nasturtium seedlings next to your tomatoes. Nasturtiums prefer well-drained soil and full sunlight, so make sure to choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sun.

Tips for Growing Nasturtiums

Don't over-fertilize: Nasturtiums don't need a lot of fertilizer, so go easy on the feeding.
Water deeply: Nasturtiums prefer deep watering rather than frequent shallow watering.
Pinch back tall plants: If your nasturtium plants to get too tall, pinch back the top few inches to encourage bushier growth.

Parsley

Parsley is another great companion plant for tomatoes. Not only does it add flavor to your meals, but it can also help attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps. Plus, parsley is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your diet.

How to Plant Parsley with Tomatoes

To plant parsley with tomatoes, simply scatter the seeds around the base of your tomato plants. You can also plant small parsley seedlings next to your tomatoes. Parsley prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, so make sure to choose a spot in your garden that gets some sun but also has some shade.

Tips for Growing Parsley

Water regularly: Parsley needs consistent moisture, so make sure to water it regularly.
Harvest leaves frequently: The more you harvest, the more your parsley plant will produce.
Protect from frost: Parsley is sensitive to frost, so cover it with a cloth or plastic sheet if there's a chance of freezing temperatures.

Garlic

Garlic is a great companion plant for tomatoes because it can help repel pests like aphids and spider mites. It's also easy to grow and adds flavor to your meals.

How to Plant Garlic with Tomatoes

To plant garlic with tomatoes, simply plant the cloves around the base of your tomato plants. Garlic prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight, so make sure to choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sun.

Tips for Growing Garlic

Water deeply: Garlic prefers deep watering rather than frequent shallow watering.
Harvest when the leaves turn yellow: Wait until the leaves of your garlic plants turn yellow before harvesting the bulbs.
Store in a cool, dry place: After harvesting, store your garlic in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and spoilage.

In there are several companion plants that can help boost the growth and overall health of your tomato plants. Basil, marigolds, nasturtiums, parsley, and garlic are all great options to consider. By planting these companion plants alongside your tomatoes, you can create a healthy and thriving garden.

FAQs

1. What other plants are good companions for tomatoes?

Other plants that are good companions for tomatoes include peppers, onions, carrots, and lettuce.

2. Can companion plants help control tomato blight?

While companion plants won't necessarily control tomato blight, they can help prevent it by promoting healthy soil and deterring pests.

3. Do I need to fertilize my companion plants?

It's a good idea to fertilize your companion plants, but make sure not to overdo it. Too much fertilizer can harm both your companion plants and your tomatoes.