Companion Plants for Cherry Tomatoes: Boosting Growth and Flavor

Oleh Anonymous November 15, 2021 Post a Comment

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Cherry tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens. They're easy to grow, tasty, and packed with vitamins and minerals. But did you know that planting the right companion plants alongside your cherry tomatoes can help improve their growth and flavor? In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for cherry tomatoes and how they can benefit your garden.

Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique that involves planting two or more types of plants together to benefit each other. The benefits of companion planting include:

Natural Pest Control

One of the main benefits of companion planting is natural pest control. Certain plants release compounds that repel pests, while others attract beneficial insects that prey on pests.

Improved Soil Health

By planting a variety of plants together, the soil can be enriched with different nutrients that each plant requires.

Increase Yield and Flavor

Certain companion plants can help cherry tomatoes by improving their growth and flavor.

Best Companion Plants for Cherry Tomatoes

Here are some of the best companion plants for cherry tomatoes:

Basil

Basil is a great companion plant for cherry tomatoes because it repels pests like aphids and tomato hornworms. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes when planted nearby. For best results, plant basil around the perimeter of your tomato plants.

Marigolds

Marigolds are another great companion plant for cherry tomatoes. They repel pests like nematodes and whiteflies, and their roots release a chemical that deters harmful soil nematodes.

Borage

Borage is a great companion plant for cherry tomatoes because it attracts beneficial insects like bees and wasps that help pollinate the tomato flowers. It also improves soil health by adding nutrients like potassium and calcium to the soil.

Garlic

Garlic is a natural pest repellent and can be planted around the perimeter of your tomato plants to keep pests at bay. It's also good for soil health and adds a nice flavor to tomato dishes.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for cherry tomatoes. They attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which prey on pests like aphids and whiteflies.

Other Companion Plants to Consider

In addition to the plants mentioned above, there are several other companion plants that can benefit cherry tomatoes. These include:

Carrots

Carrots are a good companion plant for cherry tomatoes because they help break up the soil and improve its structure. They also attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps, which prey on pests like caterpillars and aphids.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a great companion plant for cherry tomatoes because it helps shade the soil and retain moisture. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, which prey on pests like aphids and whiteflies.

Onions

Onions are a natural pest repellent and can be planted around the perimeter of your tomato plants to keep pests at bay. They're also good for soil health and add a nice flavor to tomato dishes.

Parsley

Parsley is a great companion plant for cherry tomatoes because it attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, which prey on pests like aphids and whiteflies. It also improves soil health by adding nutrients like potassium and calcium to the soil.

Companion Planting Tips

Here are some tips to keep in mind when companion planting with cherry tomatoes:

Plant Companion Plants Close to Tomatoes

Companion plants should be planted close to your cherry tomatoes for maximum benefit.

Different Types of Companion Plants

Plant a variety of companion plants to attract different beneficial insects and improve soil health.

Rotate Crops

Rotate your crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases from building up.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I plant any type of basil with cherry tomatoes?

Yes, any type of basil will work as a companion plant for cherry tomatoes.

2. How many marigolds should I plant with my cherry tomatoes?

For best results, plant one marigold for every two tomato plants.

3. Can I plant onions and garlic together as companion plants?

Yes, onions and garlic can be planted together as companion plants.

4. Should I plant all of these companion plants at once?

No, it's best to plant a few companion plants at a time and see how they work together before adding more.

5. Do I need to water companion plants differently than cherry tomatoes?

No, companion plants should be watered the same way as your cherry tomatoes.

Companion planting is a great way to improve the growth and flavor of your cherry tomatoes while reducing the need for pesticides. By planting the right combination of companion plants, you can create a healthy and vibrant garden that's both beautiful and productive.