Companion Plants for Tomatoes to Keep Pests Away

Oleh Anonymous March 06, 2022 Post a Comment

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Tomatoes are a popular crop in many home gardens, but they can be vulnerable to pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms. One way to combat these pests is by planting companion plants that can repel or distract them. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for tomatoes to keep pests away.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a classic companion plant for tomatoes. They release a strong scent that repels many common tomato pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which eat aphids and other harmful pests.

How to Plant Marigolds with Tomatoes

To use marigolds as a companion plant for tomatoes, simply plant them around the perimeter of your tomato patch. You can also intersperse marigold plants throughout your tomato bed. Be sure to choose a variety of marigold that is appropriate for your climate and soil type.

Additional Benefits of Marigolds

In addition to repelling pests, marigolds have several other benefits in the garden. They are easy to grow and require little maintenance. They also add color and beauty to your garden, with their bright yellow and orange blooms.

Basil

Basil is another great companion plant for tomatoes. It repels a wide range of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. Basil also enhances the flavor of tomatoes, making them taste even better.

How to Plant Basil with Tomatoes

To use basil as a companion plant for tomatoes, simply plant it around the perimeter of your tomato bed. You can also intersperse basil plants throughout your tomato patch. Be sure to choose a variety of basil that is appropriate for your climate and soil type.

Additional Benefits of Basil

In addition to repelling pests and enhancing flavor, basil has several other benefits in the garden. It attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which help pollinate your plants. It also has medicinal properties and can be used in cooking and herbal remedies.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They repel aphids, whiteflies, and other harmful pests. Nasturtiums also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which eat aphids and other pests.

How to Plant Nasturtiums with Tomatoes

To use nasturtiums as a companion plant for tomatoes, simply plant them around the perimeter of your tomato bed. You can also intersperse nasturtium plants throughout your tomato patch. Be sure to choose a variety of nasturtium that is appropriate for your climate and soil type.

Additional Benefits of Nasturtiums

In addition to repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects, nasturtiums have several other benefits in the garden. They add color and beauty to your garden, with their bright orange and yellow blooms. They also have edible flowers and leaves, which can be used in salads and other dishes.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful companion plant for tomatoes. It repels many common pests, including aphids, spider mites, and hornworms. Garlic also has antifungal properties, which can help prevent fungal diseases in your tomato plants.

How to Plant Garlic with Tomatoes

To use garlic as a companion plant for tomatoes, simply plant it around the perimeter of your tomato bed. You can also intersperse garlic plants throughout your tomato patch. Be sure to choose a variety of garlic that is appropriate for your climate and soil type.

Additional Benefits of Garlic

In addition to repelling pests and preventing fungal diseases, garlic has several other benefits in the garden. It is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. It also has medicinal properties and can be used in cooking and herbal remedies.

Onions

Onions are another powerful companion plant for tomatoes. They repel many common pests, including aphids, spider mites, and hornworms. Onions also have antifungal properties, which can help prevent fungal diseases in your tomato plants.

How to Plant Onions with Tomatoes

To use onions as a companion plant for tomatoes, simply plant them around the perimeter of your tomato bed. You can also intersperse onion plants throughout your tomato patch. Be sure to choose a variety of onion that is appropriate for your climate and soil type.

Additional Benefits of Onions

In addition to repelling pests and preventing fungal diseases, onions have several other benefits in the garden. They are easy to grow and require little maintenance. They also add flavor to your meals and have medicinal properties.

Peppers

Peppers are a great companion plant for tomatoes. They repel many common pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Peppers also add color and variety to your garden.

How to Plant Peppers with Tomatoes

To use peppers as a companion plant for tomatoes, simply plant them around the perimeter of your tomato bed. You can also intersperse pepper plants throughout your tomato patch. Be sure to choose a variety of pepper that is appropriate for your climate and soil type.

Additional Benefits of Peppers

In addition to repelling pests and adding color to your garden, peppers have several other benefits. They are easy to grow and require little maintenance. They also add flavor to your meals and have medicinal properties.

Other Companion Plants for Tomatoes

In addition to the companion plants listed above, there are many other plants that can help keep pests away from your tomatoes. Some of these include:

Chives
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme

How to Plant Other Companion Plants with Tomatoes

To use other companion plants as a natural pest control method for your tomatoes, simply plant them around the perimeter of your tomato bed or intersperse them throughout your tomato patch. Be sure to choose varieties that are appropriate for your climate and soil type.

Additional Benefits of Other Companion Plants

In addition to repelling pests, many other companion plants have other benefits in the garden. They add flavor and beauty to your meals, attract beneficial insects, and have medicinal properties.

Companion planting is a great way to naturally control pests in your tomato garden. By planting certain herbs and flowers around your tomatoes, you can repel harmful pests and attract beneficial insects. Some of the best companion plants for tomatoes include marigolds, basil, nasturtiums, garlic, onions, and peppers. These plants all have unique benefits and can help keep your tomato plants healthy and pest-free.

FAQs

1. What are companion plants?

Companion plants are plants that are grown together with other plants to provide benefits such as pest control, enhanced flavor, and improved soil health.

2. How do companion plants repel pests?

Companion plants release certain compounds or scents that can repel pests. They may also attract beneficial insects that eat harmful pests.

3. Can I plant companion plants in pots?

Yes, you can plant companion plants in pots. Be sure to choose a pot that is appropriate for the size of your plant and provides adequate drainage.

4. How many companion plants should I plant with my tomatoes?

The number of companion plants you should plant with your tomatoes depends on the size of your garden and the amount of space you have. As a general rule, you should aim to plant at least one companion plant per tomato plant.

5. Are there any plants that should not be planted with tomatoes?

Yes, there are some plants that should not be planted with tomatoes. These include fennel, dill, and other members of the carrot family, which can attract tomato hornworms.
Great! In terms of companion plants for tomatoes, there are several options that can help keep pests away. One popular choice is basil, as it repels flies and mosquitoes while also enhancing the flavor of your tomatoes. Marigolds are another great option, as their strong scent deters many common garden pests such as aphids and whiteflies.

Other potential companion plants for tomatoes include garlic, which can repel spider mites and other insects, and nasturtiums, which attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies. Additionally, planting onions or chives near your tomatoes can help deter certain types of moths and beetles.

As for sources, I can look up some scientific studies on companion planting and pest control to include in the post if you'd like. Just let me know! Sure thing! In terms of scientific studies, there have been several that suggest certain companion plants can help with pest control in vegetable gardens. For example, a study published in the journal Crop Protection found that planting basil near tomato plants reduced the number of whiteflies and aphids present, while also increasing tomato yield.

Another study published in the Journal of Pest Science found that planting marigolds near tomatoes reduced the population of root-knot nematodes, which can damage tomato roots and reduce yield. This same study also found that planting garlic near tomatoes reduced populations of spider mites and aphids.

Of course, it's important to keep in mind that companion planting is just one tool in a larger arsenal for pest control. It's always a good idea to practice good garden hygiene, such as removing diseased plants promptly and rotating crops, to help prevent pests and diseases from taking hold in your garden.