Enhance Your Garden: Best Flowers to Plant Next to Tomatoes

Oleh Anonymous April 28, 2022 Post a Comment

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Tomatoes are one of the most popular crops grown in gardens and for good reason. They are tasty, easy to grow, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. However, did you know that planting certain flowers alongside your tomato plants can enhance their growth and flavor? In this article, we will explore the top flowers to plant next to your tomatoes to create a beautiful and thriving garden.

Best Flowers to Plant Next to Tomatoes

1. Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular choice to plant next to tomatoes because they repel harmful insects like nematodes and whiteflies. Additionally, marigolds attract bees which are essential pollinators for your tomato plants. These vibrant flowers come in shades of yellow, orange, and red, adding a pop of color to your garden.

How to Plant Marigolds

Plant marigolds in between your tomato plants or around the perimeter of your garden. Make sure to give them plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. Marigolds can be planted from seed or purchased as young seedlings.

2. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great option to plant next to your tomatoes. They not only add a bright burst of color to your garden with their orange, yellow, and red blooms but also repel aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles. Plus, nasturtiums are edible and make a delicious addition to salads!

How to Plant Nasturtiums

Plant nasturtiums in between your tomato plants or at the edges of your garden. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Nasturtiums can be grown from seed or purchased as young seedlings.

3. Borage

Borage is a beautiful blue flowering herb that attracts bees and beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to your garden. It also repels harmful insects like tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. Borage is also edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.

How to Plant Borage

Plant borage near your tomato plants or at the edges of your garden. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Borage can be grown from seed or purchased as young seedlings.

4. Calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is another great flower to plant next to your tomatoes. It attracts bees and other pollinators while deterring aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, calendula has medicinal properties and can be used to make salves and teas.

How to Plant Calendula

Plant calendula around your tomato plants or at the edges of your garden. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Calendula can be grown from seed or purchased as young seedlings.

Other Flowers to Consider

There are many other flowers you can plant next to your tomatoes to enhance their growth and flavor. Some other options to consider include:

Sunflowers
Petunias
Lavender
Zinnias
Alyssum

Planting flowers next to your tomatoes is a great way to enhance your garden's beauty and productivity. Not only do they add color and interest, but they can also repel harmful insects and attract beneficial ones. Consider planting marigolds, nasturtiums, borage, calendula, or other flowers alongside your tomato plants this growing season.

FAQs

1. How close should I plant flowers to my tomato plants?

It's best to plant flowers within a few feet of your tomato plants. This will allow them to interact and benefit from each other without competing for nutrients and sunlight.

2. Can I plant any type of flower next to my tomatoes?

While there are many flowers that can benefit your tomato plants, it's important to choose ones that are compatible in terms of soil and light requirements. Additionally, some flowers may attract harmful insects, so research before planting.

3. Can I eat the flowers I plant next to my tomatoes?

Many of the flowers mentioned, such as nasturtiums, borage, and calendula, are edible and make a tasty addition to salads and other dishes. However, be sure to research which parts of the flower are safe to consume.

4. Do I need to fertilize my flowers if I plant them next to my tomatoes?

Flowers planted next to tomatoes will benefit from the same fertilization routine as your tomato plants. Be sure to use a balanced fertilizer and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

5. What other benefits do flowers provide in a vegetable garden?

In addition to attracting pollinators and repelling harmful insects, flowers can also improve soil health by adding organic matter and promoting beneficial microbes. They can also provide a habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife.

Great! Without further ado, let's dive into the best flowers to plant alongside tomatoes.

Firstly, marigolds are a popular choice for planting next to tomatoes. These flowers are known to repel pests and attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which can help control aphids and other harmful insects.

Another flower that pairs well with tomatoes is the nasturtium. This flower has bright, colorful blooms and is also known to repel pests like aphids and spider mites. Additionally, nasturtiums are edible and can be added to salads and other dishes!

Lastly, petunias make a great companion plant for tomatoes due to their strong fragrance which can mask the scent of tomato plants, making it more difficult for pests to locate them. Petunias come in a variety of colors and are sure to add a pop of color to your garden.

Overall, planting flowers alongside your tomato plants not only adds beauty to your garden but can also provide benefits such as pest control and attracting beneficial insects. I hope this helps you choose the perfect flowers to accompany your tomato plants! Sure thing! Is there anything else I can assist you with today?