10 Best Complimentary Plants for Tomatoes

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The Importance of Companion Planting with Tomatoes

If you're an avid gardener, you know that companion planting can have a big impact on the health and yield of your crops. Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants next to each other to improve soil health, repel pests, and increase yields. When it comes to tomatoes, there are several plants that make great companions. In this article, we'll discuss the 10 best complimentary plants for tomatoes.

Basil

Basil is one of the most popular herbs to grow alongside tomatoes. Not only does it taste great with tomatoes, but it also repels pests like aphids and whiteflies. Basil grows quickly and easily from seed, so it's a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

How to Plant:

Plant basil seeds about two weeks after you've transplanted your tomato seedlings. Sow the seeds in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs.

How to Care:

Once your basil plants have sprouted, make sure they get plenty of sunlight and water. Pinch off the flowers as they appear to encourage bushy growth.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another excellent plant to grow alongside tomatoes. They repel harmful insects like whiteflies and aphids while attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies. Additionally, nasturtiums add a pop of color to your garden with their bright orange and yellow blooms.

How to Plant:

Plant nasturtium seeds in well-drained soil after your tomato seedlings have been transplanted. Nasturtiums prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

How to Care:

Nasturtiums don't require much care once they're established. Water them regularly and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a classic companion plant for tomatoes. They repel pests like nematodes and whiteflies while adding vibrant color to your garden. Plus, marigolds are easy to grow from seed or transplants.

How to Plant:

Plant marigold seeds or transplants around the perimeter of your tomato bed. Marigolds prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade.

How to Care:

Marigolds are hardy plants that don't require much care. Water them regularly and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

Garlic

Garlic is an excellent companion for tomatoes because it repels aphids, spider mites, and other pests. It also adds flavor to your meals when harvested in the fall.

How to Plant:

Plant garlic cloves in the fall, about six weeks before the first frost. Choose a sunny spot in well-drained soil.

How to Care:

Garlic doesn't require much care once it's established. Water it regularly and fertilize with compost in the spring.

Parsley

Parsley is another herb that makes a great companion for tomatoes. It repels pests like asparagus beetles and attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies.

How to Plant:

Sow parsley seeds in well-drained soil two weeks after you've transplanted your tomato seedlings. Parsley prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun.

How to Care:

Parsley requires regular watering and prefers moist soil. Pinch off the flowers as they appear to encourage bushy growth.

Carrots

Carrots make an excellent companion for tomatoes because they help break up compacted soil around tomato roots. Additionally, carrots repel pests like aphids and flea beetles.

How to Plant:

Plant carrot seeds in well-drained soil two weeks after you've transplanted your tomato seedlings. Carrots prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade.

How to Care:

Carrots require regular watering to keep the soil moist. Thin out the seedlings once they reach a few inches tall to prevent overcrowding.

Peppers

Peppers are another nightshade plant that makes a great companion for tomatoes. They repel pests like aphids and flea beetles while adding flavor to your meals.

How to Plant:

Plant pepper seeds or transplants after your tomato seedlings have been transplanted. Peppers prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade.

How to Care:

Peppers require regular watering to keep the soil moist. Fertilize with compost or a balanced fertilizer in the spring.

Radishes

Radishes are a fast-growing vegetable that helps break up compacted soil around tomato roots. They also repel pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs.

How to Plant:

Plant radish seeds in well-drained soil two weeks after you've transplanted your tomato seedlings. Radishes prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade.

How to Care:

Radishes require regular watering to keep the soil moist. Thin out the seedlings once they reach a few inches tall to prevent overcrowding.

Onions

Onions are another member of the allium family that makes a great companion for tomatoes. They repel pests like aphids and spider mites while adding flavor to your meals.

How to Plant:

Plant onion sets or transplants in the fall or early spring. Choose a sunny spot in well-drained soil.

How to Care:

Onions require regular watering to keep the soil moist. Fertilize with compost or a balanced fertilizer in the spring.

Celery

Celery is a moisture-loving plant that makes a great companion for tomatoes. It helps keep the soil moist around tomato roots while repelling pests like whiteflies and aphids.

How to Plant:

Plant celery seeds in well-drained soil two weeks after you've transplanted your tomato seedlings. Celery prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun.

How to Care:

Celery requires plenty of water to keep the soil moist. Fertilize with compost or a balanced fertilizer in the spring.

Companion planting with tomatoes is an easy and effective way to improve your garden's health and yield. By planting these complimentary plants alongside your tomatoes, you'll be able to repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and add flavor to your meals.

FAQs

1. How do I know which plants make good companions for tomatoes?

Good companion plants for tomatoes are those that repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and/or add nutrients to the soil. You can do some research online or consult with a gardening expert to find the best plants for your particular situation.

2. Can I plant these complimentary plants in the same bed as my tomatoes?

Yes, you can plant these complimentary plants in the same bed as your tomatoes. In fact, planting them together is the most effective way to reap the benefits of companion planting.

3. Do I need to fertilize these complimentary plants?

Most of these complimentary plants don't require much fertilizer, but you can fertilize them with compost or a balanced fertilizer in the spring if you'd like.

4. How often should I water these complimentary plants?

These complimentary plants require regular watering, but the frequency will depend on your climate and soil type. Generally, aim to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

5. Can I grow these complimentary plants in containers?

Yes, you can grow these complimentary plants in containers alongside your tomato plants. Just make sure they have enough space to grow and adequate drainage.

Image complimentary plants for tomatoes

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