Companion Planting: The Best Vegetables to Plant with Tomatoes

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Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in home gardens. They're versatile, delicious, and easy to grow. But did you know that certain vegetables can actually help your tomatoes grow better? In this article, we'll explore the best vegetables to plant with tomatoes to help you get the most out of your garden.

The Best Vegetables to Plant with Tomatoes

1. Basil

Basil is one of the best companion plants for tomatoes. Not only does it repel pests like aphids and whiteflies, but it also improves the flavor of your tomatoes. Plus, basil is easy to grow and can be used in a variety of dishes.

How to Plant Basil with Tomatoes

To plant basil with tomatoes, simply sow the seeds near your tomato plants or transplant seedlings into the same bed. Be sure to give them plenty of space, as basil can grow quite large.

Tips for Growing Basil with Tomatoes

• Pinch off the flowers to encourage bushy growth.
• Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Harvest leaves regularly to promote continued growth.

2. Carrots

Carrots are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They help improve soil structure and attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps, which can help control pests like tomato hornworms.

How to Plant Carrots with Tomatoes

Plant carrot seeds in between your tomato plants or in a separate bed nearby. Be sure to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches before planting, as carrots need loose soil to grow properly.

Tips for Growing Carrots with Tomatoes

• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Thin seedlings to about 2 inches apart once they've germinated.
• Harvest when the carrots are about 1 inch in diameter.

3. Garlic

Garlic is another great companion plant for tomatoes. It repels pests like aphids and spider mites, and can help prevent fungal diseases like verticillium wilt.

How to Plant Garlic with Tomatoes

Plant garlic cloves in between your tomato plants or in a separate bed nearby. Be sure to plant them about 6 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart.

Tips for Growing Garlic with Tomatoes

• Water regularly but be careful not to overwater.
• Fertilize with compost or other organic matter.
• Harvest when the leaves begin to yellow and die back.

4. Peppers

Peppers are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They help deter pests like aphids and flea beetles, and can help improve the flavor of your tomatoes.

How to Plant Peppers with Tomatoes

Plant pepper seedlings in the same bed as your tomato plants, spacing them about 18 inches apart.

Tips for Growing Peppers with Tomatoes

• Water regularly but be careful not to overwater.
• Fertilize with compost or other organic matter.
• Harvest when the peppers have reached their mature size and color.

5. Spinach

Spinach is a great companion plant for tomatoes. It helps improve soil health and provides shade for the soil, which can help prevent weeds from growing.

How to Plant Spinach with Tomatoes

Plant spinach seeds in between your tomato plants or in a separate bed nearby. Be sure to plant them about 2 inches apart.

Tips for Growing Spinach with Tomatoes

• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilize with compost or other organic matter.
• Harvest when the leaves are large enough to eat.

6. Nasturtiums

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

How to Plant Nasturtiums with Tomatoes

Sow nasturtium seeds near your tomato plants or in a separate bed nearby. Be sure to give them plenty of space, as they can grow quite large.

Tips for Growing Nasturtiums with Tomatoes

• Water regularly but be careful not to overwater.
• Pinch off the flowers to promote continued growth.
• Harvest the leaves and flowers to use in salads or as a garnish.

7. Borage

Borage is another great companion plant for tomatoes. It attracts beneficial insects like bees and parasitic wasps, and can also help improve soil health.

How to Plant Borage with Tomatoes

Sow borage seeds near your tomato plants or in a separate bed nearby. Be sure to give them plenty of space, as they can grow quite large.

Tips for Growing Borage with Tomatoes

• Water regularly but be careful not to overwater.
• Pinch off the flowers to promote continued growth.
• Harvest the leaves and flowers to use in teas or as a garnish.

8. Marigolds

Marigolds are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They repel pests like nematodes and whiteflies, and can also help improve soil health.

How to Plant Marigolds with Tomatoes

Sow marigold seeds near your tomato plants or in a separate bed nearby. Be sure to give them plenty of space, as they can grow quite large.

Tips for Growing Marigolds with Tomatoes

• Water regularly but be careful not to overwater.
• Deadhead regularly to encourage continued blooming.
• Harvest the flowers to use in teas or as a natural dye.

9. Onions

Onions are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They help deter pests like aphids and thrips, and can also improve the flavor of your tomatoes.

How to Plant Onions with Tomatoes

Plant onion seedlings in between your tomato plants or in a separate bed nearby. Be sure to plant them about 6 inches apart.

Tips for Growing Onions with Tomatoes

• Water regularly but be careful not to overwater.
• Fertilize with compost or other organic matter.
• Harvest when the tops begin to yellow and die back.

10. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They help repel pests like cucumber beetles, and can also provide shade for the soil.

How to Plant Cucumbers with Tomatoes

Plant cucumber seedlings in the same bed as your tomato plants, spacing them about 18 inches apart.

Tips for Growing Cucumbers with Tomatoes

• Water regularly but be careful not to overwater.
• Fertilize with compost or other organic matter.
• Harvest when the cucumbers are about 6-8 inches long.

11. Radishes

Radishes are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They help improve soil health and can also deter pests like flea beetles.

How to Plant Radishes with Tomatoes

Plant radish seeds in between your tomato plants or in a separate bed nearby. Be sure to plant them about 2 inches apart.

Tips for Growing Radishes with Tomatoes

• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Thin seedlings to about 2 inches apart once they've germinated.
• Harvest when the radishes are about 1 inch in diameter.

12. Parsley

Parsley is another great companion plant for tomatoes. It helps repel pests like aphids and spider mites, and can also improve the flavor of your tomatoes.

How to Plant Parsley with Tomatoes

Sow parsley seeds near your tomato plants or in a separate bed nearby. Be sure to give them plenty of space, as parsley can grow quite large.

Tips for Growing Parsley with Tomatoes

• Water regularly but be careful not to overwater.
• Fertilize with compost or other organic matter.
• Harvest the leaves regularly to promote continued growth.

13. Dill

Dill is another great companion plant for tomatoes. It attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and ladybugs, which can help control pests like tomato hornworms.

How to Plant Dill with Tomatoes

Sow dill seeds near your tomato plants or in a separate bed nearby. Be sure to give them plenty of space, as dill can grow quite large.

Tips for Growing Dill with Tomatoes

• Water regularly but be careful not to overwater.
• Fertilize with compost or other organic matter.
• Harvest the leaves and seeds regularly to promote continued growth.

14. Zucchini

Zucchini is another great companion plant for tomatoes. It helps repel pests like squash bugs and cucumber beetles, and can also provide shade for the soil.

How to Plant Zucchini with Tomatoes

Plant zucchini seedlings in the same bed as your tomato plants, spacing them about 18 inches apart.

Tips for Growing Zucchini with Tomatoes

• Water regularly but be careful not to overwater.
• Fertilize with compost or other organic matter.
• Harvest when the zucchinis are about 6-8 inches long.

15. Beans

Beans are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They help improve soil health and can also provide nitrogen for your tomato plants.

How to Plant Beans with Tomatoes

Plant bean seeds in between your tomato plants or in a separate bed nearby. Be sure to give them plenty of space, as beans can grow quite large.

Tips for Growing Beans with Tomatoes

• Water regularly but be careful not to overwater.
• Fertilize with compost or other organic matter.
• Harvest when the beans are fully mature.

In planting certain vegetables with your tomatoes can help improve soil health, deter pests, and even improve the flavor of your tomatoes. By incorporating some of these companion plants into your garden, you can create a healthy and thriving ecosystem that will benefit all of your plants.

FAQs

Q1. Can I plant any vegetable with tomatoes?

A1. While there are many vegetables that can be planted with tomatoes, some may not grow as well together. It's important to do your research and choose companion plants that have similar growing requirements.

Q2. Do I need to plant all of these companion plants with my tomatoes?

A2. No, you don't need to plant all of these companion plants with your tomatoes. Choose the ones that make the most sense for your garden and growing conditions.

Q3. Can companion planting really improve the flavor of my tomatoes?

A3. Yes, some companion plants like basil and parsley can help improve the flavor of your tomatoes.

Q4. How do I know if my soil is healthy enough for companion planting?

A4. Conduct a soil test to determine the pH level and nutrient content of your soil. This will help you determine what types of companion plants will grow best in your garden.

Q5. Are there any vegetables that should not be planted with tomatoes?

A5. Yes, there are some vegetables that should not be planted with tomatoes, such as nightshade plants like peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. These plants are prone to the same pests and diseases as tomatoes and can attract them to your garden.

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