10 Companion Plants to Grow with Tomatoes in Raised Beds

Oleh Anonymous October 08, 2023 Post a Comment

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Companion Plants for Tomatoes

Growing tomatoes in a raised bed is a great way to maximize space and produce a bountiful harvest. However, it's also important to consider the benefits of companion planting. Companion plants can help deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve soil health. Here are 10 companion plants that grow well with tomatoes in raised beds:

1. Basil

Basil is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes because it repels harmful insects like mosquitoes, flies, and aphids. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes when grown nearby. Plant basil around the perimeter of your raised bed or intersperse it throughout your tomato plants.

How to Grow Basil with Tomatoes:

Basil prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant seeds or seedlings after the last frost date in your area. Keep the soil moist and mulch around the plants to retain moisture. Pinch back the leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are another excellent companion plant for tomatoes. They repel nematodes, which are microscopic worms that can damage tomato roots. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies.

How to Grow Marigolds with Tomatoes:

Marigolds prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Plant seeds or seedlings in the spring after the last frost date in your area. Space them 6-12 inches apart. Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming.

3. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are both beautiful and practical companion plants for tomatoes. They repel aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles. They also attract predatory insects like hoverflies and ladybugs.

How to Grow Nasturtiums with Tomatoes:

Nasturtiums prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Plant seeds or seedlings after the last frost date in your area. Space them 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater.

4. Garlic

Garlic is a powerful companion plant for tomatoes because it repels pests like aphids, spider mites, and slugs. It also has antibacterial properties that can help prevent fungal diseases.

How to Grow Garlic with Tomatoes:

Garlic prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant cloves in the fall or early spring. Space them 6 inches apart and plant them 2 inches deep. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture.

5. Borage

Borage is a beneficial companion plant for tomatoes because it attracts bees and other pollinators. It also repels harmful insects like tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.

How to Grow Borage with Tomatoes:

Borage prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Plant seeds or seedlings after the last frost date in your area. Space them 12-24 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater.

6. Chives

Chives are a useful companion plant for tomatoes because they deter harmful insects like aphids, Japanese beetles, and carrot rust flies. They also improve soil health by adding nutrients like sulfur and potassium.

How to Grow Chives with Tomatoes:

Chives prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Plant seeds or seedlings after the last frost date in your area. Space them 6-12 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater.

7. Parsley

Parsley is a versatile companion plant for tomatoes because it repels harmful insects like aphids, tomato hornworms, and asparagus beetles. It also improves soil health by adding nutrients like nitrogen and potassium.

How to Grow Parsley with Tomatoes:

Parsley prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Plant seeds or seedlings after the last frost date in your area. Space them 6-12 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater.

8. Dill

Dill is a beneficial companion plant for tomatoes because it attracts predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings. It also repels harmful insects like aphids, spider mites, and cabbage worms.

How to Grow Dill with Tomatoes:

Dill prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant seeds or seedlings after the last frost date in your area. Space them 12-24 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater.

9. Calendula

Calendula is both beautiful and practical companion plant for tomatoes. It repels harmful insects like aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. It also attracts beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies.

How to Grow Calendula with Tomatoes:

Calendula prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Plant seeds or seedlings after the last frost date in your area. Space them 12-18 inches apart. Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming.

10. Thyme

Thyme is a useful companion plant for tomatoes because it repels harmful insects like whiteflies, cabbage worms, and corn earworms. It also adds flavor to your cooking when grown nearby.

How to Grow Thyme with Tomatoes:

Thyme prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant seeds or seedlings after the last frost date in your area. Space them 12-24 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater.

FAQs about Companion Plants for Tomatoes in Raised Beds

1. Can I grow other vegetables with my tomatoes?

Yes! Other vegetables that grow well with tomatoes include peppers, eggplant, and basil.

2. How many companion plants should I grow with my tomatoes?

It depends on the size of your raised bed and the number of tomato plants you have. As a general rule, aim for at least one companion plant per tomato plant.

3. Do I need to rotate my companion plants each year?

It's a good idea to rotate your companion plants each year to prevent soil-borne diseases and pests from building up in the soil.

4. Can I grow companion plants in the same container as my tomatoes?

Yes, you can! Just make sure that the container is large enough to accommodate both the tomato plant and the companion plant.

5. Are there any companion plants that I should avoid growing with tomatoes?

Avoid planting fennel, dill, or any member of the brassica family (like broccoli or cauliflower) near your tomatoes, as they can attract harmful insects and diseases.

That's it for our guide to companion plants for tomatoes in raised beds. We hope you found it helpful and informative! Happy gardening!