Tomato Plant Companion Flowers: The Best Flowers to Grow with Tomatoes

Oleh Anonymous January 07, 2024 Post a Comment

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Tomatoes are a popular fruit that can be grown in most home gardens. They are rich in nutrients and delicious when cooked or eaten raw. However, growing tomatoes can be challenging, especially if you want to grow them organically. One way to make tomato cultivation easier is by planting companion flowers alongside them. In this article, we'll discuss some of the best flowers to grow with tomatoes.

Why Should You Consider Growing Companion Flowers with Tomatoes?

Companion planting involves growing two or more plants together that benefit each other in some way. When it comes to growing tomatoes, companion flowers can provide several benefits such as:

Pest Control

Some flowers attract beneficial insects that prey on pests that attack tomato plants. For example, marigolds attract ladybugs, which eat aphids, mites, and whiteflies. Nasturtiums attract hoverflies, which eat aphids and caterpillars. By growing these flowers near your tomato plants, you can reduce the number of harmful pests in your garden.

Pollination

Many flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These insects play a crucial role in pollinating tomato flowers, which results in better fruit production. By growing companion flowers near your tomato plants, you increase the chances of attracting pollinators to your garden.

Soil Health

Some flowers have deep roots that can improve soil health. For example, sweet Alyssum has long taproots that break up compacted soil and improve drainage. This helps prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot in tomato plants.

Best Companion Flowers for Tomato Plants

Now that we know why companion planting is beneficial let's look at some of the best flowers to grow with tomatoes:

Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular companion flower for tomatoes. They are easy to grow and come in a variety of colors such as orange, yellow, and red. Marigolds produce a substance called alpha-terthienyl, which repels nematodes, a type of soil-dwelling pest that attacks tomato roots.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another excellent companion flower for tomatoes. They have brightly colored flowers that attract pollinators and their leaves have a peppery flavor that deters pests such as whiteflies and cucumber beetles.

Borage

Borage is a herb that produces blue star-shaped flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The leaves of borage contain compounds that repel tomato hornworms, a common pest that feeds on tomato foliage.

Sweet Alyssum

Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing flower that produces small white or purple flowers. It has long taproots that improve soil drainage and attract beneficial insects such as predatory wasps and hoverflies.

Calendula

Calendula is a cheerful flower that comes in shades of yellow, orange, and pink. It attracts pollinators and repels aphids, a common pest that sucks sap from tomato plants.

How to Plant Companion Flowers with Tomatoes?

Timing

Companion flowers should be planted at the same time as tomato plants. This ensures that they grow together and provide maximum benefits.

Placement

Companion flowers should be planted around the perimeter of the tomato bed or interspersed among the tomato plants. This ensures that they are close enough to provide benefits but not so close that they compete for resources.

Spacing

Make sure to space companion flowers at least 6 inches apart to prevent overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation, which can cause fungal diseases.

FAQs

Q1. Which flowers should I avoid planting with tomatoes?

A.

Plants from the nightshade family such as peppers and eggplants should be avoided as they are prone to similar pests and diseases as tomatoes.

Q2. Can I grow herbs alongside tomato plants?

A.

Yes, many herbs such as basil and parsley make excellent companion plants for tomatoes.

Q3. Can I grow companion flowers in pots?

A.

Yes, you can grow companion flowers in pots alongside tomato plants. Just make sure the pot is big enough to accommodate both plants.

Q4. How do I know if my companion flowers are working?

A.

You'll know your companion flowers are working if you see fewer pests on your tomato plants and more pollinators in your garden.

Q5. What other vegetables can I plant companion flowers with?

A.

Many vegetables benefit from companion planting. Some examples include beans and corn, cucumbers and radishes, and carrots and onions.

Growing companion flowers alongside tomato plants can provide several benefits such as pest control, pollination, and improved soil health. Marigolds, nasturtiums, borage, sweet alyssum, and calendula are some of the best companion flowers to grow with tomatoes. When planting companion flowers, make sure to plant them at the same time as tomato plants, space them appropriately, and position them around the perimeter of the tomato bed or interspersed among the tomato plants. With these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of ripe, juicy tomatoes in your garden.