Plants That Go Well With Tomatoes: The Ultimate Guide

Oleh Anonymous May 08, 2024 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens. They are versatile, delicious, and relatively easy to grow. However, did you know that certain plants can help improve the growth and flavor of your tomato plants? In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for tomatoes and how they can benefit your garden.

Companion Plants for Tomatoes

Basil

Basil is a great companion plant for tomatoes because it repels pests such as aphids, mites, and tomato hornworms. Additionally, basil has a pleasant aroma that can help mask the scent of your tomato plants, making them less attractive to pests. Basil also helps improve the flavor of your tomatoes when planted nearby. Try planting basil around the base of your tomato plants or in between each plant.

Marigolds

Marigolds are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They repel nematodes, which are tiny worms that attack the roots of your tomato plants. Marigolds also repel other pests such as whiteflies and spider mites. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, which eat pests like aphids. Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your tomato patch or interspersed throughout.

Garlic

Garlic is a natural insect repellent and can help keep pests such as aphids, spider mites, and cabbage loopers away from your tomato plants. Garlic also has antifungal properties and can help prevent diseases such as blight. Plant garlic bulbs around the base of your tomato plants or in between each plant.

Onions

Onions are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They repel pests such as aphids, spider mites, and nematodes. Onions also have sulfur compounds that help improve the flavor of your tomatoes. Plant onions around the base of your tomato plants or in between each plant.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for tomatoes because they attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which eat pests like aphids. Additionally, nasturtiums have a peppery taste that can help deter pests. Plant nasturtiums around the perimeter of your tomato patch or interspersed throughout.

Peppers

Peppers are a great companion plant for tomatoes because they repel pests such as aphids and spider mites. Additionally, peppers have capsaicin, which is a compound that can help improve the flavor of your tomatoes. Plant peppers around the base of your tomato plants or in between each plant.

Carrots

Carrots are a good companion plant for tomatoes because they help improve the soil quality. Carrots are a root crop that can help loosen compacted soil and add nutrients back into the soil. Additionally, carrots are a low-growing crop that won't compete with your tomato plants for sunlight. Plant carrots around the base of your tomato plants or in between each plant.

Borage

Borage is a great companion plant for tomatoes because it attracts beneficial insects such as bees and wasps, which help pollinate your tomato plants. Additionally, borage has a cucumber-like flavor that can help improve the flavor of your tomatoes. Plant borage around the perimeter of your tomato patch or interspersed throughout.

Celery

Celery is a good companion plant for tomatoes because it repels pests such as aphids and spider mites. Additionally, celery has a lot of potassium, which can help improve the growth of your tomato plants. Plant celery around the base of your tomato plants or in between each plant.

Chives

Chives are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They repel pests such as aphids and spider mites. Additionally, chives have natural fungicidal properties that can help prevent diseases such as blight. Plant chives around the base of your tomato plants or in between each plant.

Parsley

Parsley is a good companion plant for tomatoes because it attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which help control pests like aphids. Additionally, parsley has high levels of magnesium and calcium, which can help improve the growth of your tomato plants. Plant parsley around the base of your tomato plants or in between each plant.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a good companion plant for tomatoes because it repels pests such as cabbage loopers and carrot flies. Additionally, rosemary has a strong aroma that can help mask the scent of your tomato plants, making them less attractive to pests. Plant rosemary around the perimeter of your tomato patch or interspersed throughout.

Corn

Corn is a good companion plant for tomatoes because it provides shade for your tomato plants during the hottest part of the day. Additionally, corn has deep roots that can help break up compacted soil and improve drainage. Plant corn in rows on the east side of your tomato patch.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a good companion plant for tomatoes because it is a shallow-rooted crop that won't compete with your tomato plants for nutrients. Additionally, lettuce provides shade for your tomato plants during the hottest part of the day. Plant lettuce around the base of your tomato plants or in between each plant.

Spinach

Spinach is a good companion plant for tomatoes because it has deep roots that can help improve soil quality and drainage. Additionally, spinach provides shade for your tomato plants during the hottest part of the day. Plant spinach around the base of your tomato plants or in between each plant.

Companion planting can be a great way to improve the growth and flavor of your tomato plants while reducing pest problems. By planting certain plants together, you can create a healthy and thriving garden ecosystem. Some of the best companion plants for tomatoes include basil, marigolds, garlic, onions, nasturtiums, peppers, carrots, borage, celery, chives, parsley, rosemary, corn, lettuce, and spinach.

FAQs

1. What are companion plants?

Companion plants are plants that are grown near each other to improve growth, repel pests, or enhance flavor.

2. How do I know which plants are good companions for tomatoes?

Plants that are good companions for tomatoes generally repel pests such as aphids, spider mites, and nematodes, or they provide some other benefit such as improving soil quality.

3. Can I plant all of these companion plants together with my tomatoes?

Yes, you can plant all of these companion plants together with your tomatoes. However, be sure to leave enough space between each plant to allow for proper growth and air circulation.

4. Will companion planting guarantee that I won't have any pest problems?

While companion planting can help reduce pest problems, it is not a guarantee that you won't have any pests in your garden. Be sure to monitor your plants regularly and take action if you notice any pest problems.

5. Can I use companion planting with other crops besides tomatoes?

Yes, companion planting can be used with many different types of crops. Some good companion plants for other vegetables include beans, peas, and cucumbers.