Companion Plants for Tomato Plants: The Ultimate Guide
The Importance of Companion Plants for Tomato Plants
Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden vegetables. However, growing tomatoes can be challenging because they are prone to diseases and pests. One way to make growing tomatoes easier is by planting companion plants.
Companion plants are plants that grow well together and have a beneficial effect on each other. For tomato plants, companion plants can help attract beneficial insects, repel harmful pests, and provide nutrients to the soil.
In this guide, we will explore some of the best companion plants for tomato plants and how they can help improve your tomato harvest.
Section 1: Basil
Why Basil is a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Basil is one of the best companion plants for tomatoes. It has a strong scent that helps repel harmful insects and attracts beneficial ones like bees and butterflies.
How to Plant Basil with Tomatoes
Plant basil around the base of tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to give each basil plant enough space to grow.
Section 2: Marigolds
Why Marigolds are a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Marigolds are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They contain a compound called alpha-terthienyl, which repels harmful nematodes.
How to Plant Marigolds with Tomatoes
Plant marigolds around the base of tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to choose French marigolds, as they are the most effective at repelling nematodes.
Section 3: Nasturtiums
Why Nasturtiums are a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for tomatoes because they attract aphids away from tomato plants.
How to Plant Nasturtiums with Tomatoes
Plant nasturtiums around the base of tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to choose dwarf varieties, as they won't take over your garden.
Section 4: Borage
Why Borage is a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Borage is another great companion plant for tomatoes. It attracts beneficial insects like bees and wasps, which help pollinate tomato plants.
How to Plant Borage with Tomatoes
Plant borage around the base of tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to give each borage plant enough space to grow.
Section 5: Garlic
Why Garlic is a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Garlic is a great companion plant for tomatoes because it repels harmful insects like aphids and spider mites.
How to Plant Garlic with Tomatoes
Plant garlic around the base of tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to plant garlic cloves in the fall so that they have time to establish before tomato planting season.
Section 6: Chives
Why Chives are a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Chives are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They contain sulfur compounds that help repel harmful pests like aphids and slugs.
How to Plant Chives with Tomatoes
Plant chives around the base of tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to give each chive plant enough space to grow.
Section 7: Calendula
Why Calendula is a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Calendula is a great companion plant for tomatoes because it attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
How to Plant Calendula with Tomatoes
Plant calendula around the base of tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to choose the variety "Pot Marigold" as they are most effective at attracting beneficial insects.
Section 8: Carrots
Why Carrots are a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Carrots are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They help to break up the soil and make it easier for tomato roots to penetrate.
How to Plant Carrots with Tomatoes
Plant carrots in between rows of tomato plants. Make sure to choose a variety of carrots that matures quickly, so that they don't compete with the tomato plants for nutrients.
Section 9: Peppers
Why Peppers are a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Peppers are a great companion plant for tomatoes because they have similar growing requirements. They also attract similar beneficial insects.
How to Plant Peppers with Tomatoes
Plant peppers around the base of tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to give each pepper plant enough space to grow.
Section 10: Beans
Why Beans are a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Beans are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which is a nutrient that tomatoes need to grow.
How to Plant Beans with Tomatoes
Plant beans in between rows of tomato plants. Make sure to choose dwarf varieties, as they won't take over your garden.
Section 11: Spinach
Why Spinach is a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Spinach is a great companion plant for tomatoes because it helps to shade the soil and retain moisture. It also adds nutrients to the soil.
How to Plant Spinach with Tomatoes
Plant spinach in between rows of tomato plants. Make sure to choose a variety of spinach that matures quickly, so that they don't compete with the tomato plants for nutrients.
Section 12: Onions
Why Onions are a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Onions are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They help to repel harmful insects like aphids and spider mites.
How to Plant Onions with Tomatoes
Plant onions around the base of tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to give each onion plant enough space to grow.
Section 13: Cabbage
Why Cabbage is a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Cabbage is a great companion plant for tomatoes because it helps to repel harmful insects like aphids and cabbage worms.
How to Plant Cabbage with Tomatoes
Plant cabbage in between rows of tomato plants. Make sure to choose a variety of cabbage that matures quickly, so that they don't compete with the tomato plants for nutrients.
Section 14: Asparagus
Why Asparagus is a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Asparagus is another great companion plant for tomatoes. It helps to break up the soil and make it easier for tomato roots to penetrate.
How to Plant Asparagus with Tomatoes
Plant asparagus in between rows of tomato plants. Make sure to give each asparagus plant enough space to grow.
Section 15: Sunflowers
Why Sunflowers are a Great Companion Plant for Tomatoes
Sunflowers are a great companion plant for tomatoes because they attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
How to Plant Sunflowers with Tomatoes
Plant sunflowers around the base of tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to choose dwarf varieties, as they won't take over your garden.
Companion planting is an excellent way to improve your tomato harvest. By planting the right companion plants, you can help repel harmful pests, attract beneficial insects, and provide nutrients to the soil. Make sure to choose companion plants that have similar growing requirements and give each plant enough space to grow.
FAQs
Q: Can I plant all of these companion plants with my tomato plants?
A: While all of these companion plants are great for tomato plants, it's important to make sure that you don't overcrowd your garden. Make sure to give each plant enough space to grow.
Q: When should I plant my companion plants?
A: You should plant your companion plants at the same time that you plant your tomato plants. This will ensure that they are all growing together and have enough time to establish before the growing season ends.
Q: Can I plant companion plants in containers with my tomato plants?
A: Yes, you can plant companion plants in containers with your tomato plants. Just make sure that each plant has enough space to grow and that the container is big enough to accommodate all of the plants.
Q: Do I need to fertilize my companion plants?
A: It's a good idea to fertilize your companion plants to help them grow strong and healthy. However, be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can damage both the companion plants and the tomato plants.
Q: Can I plant different varieties of companion plants together?
A: Yes, you can plant different varieties of companion plants together. Just make sure that they have similar growing requirements and that each plant has enough space to grow.
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