Introduction
In the USA, the tomato is among the highly preferred and the most cultivated vegetables. Knowing what can I plant with tomatoes to have healthy plants and get high yields is a must. Companion planting, besides its growth-boosting effect, has many other benefits like pest control, soil health improvement, and space maximization.
This complete article will guide you through the planting of tomatoes with others and the non-planting of them, the flowers, herbs, and companion foods that will support your tomato plants, whether in a container, raised bed, or ground, in terms of flourishing.
What Makes Companion Planting Work for Tomatoes
The gardeners, while raising the question of “What can I plant with the tomatoes?” are drawing from the old practice, which is called companion planting. Plant interactions are used in this ancient gardening technique to increase resilience and production.
Having the appropriate companions aids in:
- Boost the nitrogen balance and soil quality
- Naturally ward off pests
- Boost tomato yield and flavor
- Conserve space in little gardens.
- Enhance biodiversity and environment friendly insects.
What Can I Plant with Tomatoes: 5 Best Plants to Grow With
If you are wondering what can I plant with tomatoes to get the best results, start with these five proven companions.
1. Basil: The Ideal Tomato Comrade
Basil herb is the best companion for tomatoes. It draws in the good bugs, adds to the taste of tomatoes, and holds back the bad bugs (aphids and mosquitoes) at the same time. So, if you want to have more and better fruits, the thing to do is to plant basil along with your tomato plants.
2. Carrots: Soil Benefactors and Space Minimizers
Tomatoes and carrots are compatible. The thick roots of carrots are the main reason why the soil gets aerated and water flows.
3. Lettuce: The Tomato Shade Companion
Lettuce takes advantage of the shade coming from the tomato plants. The former not only inhibits the growth of weeds and keeps the soil moist, but also aids in the formation of the soil nutrients recycling process through the garden ecosystem.
4. Garlic: Anti-Pest Agent from Nature
Garlic sends away aphids, spider mites, and other pests. Garlic is an indispensable factor if we are to think of what to plant besides tomatoes for the avoidance of insects.
5. Marigolds: The Mainstay of the Attack against Pests
Another sure companion flower that can be set out in pots or in rocky garden beds is marigolds. Their scent is a natural barrier to your tomato plants against nematodes, whiteflies, and hornworms.
What Not to Plant With Tomatoes
It is equally important to know which plants do not get along with tomatoes as it is to know their best companions. Certain plants have the ability to draw in certain pests, while some of them take the same nutrients.
- To begin with, potato plants: Tomato plants are very likely to be infected by the blight and therefore must not be planted with potatoes.
- Tomato and maize: The worm that eats tomato fruit and spoils them is drawn to corn
Fennel: Apart from its inhibitory nature, it also causes a reduction in the yield of tomatoes.
In the case of cauliflower and broccoli, they are also considered to be tomatoes’ competitors when it comes to getting the essential nutrients from the soil.
Matured dill can make it hard for the tomatoes to grow, resulting in lower yields.
In case you are planning what I plant with potatoes, refrain from putting them next to tomatoes in order to avert the blight issue.
Companion Planting for Tomatoes to Ward Off Insects
Tomato plants are very prone to infestations, and among the pests that attack them are whiteflies, hornworms, and aphids. But one of the good things is that some plants can be cultivated alongside tomatoes that will not only repel insects and protect your other plants:
- Basil: This herb not only improves the flavor of tomatoes but also acts as a repellent for insects.
- Garlic can produce a chemical that drives away aphids.
- Marigolds: These flowers are also effective in repelling pests.
- Chives: They are the best repellents of aphids and bugs.
- Catnip: It repels the flies away from the garden.
The mentioned plants act not only as natural pest control but also as non-harmful to the environment. Consequently, tomatoes are born healthy and beautiful.
What Can I Plant with Tomatoes in a Container
If you have limited outdoor space, then container gardening is the best option for you. The companion plants for tomatoes in containers, pots, and raised beds are those that have the same requirements as tomatoes need, like water, light, and nutrients.
- Basil: This herb provides a nice fragrance and repels harmful insects.
- Parsley: This plant attracts the bugs and gives a nice look to the garden.
- Marigolds: They are the best pest repellent.
- Lettuce: Tomatoes help lettuce grow well together.
- Chives: Chives naturally repel insects.
Tip: Do not use containers of less than 18 inches in depth for root development, as they are healthy, and also make sure that they are well-drained.
What Can I Plant with Tomatoes in a Raised Bed
Tomatoes are very fond of raised beds because of their great drainage and warm soil. While thinking about what can I plant with tomatoes in a raised bed, it is wise to select the crops that are not going to be the losers in the nutrient competition.
The best options are:
- Carrots: their penetration into the earth helps in soil loosening.
- Garlic: it makes insects flee.
- Lettuce: It provides a mulching layer to protect from hot and cold conditions.
- Basil: This plant gives aroma and creates a nice environment.
Cucumbers and Peppers – What Else would be fine to plant with them
If the compatibility of crops with peppers and cucumbers, and that of the latter with tomatoes, is well understood, the garden of peppers or cucumbers could be transformed into a perfectly synchronized growing area.
Cucumbers and tomatoes
They have almost the same preferences when it comes to temperatures, though ventilation is a must. One good preventive measure against diseases that attack both crops is having marigolds or basil interplanted among them.
Peppers with Tomatoes
Peppers and tomatoes have the same requirements for water and light conditions. Nightshades not only improve the taste but also act as repellents for insects.
Tomato Companion Planting Has to Succeed
If you stick to these suggestions, you will undoubtedly reap the finest rewards with your tomato planting choice:
- Crop rotation: It is a good idea to change the location of your crops every other year in order to prevent soil-borne diseases.
- Mulching: Applying mulch is a method that will help in retaining moisture in the soil and also in managing weeds.
- Spacing: Proper air circulation will be provided by a sufficient distance between plants.
- Irrigation: Rotting of the king blossom end can be prevented by uniform watering.
- Pollination of the flowers: To attract pollinators, use such flowers as marigolds and nasturtiums.
Conclusion: What can I plant with tomatoes
Knowing what can I plant with tomatoes may impact not only the garden but also the quality and amount of produce significantly. Tomatoes, in addition to those above, are among the five best plants to grow, namely basil, carrots, lettuce, garlic, and marigolds, which will lead to increased yields and also natural insect control. Suppose you are still in doubt about what to plant together with tomatoes in a pot, in a raised bed, or for the purpose of keeping pests away. In that case, the use of these companion planting techniques will certainly allow you to enjoy the most flavorful and healthiest tomatoes all season long.
