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Companion planting is an interesting method that involves strategically growing certain plants next to each other to improve the health of the soil, keep pests away, attract good bugs, and even make your crops taste better.
By carefully choosing the right companion plants, like basil, marigolds, and garlic, you can create a thriving ecosystem in your garden that helps all of your plants.
The science behind this practice is simple but powerful. Many people question what to plant with tomatoes and what plants should not be planted together.
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your gardening game, consider giving companion planting a try; your plants (and your taste buds) will thank you. In this article, I will tell you what I can plant next to tomatoes. Have a look.
7 plants to avoid near tomatoes
Plants from the nightshade family, such as brassicas, fennel, corn, and walnut trees, are not usually grown near tomato plants due to the potential for negative effects on the growth and health of the tomatoes.
These plants can hold diseases and pests, use up nutrients in the soil, make poisons, and attract pests that hurt tomato fruit. It is important to think about how plants will get along with each other and to rotate crops to keep diseases from spreading and to keep nutrients from running out.
When the plants produce their fruit, they have a bad impact on tomatoes. There are seven incredible tomato planting options. So have a look at what you can plant next to tomatoes.
1. Potatoes
It’s not a good idea to grow potatoes near tomato plants because it could hurt the growth and health of the tomato plants.
- Firstly, potatoes and tomatoes belong to the nightshade family, which can harbor diseases and pests that are harmful to each other.
- Secondly, both crops have high nutrient requirements, which can cause competition for soil nutrients and lead to stunted growth and reduced yields.
- Additionally, some studies have suggested that growing potatoes and tomatoes together can lead to a decrease in the quality of the potato crop, including lower yields and more defects.
So, if you want healthy and productive crops, you shouldn’t plant potatoes near tomato plants.
2. Dill
Dill is an herb that is not usually grown near tomato plants due to its potential negative effects on tomato growth and flavor.
Can you plant dill with tomatoes?
Dill can attract tomato hornworms, which are a pest that can cause significant damage to tomato plants. It can release chemical compounds that can interfere with tomato plant growth and flavor. Chemicals in dill can stop tomato plants from growing, causing them to grow slowly and produce less fruit.
The smell of dill can be too strong for the delicate flavor of tomatoes, changing how the fruit tastes. So it is best to avoid planting dill near tomato plants.
Related Reading:
- Unveiling the Tomato Calories: How Many Calories Are in a Tomato?
- Tomato Powder: Preserving the Essence of Fresh Tomatoes for Longer
- When to Feed Tomato Plants: A Comprehensive Guide
3. Corn
Corn is not usually grown near tomato plants because it can attract a pest called the tomato fruitworm, which feeds on both corn and tomato plants.
The fruitworms can damage the fruit and affect the growth and yield of the tomatoes. Growing corn and tomatoes together can lead to competition for nutrients, as both plants require high levels of nitrogen.
As a result, it is generally advised to avoid planting these two species together in order to reduce the risk of fruit damage and ensure the health of both plants.
4. Eggplant
Eggplant belongs to the same family as tomatoes, but the question is: can you plant eggplant near your tomatoes?
the nightshade family, and both plants are susceptible to similar pests and diseases. If you grow eggplant near tomato plants, soil-borne diseases like verticillium and fusarium wilt, which can hurt both plants, are more likely to spread. Eggplant is a bad companion plant for tomatoes.
Pests such as tomato hornworms and flea beetles can damage both eggplant and tomato plants. So it is better to avoid eggplant near tomato plants.
5. Fennel
Fennel produces a chemical compound called anethole, which is toxic to many plants, including tomatoes. When planted near tomato plants, anethole can stunt their growth and cause yellowing of the leaves.
Also, it can attract pests like aphids and spider mites, which can also harm tomato plants. So, if you want your tomatoes to grow well and keep pests away, it is usually best not to plant fennel near them.
6. Cabbage
Because cabbage and other plants in the brassica family, like broccoli and cauliflower, need a lot of nitrogen, they are usually not grown near tomato plants.
Brassicas need a lot of nitrogen, and growing them near tomatoes can take away this important nutrient that tomatoes need to grow well.
Cabbage and other brassicas can attract pests that may also harm tomato plants. When you avoid these, you will notice that your plants grow healthy and produce delicious fruit.
7. Walnuts
Walnuts should not be grown near tomato plants because they release a chemical compound called juglone, which is toxic to many plants, including tomatoes. Juglone is found in all parts of the walnut tree, including leaves, roots, and nuts.
When the roots of the walnut tree come into contact with the roots of other plants, they release juglone into the soil, which can lead to stunted growth, wilting, and even death of the affected plants. So, it’s good to avoid planting tomatoes near walnut trees to prevent juglone toxicity
Related Reading:
- 10 Health Benefits of Eating Tomatoes as Tomato Salad
- 10 High Yielding Tomato Varieties That Gives Huge Harvests
- 10 Reasons Your Tomato Plant Leaves Are Turning Brown
4 plants what to plant near tomatoes
Growing certain plants near tomato plants can have beneficial effects on their growth and health. Companion planting can help maximize the use of garden space and improve overall garden biodiversity.
Planting herbs like basil and parsley near tomato plants can improve their flavor and deter pests, while planting flowers like marigolds can repel nematodes and whiteflies. Legumes like beans and peas can enrich the soil with nitrogen, which is essential for healthy plant growth.
So, growing these plants in the garden can be a natural and effective way to support the growth and productivity of tomato plants.
1. Asparagus
Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that is good for you and grows edible shoots in the spring. It can also repel pests harmful to tomato plants, making it a natural and eco-friendly pest control method.
Growing asparagus near tomato plants can be beneficial because asparagus has a deep root system that can improve soil structure, drainage, and aeration, which can benefit the growth and health of tomato plants.
Asparagus take a few years to establish, but they can be a valuable addition to any garden, providing both health benefits and support to neighboring plants.
2. Basil
Basil is an herb commonly used in cooking, especially in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. It has a sweet, aromatic flavor and is often used in tomato-based dishes such as pizza, pasta sauces, and salads.
What should I grow with tomatoes?
Growing basil near tomato plants is considered beneficial because it can repel harmful insects and pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, which can damage the plant.
Basil grows well with tomatoes because it doesn’t compete for the same nutrients and can help the tomatoes grow and taste better. Some studies also show that the smell of basil can help keep pests like tomato hornworms away. Growing basil near tomato plants can provide both culinary and pest-repelling benefits.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a plant that has many health benefits and is used in cooking and medicine. Growing garlic near tomato plants is beneficial because it acts as a natural pest repellent and can help to protect tomatoes from pests and diseases like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Garlic has insecticidal and fungicidal properties that can help prevent soil-borne diseases like verticillium and fusarium wilt. It can also improve soil health by adding organic matter and nutrients.
When you grow garlic near tomato plants, it can help them grow and stay healthy while also making the garlic taste better and giving it more nutrients.
4. Marigold
Marigold is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the genus Tagetes. It is a popular ornamental plant that is grown in gardens and along borders. It has bright yellow or orange flowers that make it easy to spot.
Marigolds are also beneficial to tomato plants, as they contain natural chemicals that repel pests like nematodes and whiteflies. These chemicals, called thiophenes, are released by marigold roots into the surrounding soil, creating a protective barrier that deters these pests from attacking the tomato plants.
Marigolds attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can improve the yield of tomato plants.
Read More:
- Companion Planting Secrets: Growing Eggplants and Tomatoes Together
- Growing Zucchini And Tomatoes Together Companion Planting
- Cucumber Companion Planting: What To Grow With Cucumbers And What To Not Grow
- 17 Plants You Can Grow With Carrots As Companions
- An Overview of Cucurbitaceae Family
Final thoughts
There are several options that you can plant with tomatoes that can attract pests and diseases that can harm the tomatoes. These plants include members of the nightshade family, such as potatoes and peppers, as well as plants like fennel and corn.
On the other hand, plants such as basil, marigolds, and garlic are beneficial to tomato plants as they can repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
By reading this article, you’ll learn which plant grows best next to tomatoes and why you should instead plant plants that work well together for a healthy garden.
Thanks for reading!
