Looking for great tomato companion plants? This post gives you a list of great companion plants for tomatoes to grow together with tomatoes in your garden.
While we love to eat them fresh off the vine, tomatoes also play a starring role in salads, sandwiches, sauces, pizzas and so much more.
This popular fruit (yes, tomatoes are fruits!) is not only delicious but also easy to grow. Tomatoes come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, and there is sure to be a variety that will fit perfectly into your home garden.
While tomatoes are fairly low-maintenance plants, they do have a few requirements for optimal growth. Tomatoes need full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours per day), well-drained soil, and consistent moisture.
They also benefit from being planted with other tomato plants or with certain types of companion plants.
Companion planting is a gardening technique that has been around for centuries. The basic idea is to plant complementary species of plants near each other so that they can share resources, provide pest control or improve pollination rates.
Many different companion plants can be used with tomatoes to improve yields, deter pests and attract beneficial insects. The following is a list of the best companion plants to grow with tomatoes:
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The Best Tomato Companion Plants
Tomato companion plants can help improve the health and yield of your tomato plants. Companion planting is a form of intercropping that involves growing different plants together.
The plants can provide each other with shade, support, nutrients, and other benefits. Below are some companion plants for tomatoes.
Basil
Most gardeners know that tomatoes and basil are a classic pairing, but did you know that these two plants can actually help each other grow?
Tomatoes release a compound called methyl eugenol into the air, and basil responds by growing taller and producing more leaves. So not only do these two plants taste great together, but they can also give each other a boost!
Borage
Borage releases a substance that increases the level of calcium in the soil, which helps prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes.
Chives
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are among the best companion plants for tomatoes because they help to repel aphids, mites, and other pests that can damage tomato plants.
Chives also contain compounds that can improve the flavor of tomatoes when the two plants are grown together.
Chives are a member of the onion family and can be used as a culinary herb in salads, soups, and other dishes.
Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum) is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). It’s a member of the allium family, which also includes onions (Allium cepa), leeks (Allium porrum), and shallots (Allium ascalonicum).
Marigolds
Marigolds are one of the best tomato companion plants because they help to deter pests. Marigolds emit a strong smell that repels many common garden pests, including nematodes, whiteflies, and even rabbits.
In addition, marigolds help to attract pollinators like bees, which can help improve the yield of your tomato plants.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are a cheerful addition to the tomato patch, with their rounded leaves and bright flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red.
Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seed and will self-seed freely if you let them. These annual plants are related to watercress and have a similar peppery flavor.
Nasturtiums are good companion plants for tomatoes because they attract aphids and other pests away from the tomato plants. They also help to repel cabbage white butterflies.
Oregano
As a member of the mint family, oregano is known to be a vigorous grower. Like other mints, it can quickly spread through your garden if you don’t keep it in check.
Oregano also benefits from being trimmed back regularly to encourage new growth. When growing oregano alongside your tomatoes, make sure to give it plenty of room to spread.
Oregano is a strong herb with a robust flavor. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly when cooking. When used fresh, oregano has a more delicate flavor than when it is dried.
Oregano is most commonly used in Mediterranean and Italian dishes, but it can also be used in soups, sauces, and salad dressings.
Mint
Mint is a vigorous grower that can quickly take over your garden if you don’t keep it in check. It has a strong flavor that should be used sparingly.
Mint can also help deter pests and improve the flavor of your tomatoes.
Parsley
Parsley is a biennial herb in the family Apiaceae, or Umbelliferae, usually known in Britain as the flat-leaved or Italian parsley. It is a bright green, biennial, with curly leaves.
Originally from Mediterranean countries, parsley is now cultivated all over the world as a culinary herb. Parsley grows best in cool to temperate regions.
Parsley is used for garnish, as a flavoring agent, and as a dried herb. Fresh parsley leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant.
They are used chopped in salads, soups, and sauces; as a garnish; and as a flavoring agent for other dishes. The leaves can also be dried and used as an herb. The root can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an aromatic evergreen herb that produces small, pale blue flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae).
Rosemary is a popular culinary herb and can be used fresh or dried. It is also used in cosmetics and as an ingredient in some beauty products.
Rosemary grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of drought and does not need very much water once it is established.
Rosemary can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or divisions. It can also be grown in pots or containers.
Rosemary is often used as a companion plant for tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). The two plants benefit each other when they are grown together.
The rosemary helps to repel insects that might damage the tomatoes, and the tomatoes provide shade and help to keep the rosemary from getting too dry.
Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a hardy perennial that grows in the sun or part shade. It has small, Fragrant leaves and tiny lavender flowers that appear in summer. This slow-growing herb reaches a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm.) And a spread of 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm.). Thyme is drought tolerant once established.
A member of the mint family, thyme is an ideal companion plant for tomatoes. It is said to repel cabbage worms, whiteflies, and other pests that can damage tomato plants.
When planted near tomatoes, thyme will also improve the flavor of the fruit. Thyme can be used fresh or dried in cooking. It is also a popular ingredient in many commercial tomato sauces and pizzas.
Of course, this is just a small selection of possible companion plants for tomatoes. There are many other options out there, so be sure to do some research before you choose which ones you want to grow in your garden.
How to Plant Companion Plants For Tomatoes
When planting tomatoes in your garden, consider adding some companion plants. These are plants that grow well with tomatoes and can help to improve the health and yield of your tomato crop.
When choosing companions for your tomatoes, be sure to select plants that will thrive in your climate and soil type.
If you decide to go with companion plants for tomatoes, be sure to plant them in a location that gets full sun and has well-draining soil.
Tomatoes prefer slightly acidic soil, so adding some compost or mulch to the planting area can also be beneficial.
Plant your companion plants in the rows created between your tomato plants. Ensure you plan ahead for planting companion plants in order to leave enough space between your tomato plants for your companion plants.
By choosing the right companion plants, you can help to deter pests, improve the flavor of your tomatoes, and attract beneficial insects. Remember to choose plants that have similar needs in terms of sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Do some research before planting to make sure that your chosen companion plants are suitable for your climate and soil type. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a thriving tomato patch that will provide you with delicious fruits all summer long.
FAQs: Tomato Companion Plants
Are you tired of your tomato plants being ravaged by pests and diseases? Are you looking for ways to improve the health and yield of your tomato plants? Look no further! We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about tomato companion plants to help you achieve a successful harvest.
- What are tomato companion plants? Tomato companion plants are plants that are grown alongside tomato plants to improve their growth and yield. They can be either beneficial or harmful to tomato plants depending on the plant species.
- What are some examples of beneficial tomato companion plants? Some examples of beneficial tomato companion plants include basil, marigolds, borage, parsley, and onions. These plants can help deter pests, attract pollinators, and improve soil health.
- What are some examples of harmful tomato companion plants? Some examples of harmful tomato companion plants include fennel, dill, corn, and nightshades. These plants can attract pests and diseases that can harm tomato plants.
- Can tomato plants be grown with other vegetables? Yes, tomato plants can be grown with other vegetables such as peppers, eggplants, and cucumbers. These plants have similar growing conditions and can benefit from each other’s presence.
- How do I choose the right tomato companion plants? Choose tomato companion plants that have similar growing conditions and complement the needs of your tomato plants. Research and experimentation may be necessary to determine which plants work best for your garden.
- How do I plant tomato companion plants? Plant tomato companion plants in close proximity to tomato plants, either in the same bed or in nearby containers. Make sure to provide adequate spacing and avoid overcrowding.
- How do tomato companion plants benefit tomato plants? Tomato companion plants can benefit tomato plants by attracting beneficial insects and pollinators, improving soil health, and deterring pests and diseases.
- How do I maintain tomato companion plants? Maintain tomato companion plants by providing adequate water and nutrients, pruning as necessary, and controlling pests and diseases.