As planting seasons approach, gardeners everywhere start to prepare their plots for planting. One popular vegetable for home gardens is the tomato, but did you know that certain plants can be grown alongside them to enhance their growth and health? This is called companion planting, and it’s a natural and organic way to boost your garden’s productivity. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of companion planting for tomatoes and discuss 10 plants that thrive when grown alongside them.
What is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the practice of planting two or more different crops together to achieve a more productive and healthier garden. By planting certain plants together, gardeners can enhance their soil quality, deter pests, and boost overall growth. Companion planting is an ancient technique that has been used for centuries in traditional agricultural practices, and it is becoming more popular among modern gardeners today.
Benefits of Companion Planting for Tomatoes
Companion planting is a method of planting different species of plants together to benefit each other. There are several benefits of companion planting for tomatoes, including:
- Pest control: Certain plants can repel pests that are harmful to tomatoes, such as aphids and spider mites.
- Soil improvement: Some plants can improve soil quality by adding nutrients and improving drainage.
- Increased yield: Companion plants can attract beneficial insects that help pollinate tomato flowers, leading to a higher yield.
- Weed suppression: Certain plants can help suppress weed growth by shading the soil and competing for resources.
- Improving Soil Quality: Certain plants, known as nitrogen fixers, have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and require a lot of nitrogen to grow. By planting nitrogen-fixing plants such as peas or beans alongside your tomatoes, you can improve soil quality and provide your tomato plants with the nutrients they need.
- Pest Control: Some plants, such as marigolds, can repel pests that may damage your tomato plants. Marigolds contain toxic compounds to nematodes, a type of soil-dwelling pest that can damage tomato roots. Additionally, planting basil or borage alongside your tomato plants can help repel tomato hornworms.
- Increased Yield: Companion planting can increase tomato yield by attracting beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies. Planting flowers such as cosmos or zinnias near your tomato plants can attract these pollinators and increase the number of tomatoes your plants produce.
10 Companion Plants for Tomatoes
Here are some of the best plants that you might consider planting together with your tomatoes:
Basil
Basil is a great companion plant for tomatoes as it helps to repel pests such as tomato hornworms and whiteflies. Additionally, basil emits a strong aroma that can help mask the scent of your tomato plants, making them less attractive to pests. This smell repels pests like mosquitoes and flies and enhances the flavors of tomatoes when grown alongside them.
Marigolds
Marigolds are another excellent companion plant for tomatoes as they help to repel nematodes. They also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which eat aphids that can damage your tomato plants. These beautiful flowers can repel nematodes and other harmful insects.
Borage
This plant attracts bees and other pollinators, which can increase tomato yield. According to Allan Douglas, a renowned farmer, borage can repel tomato hornworms and other similar pests that may reduce tomato yields in the garden. Additionally, it can improve soil quality by adding trace minerals, consequently increasing tomatoes’ general yield.
Carrots
Carrots and tomatoes have different root depths, which means they won’t compete for resources. They can also improve soil quality by aerating it.
Nasturtiums
These flowers are a great companion plant for tomatoes as they help to repel aphids and whiteflies. They also attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which eat other pests such as spider mites.
Chives
Chives can deter pests like aphids and Japanese beetles while adding a mild onion flavor to tomatoes.
Garlic
Garlic can repel pests like spider mites and whiteflies and has antibacterial properties that can help protect tomatoes from disease.
Calendula
These flowers can attract pollinators and beneficial insects while repelling harmful ones like thrips and tomato hornworms.
Parsley
Parsley can attract hoverflies, which feed on aphids and other pests. It also adds a fresh flavor to tomatoes.
Peppers
Peppers and tomatoes are in the same family and can be grown together without competing for resources since they both enjoy similar growing conditions. They can also repel pests like spider mites and whiteflies, thereby keeping your tomatoes safe.
Plants to Avoid Planting Alongside Tomatoes
While several plants can be grown alongside tomatoes, some should be avoided. These include:
- Fennel: Fennel can inhibit the growth of tomatoes and other plants in the nightshade family.
- Corn: Corn and tomatoes are both heavy feeders and can compete for nutrients in the soil. So, when you plant corn together with tomatoes, you are prone to get a low yield and low-quality tomatoes.
- Kohlrabi: Kohlrabi can attract pests like aphids and flea beetles, which can also harm tomatoes.
Companion Planting Chart
If you’re interested in companion planting for your garden, there are several resources available to help you plan your layout. One such resource is a companion planting chart, which lists the different plants that can be grown together and the benefits of each pairing. Here is an example of a companion planting chart for tomatoes:
| Plant | Benefits |
| Basil | Repels mosquitoes and flies; enhances tomato flavor |
| Marigolds | Repels nematodes and harmful insects; attracts beneficial insects |
| Borage | Attracts bees and pollinators; improves soil quality |
| Carrots | Different root depths, won’t compete for resources; improves soil quality |
| Nasturtiums | Repels aphids and harmful pests; attracts beneficial insects |
| Chives | Deters aphids and Japanese beetles; adds mild onion flavor to tomatoes |
| Garlic | Repels spider mites and whiteflies; has antibacterial properties |
| Calendula | Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects; repels thrips and tomato hornworms |
| Parsley | Attracts hoverflies that feed on aphids; adds fresh flavor to tomatoes |
| Peppers | Repels spider mites and whiteflies; same family as tomatoes, won’t compete for resources |
Tips and Tricks for Companion Planting with Tomatoes
Now that you know the benefits of companion planting for tomatoes, here are some tips and tricks to help you get started:
- Choose the right companions: Some plants are better companions for tomatoes than others. Good choices include basil, marigolds, garlic, onions, carrots, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and chamomile.
- Plan your garden layout: When planning your garden layout, consider the spacing requirements of your plants. Tomatoes need plenty of space to grow, so make sure to give them enough room. Additionally, try to plant taller plants like sunflowers or corn on the north side of your tomato plants so they don’t shade them.
- Rotate your crops: To prevent soil-borne diseases, rotating your crops each year is important. Don’t plant tomatoes in the same spot every year, and avoid planting them near other nightshade plants like peppers and eggplants.
- Experiment: Companion planting is not an exact science, so it is good to experiment with different combinations of plants to see what works best in your garden. Keep notes on which combinations are successful and which ones don’t work as well.
- Be mindful of plant compatibility: While some plants make great companions for tomatoes, others can actually harm them. For example, planting brassicas like broccoli or cauliflower near your tomatoes can attract pests like aphids and cabbage worms.
- Consider using raised beds or containers: If you’re short on space or have poor soil quality, consider using raised beds or containers for your tomato plants. This will allow you to control the soil quality and make it easier to plant companion plants around your tomatoes.
Conclusion
Companion planting for tomatoes is an effective and natural way to improve your garden’s health and productivity. By planting certain plants alongside your tomatoes, you can repel harmful pests, improve soil quality, and increase yield. Just be sure to avoid planting incompatible plants like fennel and corn, which can inhibit growth and compete for resources. A companion planting chart can be a helpful resource when planning your garden layout. With the right combinations of plants, you can enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest all summer long.
