Tomatoes are the greatest passion of many hobby gardeners and from May onwards the heat-loving tomato seedlings can be planted in the ground. Did you know that growing tomatoes combined with the right planting partners can help increase yields and keep pests away? In this article, we will show which plants are called good neighbors for tomatoes and how they benefit tomato cultivation.
Why is it worth growing mixed crops in the garden?
Intercropping involves planting different crops in close proximity to each other to improve nutrient absorption, control pests, promote pollination and increase yields. Although scientists call this idea pseudoscientific, many experienced gardeners vouch for its carefully put togetherLists of companion plants. By choosing suitable planting partners, you can not only save space, but also make the kitchen garden more effective and productive.
There are plants that go well together and those that should be kept separate. It is often difficult to combine these two groups in a garden plan, especially in a small area. Fortunately, many popular vegetables make good neighbors for tomatoes. Some planting partners are said to promote the health and vitality of tomato plants, others improve the flavor of the tomatoes, and others are said to ward off pests and diseases. We'll reveal what they are below.
Good neighbors for tomatoes: beneficial crops and ornamentals
In the vegetable garden, the main aim of companion planting is to protect useful insects (the natural predators of the not so useful onesGarden pests such as aphidsand caterpillars), promote growth and optimize yields. And since tomatoes should not be missing from any garden in summer, we list the best vegetables, herbs and flowers that find space in the tomato bed.
Basiland tomatoes are soulmates,both on the plateas well as in the kitchen. This vibrant, aromatic herb repels insects, especially flies and caterpillars, and is said to increase yields.
The mixed culture withParsleyis another classic pairing: It encourages growth and attracts predators of the tomato caterpillar like ladybugs, but keep them away from mint.
chivesis not only an indispensable spice in every herb garden, but it also repels aphids, nematodes and mites.
Garlicis said to repel spider mites, and aSpray made with garliccan protect plants and soil from late blight.
SalatCan be planted as a ground cover between and under tomato plants to retain moisture in the soil andto reduce weeds. In return, the shade provided by tomato plants in the summer can help keep the lettuce from bolting and self-seeding.
Tomatoes, borage and pumpkinsare a common trio in planting, and this is largely due to timing. Borage, a flowering herb with blue, star-shaped flowers, is generally popular with pollinators and also repels tomato caterpillars. Not only does it improve the growth and flavor of tomatoes, but it also makes an attractive, eye-catching side dish. When the late summer squash (which needs pollinators to bear fruit) blooms, the foundation has already been laid.
French marigolds and nasturtiums.Marigolds (not to be confused with the edible, ornamental marigold) and nasturtiums are particularly good companions for tomatoes. Marigolds have been shown to repel nematodes, parasites that feed on the nutrients in the tomato's root system, and nasturtiums are generally pest-repellent thanks to their peppery, bitter oils - but don't let them get too close. Nasturtium spreads quickly and can overgrow other plants if left unchecked.
asparagusis a good example of give and takePlanting with other plantsn: Tomatoes repel asparagus beetles with a chemical called solanine, and asparagus helps rid the soil of nematodes that are attracted to tomatoes. After the asparagus harvest in spring, the bed can be planted with tomatoes and other companion plants to make optimal use of the space.
carrotscan be combined well with tomatoes, but should be bestgrown on the outer edges of the bedswhere the roots of the tomatoes do not prevent the carrots from developing their full potential. Carrots are taprooters, and growing them near tomatoes can help pull nutrients up from deep in the soil, which can benefit tomatoes' noticeably shallow roots.
Bad neighbors for tomatoes: You should avoid these planting combinations
In general, when planning a vegetable garden, it is good to consult a companion planting guide at any time of the year: it also advises what should not be planted as neighbors. For example, tomatoes do not get along with the brassica family (cruciferous vegetables), as cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts and kohlrabi inhibit the plant's growth.
The relationships are not always logical: carrots are beneficial for tomatoes, but fennel, a relative of the carrot, is not. Other nightshade plants such as eggplant are susceptible to the same diseases as tomatoes, late blight. This puts strain on the soil and makes prevention difficult for next year.
