Tomatoes are seen in almost every household garden in the form of cherry tomatoes or some unusual whopper tomatoes. Tomatoes are considered one of the most important crops. But when planting them, you may consider adding companion plants as well. This is because they help in the growth of healthy yet tasty tomatoes.
Companion plants are two different plants that help the growth of one another. Sometimes, one companion plant is also used to contribute to the growth of the main plants. Tomatoes have several beneficial companions that help them grow to be juicy and flavorful. So, if you are not sure what to plant along with tomatoes, this guide will help you pick some.
What Are the Benefits of Companion Planting?
Companion plants offer several benefits for tomatoes. Some help aerate the soil, while others repel insects and pests that can destroy tomatoes. Tomatoes are self-fertile. Hence, they hardly need pollinators. However, adding flowers and plants that attract pollinating insects can make a better harvest. Moreover, certain companion plants, such as carrots, mint, etc., have chemical compounds that enhance the growth and flavour of tomatoes.
Companion herbs, such as parsley, lettuce, etc. that grow low to the ground serve as living mulch. This reduces weed competition, increases soil moisture retention, controls erosion, etc. Some ornamental plants, such as - basil, sunflower, oregano, etc., also attract beneficial insects that prey on crop-damaging ones.
Other companion plants, also known as trap crops, attract the pests away from the main plant (tomato plant). Thus preventing damage to them. In short, we can say that these plants act as natural pest control, which reduces the need for harmful chemicals and promotes sustainable farming. Examples of trap crops are - sunflowers, collards, nasturtiums, etc.
Top 11 Tomato Companion Plants
Here are 11 plants that can be grown next to tomatoes
Asparagus
Asparagus is known to repel root-knot nematodes in the soil. This also helps prevent wilting, stunting, and chlorosis in tomato plants. The plant's natural fungicide helps prevent early blight and botrytis. They are perennials that are harvested in the spring. Also, tomato plants produce solanine, which helps prevent asparagus beetles from infesting and destroying the tomato plants.
| Some Tips | Planting asparagus in the tomato bed can damage the asparagus plants. Instead, plant them in a different bed beside tomatoes. |
Lavender
Lavenders have a sweet smell that repels mosquitoes and other pests, such as flea beetles and nematodes, that may destroy your tomato crop. The scent may be appealing to humans but is unattractive to harmful pests. Lavenders also attract bumble bees, which help pollinate and fertilize tomato flowers.
| Some Tips | Lavender plants need dry and sandy soil. Hence, it is advisable to plant them in a pot nearby. |
Basil
Many gardeners believe that growing basil alongside tomatoes enhances its taste. Basil also repels tomato hornworms, thrips, aphids, and thrips. This is because the smell of basil masks the aroma of the tomato and doesn't allow pests to reach tomatoes to lay eggs. They also contain eugenol oil, which repels insects. However, the disadvantage is that basil can grow very bushy leading to reduced air flow and diseases in tomatoes.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the best companions for young and growing tomato plants. They are easy to grow and are a natural remedy for soil-borne diseases. Their strong fragrance repels insects such as - aphids, caterpillars, cutworms, slugs, beetles, etc. Some studies also suggest that the vapour and oil of garlic are toxic to insects that destroy crops. However, they are not harmful to beneficial insects. So, if you are thinking of biocontrol planting, garlic is the best choice.
Calendula
Calendula has a woody and musky scent that repels hornworms, aphids, rabbits, flea beetles, corn earworms, etc. They are also known as "pot marigolds" and attract pollinators with their orange and yellow hues. Calendula contains anti-inflammatory properties and has been used as medicine for ages.
Borage
The blue star-shaped flower with edible leaves attracts aphid parasitoid that help keep aphid population away from your tomato plants. They also attract pollinators and bees and repel tomato-eating hornworms. It is a great source of Vitamin B, beta-carotene, calcium, and choline that improves soil health. This also helps improve the growth and taste of the tomato.
| Some Tips | Borage can grow quite large. Hence, it is advisable to keep enough space between the tomato and the borage plant. |
Thyme
Thyme has a citrusy scent that repels any pests that pose a danger to your tomato plants. They are considered one of the best companion plants if your garden has a problem with yellow-striped armyworms, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, wireworms, etc. Thyme blooms attract native pollinators to pollinate the tomato plant and parasitic wasps that feed on hornworms.
Mint
Mint has a strong fragrance, making it one of the best companions for tomatoes. This plant has been used for ages to keep ants, cockroaches, flies, etc, away. They improve the health of the tomato plants and also fight weed that destroys your crop. As some varieties of mints can be aggressive, they are best planted adjacent to the tomato plants as a ground cover.
| Notes | Studies have shown that cutting or smashing the mint leaves repels insects. This is because of the strong chemical compound present in it, called dolichodial. So, be sure to add a touch of mint to your tomato harvest to ensure the plant is protected from crop-destroying pests. |
Marigolds
These are available in different colors that range from yellow to red and orange. They reduce the tomato-destroying insects and attract insects that may benefit the tomato plants. Marigolds have bright colors and a strong scent that distract the pests so that they won't harm or hinder the growth of tomatoes. You can opt for French marigolds as they have limonene, which repels flies and other plant-destroying insects.
Carrots
Carrots are also one of the best companion plants. This is because they grow well without competing for the water and fertility requirements of the tomato. They assist in aerating the soil around tomato roots, which enhances root health. Meanwhile, the solanine alkaloids in the tomato leaves help protect carrots from pests, such as carrot flies.
Lettuce
Lettuce is another companion plant that can be planted with tomatoes as it can be grown in the same salad bed along with garlic, basil, and tomato. Lettuce can thrive well in the partial shade of the tomatoes and retain moisture under the plants. They also minimize weeds and require low light to grow - which makes them the best complimentary plant for tomatoes. You can choose either from baby lettuce or head lettuce.
| Some Tips | Try pruning off some of the lower tomato leaves to ensure they don't rub against the lettuce leaves. |
What Not to Plant With Tomatoes?
There are certain plants that wreak disaster when paired with tomatoes. Here are some plants that are not a good fit for tomato plants:
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Eggplant
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Cabbage
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Corn
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Brussel sprouts
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Potatoes
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Broccoli
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Cucumber
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Fennel
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Rosemary
These plants can either stunt the growth or damage the crop because of their fight for nutrients and sunlight. Hence, it is advisable to keep them apart - even if you are considering growing the above-mentioned plants at the same time as tomatoes.
Conclusion
Companion planting is all about balance, where pairing plants supports each other. Choosing the right companion for your tomato plant can help improve soil health, repel pests, and maximize the space use. No matter if your goal is to protect the tomatoes or attract pollinators, companion planting is a smart planting method that leads to healthier and productive gardening.
