Tomatoes are a staple for most gardeners because it is a key ingredient for many dishes worldwide. They are rich in nutrients and are easy to grow and get abundant harvest in small or large gardens in New York.
The main challenge with growing tomatoes is that they are at high risk of pests and diseases which may cause low yields or death of the plants.
Did you know planting some plants with tomatoes makes them grow better and keep bugs away? Luckily, several vegetables, legumes, and herbs are great tomato companion plants that make tomatoes thrive.
In this article, we look at why you should consider companion planting and the 10 best companion plants for tomatoes.
What Is the Benefits of Companion Plants for Tomatoes?
Companion planting involves planting two or more types of plants together for mutual benefit such as adding nutrients to the soil reducing weeds and keeping off pests and disease.
A healthy garden incorporates different flowers, herbs, and plants to have a balanced ecosystem, keep pests away, and create a pollinator-friendly garden. So why should you consider companion planting for tomatoes?
When growing tomatoes they are at risk of pests such as aphids and hornworms which feed on the plant and weaken it. Planting tomatoes with other beneficial plants helps to keep the pests that feed on tomatoes and prevent diseases.
Furthermore, some companion plants attract pollinators and improve the soil by adding more nutrients thus increasing the yields and flavor of the tomatoes.
10 Best Companion Plants for Tomatoes
There are the best and worst companion plants for tomatoes. The best companion plants aerate the soil, attract beneficial insects, make tomatoes grow, and keep off pests while the worst companion plants for tomatoes stunt their growth such as broccoli, fennel, and cabbage. Let’s look at the 10 best companion plants for tomatoes that you should consider.
1. Marigold
Marigolds have a strong scent that repels various pests that attack tomatoes such as aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms that like to eat tomato fruits.
You will notice that tomatoes do better when planted next to marigolds than on their own. Furthermore, marigolds have attractive red, orange, or yellow flowers that attract pollinators, ensuring that tomatoes are pollinated and have high fruit production.
2. Garlic
Garlic makes a perfect companion plant for tomatoes because its strong smell repels spiders, mites, and aphids. They also have antibacterial and antifungal properties and reduce the risk of diseases and fungi that would interfere with the growth of tomatoes.
Furthermore, garlic and tomatoes are a great combination in savory dishes so growing them together means you won’t have to buy any from the grocery shops.
3. Asparagus
Asparagus is one of the best companion plants for tomatoes because they have a symbiotic relationship.
Tomatoes produce a substance called solanine which deters beetles that feed on asparagus. On the other hand, asparagus produces an antifungal substance that prevents wilting in tomatoes.
4. Onions
Onions have a strong odor just like garlic which is a strong pest repellent. They are a great companion plant for tomatoes because they are also used together in most dishes so you can use them together.
5. Oregano
Oregano is a great herb to plant together with tomatoes in your garden in New York City. It serves as a shelter for lady bugs which feed on aphids thus preventing them from reaching the tomato fruit. Furthermore, they attract pollinators which are beneficial for the growth of tomatoes.
6. Chives
Chives are a good companion plant for tomatoes because they repel pests such as mites and aphids and their flower also attract pollinators to the tomatoes thus increasing fruit production.
7. Thyme
Thyme attracts beneficial insects that pollinate tomatoes. Although tomatoes are self-pollinating, assisted pollination makes higher yields.
Another benefit of companion planting with thyme is that its strong scent deters pests that would have devoured your tomatoes.
8. Sage
A good companion plant for tomatoes has a strong scent that pests cannot tolerate so they keep off. And sage is perfect for that. It keeps off moths and flies and protects the tomatoes from damage.
9. Basil
When choosing the best companion plants for tomatoes you need to choose one that doesn’t have direct competition for nutrients. Basil is a good choice because it has a scent that repels pests such as aphids and whiteflies, provides shade, and does not compete with tomatoes.
10. Parsley
The herb makes a perfect companion plant for tomatoes because it attracts ladybugs which eat aphids before they attack tomatoes. Furthermore, parsley and tomatoes are used together in most dishes so growing them together is a must.
FAQs
- What should you not plant next to tomatoes?
Some of the worst companion plants for tomatoes include kale, potatoes, cabbage, eggplants, fennel, corn, and broccoli. You should avoid planting them next to tomatoes because they tend to out-compete tomatoes for the important nutrients required for growth.
- What plants go well with tomatoes?
Some of the best companion plants for tomatoes include onions, garlic, celery, basil, chives and asparagus.
- Can I plant cucumbers and tomatoes together?
Cucumbers are one of the worst companion plants for tomatoes. Growing them together can make them compete for nutrients because they have similar nutrient needs and growing habits.
- What should I plant next to tomatoes to keep bugs away?
Some of the best companion plants for tomatoes that keep bugs away include marigolds, mint, chives, beans, basil, garlic, onion, and parsley.
Final Thoughts
Growing tomatoes is great because they are a staple for most dishes. However, tomatoes are prone to pests and diseases. That’s why you need to consider companion planting with tomatoes to deter pests, improve nutrients in the soil, and increase yields. Some of the best companion plants for tomatoes include marigolds, garlic, thyme, sage, basil, potatoes, asparagus, and parsley.
On the other hand, the worst companion plants for tomatoes are cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower so you should avoid planting them together. Try companion panting with the plants shared in this article and increase your tomato production. What companion plants did we leave behind? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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