Can I plant beets and tomatoes together?

When planning your garden, it's important to consider the layout and placement of your plants. One question you may have is whether or not it's possible to plant beets and tomatoes together. The good news is that, yes, these two plants can be grown together in the same garden bed.

What are the benefits of planting beets and tomatoes together?

One of the main benefits of planting beets and tomatoes together is that they complement each other well. Tomatoes require a lot of nutrients and water to grow, while beets prefer slightly dryer soil with less fertilizer. This means that when planted together, the two plants won't compete for the same nutrients or water, making it easier to care for both of them.

In addition, beets can help deter pests that are attracted to tomatoes, such as the tomato hornworm. The strong odor of beet leaves can help mask the scent of the tomatoes, making it less likely that pests will find them.

What should you keep in mind when planting beets and tomatoes together?

While beets and tomatoes can be planted together successfully, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to space the plants out properly. Tomatoes should be spaced about two feet apart, while beets can be planted six to eight inches from each other.

It's also important to consider the size of these plants when they're mature. Tomatoes can grow quite tall and may shade out your beets if they're planted too close together. Be sure to leave enough space for both plants to grow to their full size without competing with each other.

Another thing to keep in mind is that tomatoes require a lot of water, so be sure not to over-water your beets. Over-watering can cause beets to become too soft and may lead to rotting.

What are some other companion plants for beets and tomatoes?

There are several other plants that are known to do well when planted with either beets or tomatoes. For beets, plants like lettuce, onions, and cucumbers are good options. These plants have similar soil and water requirements, and can also help deter pests like aphids and flea beetles.

For tomatoes, plants like basil, marigolds, and carrots are excellent companion plants. Basil repels pests like flies and mosquitoes, while marigolds can help deter nematodes that can damage tomato roots. Carrots are also good companions, as they help break up compacted soil and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

The bottom line

So, can you plant beets and tomatoes together? The answer is yes, these two plants can be grown in the same garden bed. In fact, they complement each other well and can even help deter pests. Just be sure to space them out properly and consider their different needs when it comes to water and nutrients. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy a successful harvest of both beets and tomatoes.