Don't plant near tomatoes

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable to grow in gardens as they are tasty, versatile and relatively easy to cultivate. However, there are some plants that should not be grown close to tomatoes as they can affect their growth and yield. In this article, we will discuss some of the plants that should not be planted near tomatoes and the reasons why.

Plants to avoid near tomatoes

While there are many plants that can be grown alongside tomatoes without any issues, there are some plants that should be avoided. These include:

Potatoes

Eggplant

Peppers

Fennel

Corn

The reason these plants should be avoided is that they can attract pests and diseases that can affect the growth and health of tomatoes. For example, potatoes and tomatoes are both members of the nightshade family and can attract the same pests and diseases, such as Colorado potato beetles and late blight. Planting these two crops too close together can increase the likelihood of these pests and diseases.

Similarly, peppers and eggplants can attract flea beetles, which can also damage tomatoes. Fennel and corn can attract aphids, which can spread viruses to tomatoes. Therefore, it's best to keep these plants away from tomatoes.

Plants that are good companions for tomatoes

While there are some plants that should be avoided when planting near tomatoes, there are also some plants that can be beneficial. These include:

Basil

Marigolds

Nasturtiums

Parsley

These plants can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and bees, which can help pollinate tomatoes. Basil is particularly useful as it emits a strong scent that repels pests such as whiteflies and spider mites. Marigolds and nasturtiums also have strong scents that can deter pests.

Parsley is a good companion plant for tomatoes as it attracts hoverflies, which feed on pests such as aphids and whiteflies. These pests can damage tomato plants, so having natural predators in the garden can be beneficial.

Tips for planting tomatoes

When planting tomatoes, it's important to choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Tomato plants need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce fruit. The soil should also be fertile, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.

Tomatoes should be planted in a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball of the plant, and the roots should be covered with soil to the level they were in the pot. After planting, tomato plants should be watered regularly, with about 1-2 inches of water per week.

Tomato plants should be supported with stakes or cages to keep them off the ground and prevent disease. It's also important to prune tomato plants regularly to remove suckers, which are shoots that grow between the stem and the leaf. Suckers can take away energy from the plant and reduce the yield.

In conclusion

Tomatoes are a popular and rewarding vegetable to grow in gardens. However, it's important to be mindful of what plants are grown near them, as some plants can attract pests and diseases that can affect their growth and yield. By avoiding certain plants and choosing suitable companion plants, tomato plants can thrive and produce a bountiful harvest.