Should Peppers and Tomatoes be Planted Together?

Planting vegetables together in the garden can be a great way to save space and promote healthy growth, but when it comes to pairing peppers and tomatoes in the same bed, opinions are divided. Some gardeners swear by planting these two crops together, while others insist that they should be kept apart. So, should peppers and tomatoes be planted together? Let's take a closer look.

The Case for Planting Peppers and Tomatoes Together

One argument in favor of planting peppers and tomatoes together is that they have similar growing requirements. Both crops enjoy plenty of sunshine and well-draining soil, and they require similar amounts of water and nutrients. In addition, peppers and tomatoes are both members of the nightshade family, so they may actually benefit from being planted together.

Another benefit of planting peppers and tomatoes together is that they can help to deter pests. For example, tomato plants are known to attract aphids, which can damage the plant and reduce yield. However, peppers are less attractive to aphids, so planting peppers and tomatoes together may help to repel these pests.

The Case Against Planting Peppers and Tomatoes Together

Despite these benefits, some gardeners caution against planting peppers and tomatoes together. One concern is that peppers and tomatoes can be prone to some of the same diseases, such as verticillium wilt and bacterial spot. If one crop becomes infected, it can easily spread to the other. Additionally, peppers and tomatoes have very different growth habits, with peppers tending to be shorter and bushier than tomatoes. This can make it difficult to properly support both crops in the same bed.

Tips for Planting Peppers and Tomatoes Together

If you do decide to plant peppers and tomatoes together, there are a few things you can do to maximize their chances of success. Firstly, it's important to choose disease-resistant varieties and to keep a close eye on the plants for any signs of disease. If one crop does become infected, it's best to remove it from the bed to prevent the disease from spreading. Secondly, it's a good idea to provide support for the tomato plants, either with stakes or a trellis, to help prevent them from overshadowing the peppers. Finally, be sure to give both crops plenty of space to grow, as overcrowding can lead to reduced yield and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

The Bottom Line

So, should peppers and tomatoes be planted together? Ultimately, the decision is up to you. If you have limited space and both crops are important to you, it may be worth giving planting them together a try. However, if you are concerned about disease or have had issues with either crop in the past, it may be best to keep them separate. By following some basic best practices and paying close attention to the needs of both plants, you can help ensure a productive and healthy garden, whether you choose to plant peppers and tomatoes together or separately.