Can You Plant Tomatoes with Lobelia?

Tomatoes and lobelia are both popular garden plants, but can they be planted together? The answer is yes! In fact, planting tomatoes with lobelia can have some great benefits for your garden, including improved pollination and pest control. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at planting tomatoes with lobelia and what you need to know to make it a success.

Why Plant Tomatoes with Lobelia?

There are a number of reasons why planting tomatoes with lobelia is a good idea. Here are some of the main benefits:

Pollination: Lobelia is an attractive plant to bees and other pollinators. By planting lobelia near your tomato plants, you can encourage more pollination, leading to a better crop.

Pest Control: Lobelia is also a natural pest repellent, particularly for aphids. Planting it near your tomatoes can help to keep these pests away.

Aesthetics: Lobelia is a beautiful plant in its own right, with blue, pink, and white flowers that can add a lovely pop of color to your garden. Planting it with tomatoes can make for an eye-catching combination.

How to Plant Tomatoes with Lobelia

So, how should you go about planting tomatoes with lobelia? Here are the steps:

Prepare your soil: Both tomatoes and lobelia prefer well-drained soil that’s rich in nutrients. Make sure to prepare your soil ahead of time by adding compost or other amendments as needed.

Choose your location: Tomatoes and lobelia both prefer full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of light.

Plant your tomatoes: If you’re starting from seed, plant your tomatoes about 2-3 feet apart. If you’re transplanting seedlings, be sure to space them out enough to allow for growth.

Plant your lobelia: Lobelia can be planted in a border around your tomato plants, or you can intersperse it among them. Either way, be sure to plant it at a similar depth to what it was in its original container.

Water and fertilize: Both tomatoes and lobelia need regular watering and fertilization to thrive. Water your plants deeply once or twice a week, and fertilize every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Things to Keep in Mind

While planting tomatoes with lobelia can be a great idea, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure success:

Spacing: Make sure to give your tomato plants enough space to grow. Crowding can lead to disease and poor fruit production.

Companion planting: Lobelia is just one of many plants that can be planted alongside tomatoes for various benefits. Consider other options like basil, marigolds, or borage.

Pests: While lobelia can help to repel certain pests, it’s not a cure-all. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation and take action as needed to protect your plants.

Conclusion

Planting tomatoes with lobelia is a great idea for any gardener looking to improve their yields and give their garden a beautiful pop of color. With the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and thriving tomato/lobelia combo. Happy planting!