What to Plant After Tomatoes

Introduction

After a season of growing tomatoes, many gardeners may wonder what to plant next in their garden. Choosing the right plants to follow tomatoes can help promote soil health and possibly deter pests and diseases that tomato plants are susceptible to. In this article, we will explore some great options to plant after tomatoes.

Option 1: Beans

Beans are an excellent choice to plant after tomatoes because they are nitrogen-fixing plants. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for healthy plant growth, and beans are one of the few plants that can take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a usable form for the soil. This makes them an ideal follow-up to tomatoes, which are heavy feeders and can deplete the soil of nutrients. Additionally, beans planted after tomatoes can help ward off tomato pests like nematodes and beetles.

Option 2: Brassicas

Brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are great options to plant after tomatoes because they have different nutrient requirements. These plants are heavy feeders of phosphorus and potassium, while tomatoes are heavy feeders of nitrogen. By planting brassicas after tomatoes, the soil has time to replenish its nitrogen levels before planting another nitrogen-hungry plant like tomatoes. Additionally, brassicas can help suppress nematodes and other pests that affect tomato plants.

Option 3: Squash

Squash is another suitable option to plant after tomatoes. Squash plants have a shallow root system, which allows them to take advantage of the nutrients that may have been left behind by the tomato plants. Additionally, squash plants can help control the spread of tomato hornworms, which can be a big problem for tomato plants.

Conclusion

Choosing the right plants to follow tomatoes is crucial in maintaining soil health and preventing pests and diseases that tomato plants are susceptible to. Beans, brassicas, and squash are all excellent options to plant after tomatoes, as they have different nutrient requirements and can help suppress pests that affect tomato plants. By rotating your crops and practicing good garden management, you can ensure a healthy and productive garden year after year.