What to Plant with Tomatoes in a Container

Tomatoes are a popular garden vegetable that can be grown in containers. However, growing tomato plants alone can leave a container looking sparse. Fortunately, there are a variety of plants that can be grown with tomatoes to create a beautiful and productive container garden. In this article, we will explore some of the best plants to pair with tomatoes in a container.

Companion plants can provide many benefits to tomato plants such as pest control, soil enrichment, and improved flavor. Basil is a particularly good companion plant for tomatoes. The aromatic oils in basil help to repel pests that commonly attack tomato plants. Additionally, growing basil in a container with tomato plants can help to improve the flavor of the tomatoes. This is because basil emits ethylene, a gas that can enhance the flavor of tomato fruit.

Another great companion plant for tomatoes is marigold. Marigold's bright flowers add a pop of color to a container garden, while also deterring pests such as aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, marigolds have a strong scent that can help to mask the scent of tomato plants, making them less attractive to pests. Marigolds are also easy to grow and require very little maintenance.

Nasturtiums are another excellent companion plant for tomatoes. Like marigolds, nasturtiums have bright flowers that add color to a container garden. Additionally, these flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which can help to increase tomato yields. Nasturtiums also release a chemical compound that repels pests such as whiteflies, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles.

In addition to companion plants, there are a variety of herbs that can be grown with tomatoes. Thyme is a particularly good choice, as it has antimicrobial properties that can help to prevent diseases in tomato plants. Additionally, thyme has a strong scent that can help to repel pests such as aphids and whiteflies. Other herbs such as oregano, rosemary, and parsley are also good options to plant with tomatoes.

Vegetables can also be grown with tomatoes in a container. One good choice is peppers, which have similar growing requirements to tomatoes. Peppers also have a similar growth habit to tomatoes, which can create a visually pleasing container garden. Additionally, peppers and tomatoes can be used together in a variety of dishes, making them a perfect pairing for a container garden.

Another vegetable that pairs well with tomatoes is cucumbers. Like peppers, cucumbers have similar growing requirements to tomatoes and can benefit from the same soil and watering schedule. Additionally, the long vines of cucumber plants can provide visual interest to a container garden, while their fruit adds a tasty addition to salads and sandwiches.

In conclusion, there are many plants that can be grown with tomatoes in a container. Companion plants such as basil, marigolds, and nasturtiums provide pest control and visual interest, while herbs such as thyme and oregano can enhance the flavor of tomatoes. Vegetables such as peppers and cucumbers are also good choices due to their similar growing requirements and compatibility with tomato plants. By pairing tomato plants with the right plants, you can create a beautiful and productive container garden.