Introduction:

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens all around the world. They are versatile, delicious, and easy to grow. However, if you want to get the best yield possible, you should consider planting your tomatoes with the right companion plants. In this article, we will explore the question of what do tomatoes like to be planted with.

The Benefits of Companion Planting:

Companion planting is a method of planting different plants together that can benefit each other in various ways. Some companion plants can help deter pests, while others can improve soil quality or even enhance the flavor of your tomatoes. It can also maximize the use of your garden space, saving you time, and effort.

Plants That Tomatoes Like to be Planted With:

1. Basil:

Basil is one of the best companion plants for tomatoes. It can improve the flavor of your tomatoes and deter pests such as tomato hornworms and whiteflies. Additionally, basil is easy to grow and can be harvested all year round. You can plant basil near the tomato plants or even interplant them.

2. Marigold:

Marigold is another great companion plant for tomatoes. It can help deter pests such as nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies. Marigolds are easy to grow and can be planted directly with the tomato plants.

3. Carrots:

Carrots are an excellent companion plant for tomatoes. They can help improve the soil quality, and their deep roots can help break up hard soil, allowing water and nutrients to reach the tomato plants better. Additionally, carrots can also help deter pests such as nematodes.

4. Chives:

Chives are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They can help deter pests such as aphids and Japanese beetles. Additionally, chives are easy to grow and can be harvested quickly. You can plant them near the tomato plants or even interplant them.

5. Garlic:

Garlic is a great companion plant for tomatoes. It can help deter pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Additionally, garlic is easy to grow and can be multiplied by dividing the cloves. You can plant garlic bulbs around the tomato plants or even interplant them.

Plants That Tomatoes Should Not be Planted With:

1. Brassicas:

Brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower should not be planted with tomatoes. They can attract pests such as whiteflies, and both plants can also compete for nutrients. Additionally, some brassicas like broccoli and cauliflower release chemicals called glucosinolates that can harm the tomato plant's growth.

2. Nightshades:

Other nightshade family plants should not be planted with tomatoes. These include peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. They can compete for nutrients and increase the risk of spreading diseases such as blight.

3. Corn:

Corn should not be planted with tomatoes. They are both heavy feeders and can compete for nutrients. Additionally, corn attracts pests such as the corn earworm, which can also affect the tomato plants.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, tomatoes can benefit from companion plants, which can help improve their growth, flavor, and health. You should consider planting basil, marigolds, carrots, chives, or garlic with your tomatoes. Additionally, you should avoid planting brassicas, nightshades, or corn with your tomatoes. By following these tips, you can get the best yield possible and enjoy delicious homegrown tomatoes.