What Can You Not Plant Near Tomatoes?

Tomatoes are a staple in many home gardens, and it's essential to know which plants to avoid planting near them. Some plants are known to attract pests or diseases that can harm your tomato plants. Others may compete with your tomatoes for sunlight, water, and other essential resources. Here are some plants to avoid planting near your tomatoes.

Avoid Planting Walnuts Near Tomatoes

Walnuts are notorious for releasing a chemical called juglone, which can be toxic to many plants, including tomato plants. The chemical can stunt the growth of tomato plants, reduce yields and even cause them to die. Therefore, it is essential to avoid planting walnuts near your tomato plants. It's best to plant them at least 50 feet apart, or better yet, in different parts of your garden.

Avoid Planting Corn Near Tomatoes

Although corn and tomato plants are both part of the grass family, they have different nutrient requirements. Corn is a heavy feeder that needs ample nitrogen, while tomatoes need a balanced fertilizer. Additionally, corn and tomato plants can be susceptible to the same pests and diseases, such as flea beetles and tomato hornworms. Planting them together can increase the risk of infestation and disease, so it's best to give them some distance.

Avoid Planting Brassicas Near Tomatoes

Plants in the brassica family, such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale, can attract pests like aphids and whiteflies that can harm your tomato plants. Additionally, brassicas and tomatoes are heavy feeders, requiring a lot of nutrients from the soil. Planting them close together can cause them to compete for nutrients, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields. It's best to plant them in different parts of your garden or rotate your crops each year.

Avoid Planting Nightshades Near Tomatoes

Tomatoes are part of the nightshade family, which also includes peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. Planting them too close together can increase the risk of disease and pests, such as verticillium wilt and nematodes. Additionally, they are all heavy feeders that require many of the same nutrients from the soil. It's best to plant them in different parts of your garden, or if you must plant them near each other, rotate your crops each year to prevent disease and maintain soil fertility.

Avoid Planting Fennel Near Tomatoes

Fennel is a herb that can attract several beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, that help control pests like aphids and caterpillars. However, it also releases a chemical that can stunt the growth of tomato plants. Planting them together can reduce the yield and even kill your tomato plants. It's best to plant them in different parts of your garden or grow them in separate containers.

In Conclusion

Tomatoes are a popular crop, but it's essential to be careful about what plants you plant near them. Certain plants can attract pests, compete for nutrients, and release chemicals that can harm your tomato plants. Avoid planting walnuts, corn, brassicas, nightshades, and fennel near your tomato plants to ensure a healthy and vibrant garden.