What can you plant in between tomatoes?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in a home garden. They are easy to grow, tasty, and productive. However, once you have planted your tomatoes, you may find that there is a lot of empty space between them. This space is the perfect opportunity to plant other vegetables that can thrive in the same conditions as tomatoes. Here are some ideas for things that you can plant in between your tomato plants.

Herbs

One of the easiest things to plant in between your tomato plants is herbs. Many herbs like thyme, basil, parsley, and oregano grow well in the same soil and sunlight conditions as tomatoes. Planting these herbs in between your tomato plants will not only make your garden more attractive but also give you easy access to fresh herbs for cooking. Additionally, some herbs, like basil, can help repel pests that might otherwise be attracted to your tomatoes.

Lettuce and Other Leafy Greens

If you have a shady spot in your garden or are growing cooler climate tomatoes, lettuce and other leafy greens like spinach and kale can grow well in between your tomato plants. These greens are fast-growing, so you can get multiple harvests throughout the growing season. Additionally, they help provide a bit of shade for your tomato plants, which can be helpful during hot summer months.

Cucumbers and Peppers

If you want to mix things up a bit, consider planting cucumbers and peppers in between your tomato plants. These vegetables like similar soil and light conditions as tomatoes and can provide a tasty contrast to your tomato harvest. Just be sure to give them enough space to grow and support poles or trellises as needed.

Other Companion Plants

There are many plants that can be beneficial to grow alongside your tomato plants. For example, marigolds can help repel pests, while beans can fix nitrogen in the soil for your tomatoes. Carrots and onions also make good companions for tomatoes, as they have similar soil needs and can help improve soil quality. Doing a bit of research on companion planting can give you more ideas for what to plant in between your tomatoes.

Conclusion

Planting other vegetables and herbs in between your tomato plants can be beneficial for both your garden and your harvest. Not only does it help keep your garden productive, but it can also be visually appealing and help diversify your diet. Experiment with different companion plants and see what works best for your garden and your taste buds.