What Can You Plant Under Tomatoes and Peppers Together?

Tomatoes and peppers are popular vegetables grown by many gardening enthusiasts. They are easy to grow and offer a bountiful harvest. However, many people are not aware that there are several other plants that can be grown together with tomatoes and peppers. In fact, planting certain plants under these vegetables can improve the overall health of the soil and enhance the quality of your crop. Let's take a closer look at some of the most commonly planted companion plants for tomatoes and peppers.

Companion Plants for Tomatoes

Tomatoes thrive when grown with certain companion plants. One of the most popular companion plants for tomatoes is basil. Basil is known to repel harmful pests such as tomato hornworms and aphids. Moreover, it enhances the flavor and aroma of tomatoes when planted nearby. Other plants that pair well with tomatoes include marigolds, nasturtiums, and garlic.

Companion Plants for Peppers

Peppers also benefit from companion planting. One of the best companion plants for peppers is onions. Onions can help to deter pests and enhance the flavor of the peppers. Peppers also grow well with marigolds, parsley, and basil. In addition, planting kohlrabi under peppers can help to reduce the risk of infection from common diseases such as bacterial leaf spot and phytophthora blight.

Plants to Avoid

While there are several plants that can be planted under tomatoes and peppers, some plants should be avoided. For instance, planting members of the Brassicaceae family such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts near tomatoes and peppers can attract harmful pests such as aphids and whiteflies. In addition, planting fennel near tomatoes can interfere with their growth and yield.

Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting offers several benefits to your garden. Firstly, companion plants can help to improve soil quality by drawing nutrients from deep in the soil and making them available to other plants. They can also help to prevent the spread of diseases as some plants can act as natural pest repellents. Additionally, companion planting can increase crop yield by promoting plant growth and enhanced nutrient uptake. Overall, companion planting is an eco-friendly way to enhance the health and productivity of your garden.

Conclusion

In conclusion, growing certain companion plants under tomatoes and peppers can help to improve the overall health and yield of your vegetable crop. Basil, marigolds, nasturtiums, garlic, onions, parsley, and kohlrabi are some of the most commonly planted companion plants for tomatoes and peppers. Furthermore, planting members of the Brassicaceae family and fennel near these vegetables should be avoided. Companion planting not only enhances the health and productivity of your garden but is also a sustainable way to cultivate your vegetables.