What Can You Plant with Cherry Tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes are delightful and flavorful crops to grow in your garden. They thrive in sunny and warm areas with moist soil. This bushy plant does not require a lot of space and is easy to cultivate. It is also versatile and can be grown alone or in a companion planting setup with other vegetables and herbs. Here are some suggestions on what to plant with cherry tomatoes to optimize your garden yield:

Basil

Basil is a natural companion plant for cherry tomatoes. It is a fragrant herb that repels pests and insects when planted near vegetables. Additionally, its aroma keeps pollinators and beneficial insects like bees and wasps attracted to your garden. Basil also improves the flavor of tomatoes while deterring harmful pests that can damage or stunt the growth of the crop.

Marigold

Marigold is another great companion plant for cherry tomatoes. Its pungent smell repels pests like nematodes and whiteflies, while attracting beneficial insects to the garden, such as ladybugs and bees. These insects help pollinate and protect your garden while keeping harmful insects at bay. Furthermore, marigolds are an excellent weed suppressant that prevents weed growth from smothering your tomato plants.

Peppers

Peppers are another crop that can be planted alongside cherry tomatoes. They have a similar growing season and require similar sunlight and soil conditions. Peppers and tomatoes can exchange nutrients in the soil, which helps them develop better flavor and larger crops. Additionally, peppers can repel aphids and flea beetles that tend to target tomato plants.

Borage

Borage is a flowering plant with small blue or pink blossoms. It is an excellent companion plant for cherry tomatoes because it attracts bees that help with pollination. Also, borage contains compounds that repel pests that can harm your tomato plants. It is also an excellent soil enhancer that can improve the overall health of your garden.

Nasturtium

Nasturtium is an annual plant with bright yellow or orange flowers. It is another excellent companion plant for cherry tomatoes because of its vibrant color and spicy flavor. The plant's fragrance attracts pollinators to the garden, and its leaves deter whiteflies, aphids, and squash bugs, which can damage your tomato plants.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to companion planting with cherry tomatoes, including improved garden yield, an attraction of beneficial insects, and natural pest control. Basil, marigold, peppers, borage, and nasturtium are excellent companion plants that pair well with cherry tomatoes. Pairing cherry tomatoes with these plants increases the chances of a successful garden harvest while maintaining a visual appeal.