Introduction

Tomatoes are one of the most popular plants that people grow in their garden. They are relatively easy to cultivate and produce a bountiful harvest. However, there are some plants that should not be planted with tomatoes. In this article, we will discuss what plants should not be grown near tomatoes and why.

Plants That Should Not Be Planted with Tomatoes

The following plants should not be planted with tomatoes:

Potatoes: Tomatoes and potatoes are both members of the nightshade family. Planting them too close to each other can lead to an increased risk of disease and pests.

Fennel: Fennel is known for its strong scent, which can attract pests such as aphids. This can damage the tomatoes.

Corn: Corn is a heavy feeder, which means it requires a lot of nutrients from the soil. Planting it near tomatoes can compete for nutrients and stunt tomato growth.

Brassicas: Brassicas such as cabbage and broccoli release compounds that can stunt tomato growth and cause diseases.

Why These Plants Should Not Be Planted with Tomatoes

Planting these plants near tomatoes can lead to a variety of problems such as:

Disease: Plants in the same family can be susceptible to the same diseases. In the case of tomatoes and potatoes, they can both be affected by blight, which can spread quickly and decimate the harvest.

Pests: Certain plants can attract pests that can damage the tomatoes. For example, planting fennel near tomatoes can attract aphids, which can cause yellowing leaves and reduced harvest.

Competition for nutrients: Tomatoes and corn are both heavy feeders. Planting them too close together can lead to competition for nutrients, which can stunt tomato growth and lead to a reduced harvest.

Stunted growth: Brassicas release compounds that can stunt tomato growth and lead to diseases. Planting them together can lead to reduced yields and poor quality tomatoes.

Plants That Can Be Planted with Tomatoes

On the other hand, there are many plants that can be planted with tomatoes. Some of them include:

Basil: Basil is a great companion plant for tomatoes. It can repel pests and attract beneficial insects such as bees.

Marigolds: Marigolds are known for their pest-repelling properties. Planting them near tomatoes can help to reduce pests and diseases.

Carrots: Carrots and tomatoes have different nutrient requirements, which means they can coexist without competing for nutrients. This can lead to increased yields and healthier plants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to be aware of what plants can and cannot be planted with tomatoes. Planting the wrong plants near tomatoes can lead to a range of problems such as disease, pests, and competition for nutrients. By choosing the right companion plants and avoiding planting incompatible plants, you can help to ensure a successful harvest of healthy, tasty tomatoes.