What Flowers Are Best to Plant with Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens. Their flavor is unparalleled when picked fresh off the vine. However, like all plants, tomatoes can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Fortunately, there are several flowers that can be planted alongside tomatoes that can help to deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve the overall health of your tomatoes.

Marigolds

Marigolds are often used as companion plants with tomatoes. These flowers give off a strong scent that can help to deter pests and insects, such as nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pest populations. Marigolds also have a reputation of improving the flavor of tomatoes.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another flower that can be planted alongside tomatoes. These vibrant flowers are edible and have a slightly peppery taste. Nasturtiums are known for attracting aphids away from tomatoes, acting as a trap crop. Additionally, nasturtiums can improve the flavor of tomatoes as well.

Borage

Borage is a beautiful blue flower that is known to attract beneficial insects like bees and wasps. These insects help to pollinate the tomato plants and control pest populations. Borage has also been known to help improve the overall health of tomato plants, citing enhanced disease resistance and increased growth rates.

Calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is another flower that can be planted alongside tomatoes. Like marigolds, calendula has a strong scent that can help to deter pests, such as aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, calendula is effective at attracting beneficial insects like hoverflies and predatory wasps, which help to control pest populations. Calendula also has anti-fungal properties that can help to prevent diseases in tomato plants.

Conclusion

Planting flowers alongside tomatoes can have several benefits, including pest prevention, improved flavor, and increased health. Marigolds, nasturtiums, borage, and calendula are just a few of the many flowers that can be used as companion plants with tomatoes. When planning your vegetable garden, consider adding these flowers to help improve the overall health and productivity of your tomato plants.