Introduction

Companion planting is an excellent technique that helps gardeners to achieve multiple benefits by planting different species that mutually benefit each other. When it comes to tomatoes, selecting the right companion flowers can discourage pests, enhance pollination and increase yields. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss the best flowers to plant with tomatoes.

Marigolds

Marigolds are considered as one of the best flowers to plant with tomatoes. They repel soil nematodes, root-damaging pests that can massively reduce tomato yields. Marigolds also attract pollinators like bees, which can increase the fruit quality and quantity. Moreover, their aroma deters the tomato hornworm, which is a destructive pest that can cause significant harm to tomato plants.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are annual flowers that can add color and flavor to any garden. Their bright yellow, orange, and red flowers are attractive to both humans and many beneficial insects. Nasturtiums also have a pungent odor, which helps deter aphids, whiteflies, and other sap-sucking pests from attacking the tomato plant.

Basil

Basil is a herb that has a pungent aroma that repels thrips, flies, and mosquitoes. Therefore, planting basil with tomatoes can help deter these pests and reduce the risk of diseases carried by insects. Additionally, basil attracts bees and other beneficial insects, which can improve the pollination of the tomato flowers.

Calendula

Calendula is a popular annual plant that produces bright yellow and orange flowers throughout the growing season. It attracts beneficial insects, such as hoverflies and lacewings, which prey on aphids and other tomato-damaging pests. Furthermore, calendula has been shown to reduce the incidence of tomato fruit rot caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are beautiful flowers that produce large, bright yellow blooms that are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Planting sunflowers with tomatoes can also improve soil health by attracting beneficial bacteria and fungi that can break down organic matter and convert it into essential nutrients for the tomato plants. Additionally, sunflowers can act as a living trellis for tomato plants, providing support for the vines as they grow and develop.

Conclusion

When it comes to companion planting with tomatoes, the benefits are numerous. By selecting the right flowers to plant alongside your tomato plants, you can deter pests, improve pollination, and increase yields. Therefore, we highly recommend that you consider planting the aforementioned flowers with your tomatoes to achieve maximum benefits.