What Flowers to Plant by Tomatoes
Planting flowers by tomatoes is a great way to enhance the look of your garden and help your tomatoes grow better. However, not all flowers are compatible with tomatoes. Here are some flowers that are great companions for your tomato plants:
Marigolds
Marigolds are one of the most popular flowers to plant by tomatoes. They secrete a chemical that repels harmful insects while attracting beneficial ones like ladybugs and hoverflies, which can control pests such as aphids and whiteflies. In addition, marigolds also add bright colors to your garden, making it more attractive.
Calendula
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is another great flower to plant by your tomatoes. They not only provide a pop of color, but also attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the growth and development of your tomato plants. Moreover, calendula has been found to be beneficial in improving soil quality by suppressing harmful fungi and bacteria.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums not only add color and vibrancy to your garden, they also deter pests such as aphids and whiteflies by attracting predatory insects like lacewings and hoverflies. They also repel harmful insects such as cucumber beetles and squash bugs, which can damage your tomato plants. Nasturtiums also have a peppery taste, making them useful in salads and other dishes.
Borage
Borage is a beautiful blue flower that attracts bees and other pollinators to your garden. It also repels harmful insects such as tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. Moreover, borage leaves add flavor to salads and other dishes, making it a useful addition to your herb garden. It is important to note that borage can grow quite tall and may compete with your tomato plants for sunlight, so it is best to plant them on the edges of your garden.
Pansies
Pansies are not only beautiful, they also attract bees and other pollinators to your garden. They also repel harmful insects such as aphids and mites. In addition, pansies have a mild flavor and can be used as edible garnish in salads and other dishes.
Conclusion
Planting flowers by tomatoes not only enhances the look of your garden, but also provides numerous benefits such as attracting pollinators and repelling harmful insects. Marigolds, calendula, nasturtiums, borage, and pansies are great choices to plant by your tomato plants. However, it is important to note that not all flowers are compatible with tomatoes, so it is best to research before planting. With the right combination of flowers and tomato plants, you can have a beautiful and healthy garden.