Overview

When planting tomatoes in your garden, it's important to consider what other plants you should include in the mix that will help improve the growth and health of your tomatoes. Certain flowers, in particular, can be great companions for tomatoes, as they attract pollinators, repel pests, and can even enrich the soil. In this article, we'll explore the best flowers to plant with tomatoes to help ensure your garden thrives.

Marigolds

Marigolds are one of the best flowers to plant with tomatoes, as they contain chemicals that are toxic to many pests, such as nematodes, whiteflies, and aphids. Additionally, their strong scent can help repel other pests, such as rabbits and deer. Planting marigolds around the perimeter of your tomato garden can help control pest populations and provide a colorful border.

Zinnias

Zinnias are another great option to plant with tomatoes, as they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. When these insects visit your zinnias, they will also pollinate your tomato flowers, leading to a better yield. Zinnias come in a variety of colors and sizes, and can add a vibrant pop of color to your garden.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are edible flowers that have a peppery flavor and can be used in salads and other dishes. They are also a great companion plant for tomatoes as they deter pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. Nasturtiums can also attract predatory insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which can help control harmful pest populations.

Borage

Borage is a medicinal herb that produces beautiful blue flowers that can also be used in salads or as a garnish. Borage is another pollinator-attracting plant that can help improve the yield of your tomatoes. It also has been known to repel tomato hornworms and other harmful pests.

Calendula

Calendula, often known as pot marigold, has bright orange or yellow flowers that can be used for medicinal purposes, such as healing wounds and calming skin inflammation. Calendula can also attract beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, which help pollinate your tomato plants and control pest populations.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a great companion plant for tomatoes, as they can help provide much-needed shade from the sun and keep the soil moist. The tall sunflower stalks can also offer a support system for climbing or vining tomato varieties. Sunflowers, like many of the other flowers mentioned, can also attract pollinators and repel harmful pests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different flowers that make great companions for tomatoes. Planting a mix of these flowers in and around your tomato garden can help improve yield and overall plant health, while also creating a beautiful and diverse garden space. Whether you choose marigolds or sunflowers, adding flowers to your tomato garden can be a win-win for both you and your plants.