What to Plant Under Tomatoes?

Tomatoes are an incredibly popular plant to grow in home gardens. In addition to their delicious flavor, they are also easy to care for and relatively low maintenance. However, many gardeners don't take full advantage of the space they have available while they're growing their tomatoes. One way to maximize your garden's potential is to plant something underneath your tomatoes. Here are a few suggestions for what to plant under tomatoes:

1. Basil

Basil is a great option to plant under your tomato plants. Not only does it add a fresh aroma to your garden, but it also has several benefits for the tomato plant itself. Basil is a natural repellent for various pests and can help keep your tomato plants healthy as a result. Plus, the two plants have similar water and sun requirements, so they can grow quite happily together.

2. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are not just beautiful, they are also great at attracting pollinators to your garden. By planting nasturtiums underneath your tomato plants, you'll be helping to ensure that your tomatoes are well-pollinated and can produce as much fruit as possible. Additionally, nasturtiums are also known to repel certain pests like aphids, making them a perfect companion for tomato plants.

3. Marigolds

Marigolds are another flower that can help keep your tomato plants healthy. They have a distinctive aroma that is oftentimes unappealing to various pests such as white flies and nematodes. Additionally, the roots of marigolds produce a chemical that can help suppress harmful soil-borne bacteria and fungi. Planting these flowers under your tomato plants can help create a healthier growing environment for your tomatoes.

4. Lettuce

Believe it or not, lettuce can actually make a great companion plant for tomatoes. Lettuce has shallow roots that don't interfere with the deeper roots of tomato plants. Additionally, lettuce doesn't need as much sun as tomatoes do, meaning they can grow together happily without competing for sunlight. Planting lettuce under your tomato plants can also help keep soil moisture levels consistent.

5. Peppers

Peppers and tomatoes are both part of the nightshade family, meaning they are a great match to plant together. Additionally, peppers can help naturally repel some pests that may damage your tomato plants. If you're looking to maximize your garden's potential, planting peppers under your tomato plants is definitely worth considering.

In conclusion, there are several different plants that can be successfully grown under tomato plants. Whether you choose to plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables, it's important to keep in mind the needs of both plants. By doing so, you can create a healthy growing environment for all of your garden's plants.