What to Plant with Grape Tomatoes
Grape tomatoes are a popular choice for gardeners, known for their sweet flavor and small size. They grow well in containers, raised beds, or traditional garden beds. The key to successful gardening with grape tomatoes is to plant them alongside compatible companion plants. Companion planting helps to improve crop yields, deter pests, and improve the overall health of your garden.
1. Basil
Basil and grape tomatoes make excellent gardening companions. Basil has a natural ability to repel pests like aphids, mosquitoes, and tomato hornworms. Additionally, the sweet aroma of basil helps to improve the flavor of grape tomatoes. Plant basil around the perimeter of your garden for the best results.
2. Marigold
Marigolds are a popular companion plant in vegetable gardens. They contain compounds that repel pests like nematodes and whiteflies, thus protecting grape tomato crops. Marigolds also help to improve the overall health of soil by suppressing harmful nematodes and improving drainage. Plant marigolds around the borders of your garden for the best results.
3. Nasturtium
Nasturtium and grape tomatoes have a mutually beneficial relationship. Nasturtium attracts aphids away from the tomatoes, preventing damage to the crop. Furthermore, nasturtiums help to improve the overall health of the garden by providing a ground cover that improves soil health and improves drainage.
4. Garlic
Garlic is a natural pest repellent that makes an excellent companion plant to grape tomatoes. It repels insects like aphids, spider mites, and hornworms. Garlic also adds flavor to dishes made with grape tomatoes, making it a great addition to any vegetable garden.
5. Chives
Chives are rich in sulfur, which helps to repel common pests like slugs and spider mites. This makes them an ideal companion plant for grape tomatoes. Additionally, chives add a mild onion flavor that complements the flavor of grape tomatoes.
Overall, grape tomatoes are a versatile and delicious crop that can be enhanced by planting compatible companion plants. By planting basil, marigolds, nasturtiums, garlic, and chives alongside your grape tomato plants, you can improve crop yields, deter pests, and improve soil health.