Introduction

Planting tomatoes in your garden is a great way to enjoy fresh and delicious fruits all summer long. However, to get the most out of your tomato plants, it is important to choose the right companion plants that will help enhance their growth and keep pests away. In this article, we will discuss what to plant with tomato plants to ensure a healthy and thriving garden.

Companion Plants for Tomatoes

Companion planting is the practice of planting different species of plants together in order to benefit each other. There are several plants that make great companions for tomato plants, including:

Basil - Basil is a natural insect repellent that repels pests such as mosquitoes, flies, and spider mites.

Marigolds - Marigolds are beneficial for tomato plants because they repel pests and attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.

Nasturtiums - Nasturtiums are great for companion planting with tomatoes because they attract predatory insects that feed on common tomato pests such as aphids and spider mites.

Parsley - Parsley is a good companion plant for tomatoes because it repels harmful insects and attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and predatory wasps.

Peppers - Peppers make great companion plants for tomatoes because they are both members of the nightshade family and have similar growing requirements.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Tomatoes

While there are several plants that make great companions for tomato plants, there are also some plants that should be avoided. These plants can attract pests that can damage your tomato plants or compete with them for nutrients, sunlight, and water. Plants to avoid planting with tomatoes include:

Cabbage - Cabbage attracts cabbage worms and other pests that can harm your tomato plants.

Broccoli - Broccoli can attract aphids and other pests that can damage your tomato plants.

Corn - Corn can compete with tomato plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Dill - Dill can attract tomato hornworms and other pests that can harm your tomato plants.

Fennel - Fennel can attract tomato hornworms and other pests that can damage your tomato plants.

Conclusion

Choosing the right companion plants for your tomatoes can make a big difference in the health and growth of your garden. By planting plants such as basil, marigolds, nasturtiums, parsley, and peppers with your tomatoes, you can help repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive. Avoid planting plants such as cabbage, broccoli, corn, dill, and fennel with your tomatoes to prevent pests and competition for resources. With the right companion planting, your tomato plants can produce a bountiful harvest of delicious and healthy fruits all season long.