Introduction

Tomatoes are one of the most beloved plants by gardeners around the world due to their sweet and delicious taste. They are also versatile and can be grown in various types of gardens, including raised beds. Planting tomatoes in a raised bed can be beneficial because it provides better drainage, deeper soil, and helps with weed control. However, to get the most out of your raised bed, it is essential to plant other compatible plants alongside your tomatoes. Here are some of the best plants to grow with tomatoes in a raised bed:

Companion Plants for Tomatoes

Basil

Basil is an herb that is known for its strong and delicious aroma. It is a great companion plant for tomatoes because it helps repel pests like aphids and beetles while enhancing the flavor of tomatoes. Additionally, basil is relatively easy to grow and requires the same type of sunlight and soil as tomatoes. This herb can be planted around the edge of your tomato bed or throughout the bed to maximize the benefits.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a beautiful flower that can enhance the aesthetics of your raised bed while also serving as an excellent companion plant for tomatoes. They repel nematodes and other pests that can damage tomato plants. Moreover, marigolds are easy to grow and require minimal care. They can be planted around the perimeter of your tomato bed or between tomato plants.

Peppers

Peppers are a vegetable that has a similar growth rate to tomatoes and can be grown alongside them. They help repel pests like the tomato hornworm while also benefiting from the same soil and sunlight as tomatoes. Moreover, peppers add a colorful and flavorful addition to your raised bed. Peppers can be planted between tomato plants, or you can create a separate bed for them nearby.

Garlic

Garlic is an herb that is known for its pungent aroma and its intricate root system that can help suppress weeds. It is also an excellent companion plant for tomatoes because it repels pests like aphids, mites, and beetles. Additionally, garlic benefits from the same type of soil and sunlight as tomatoes. To plant garlic with tomatoes, you can interplant them throughout the bed or plant them around the perimeter.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Tomatoes

While certain plants can complement tomatoes in a raised bed, others can harm or inhibit their growth. Here are some plants to avoid planting alongside tomatoes:

Brassicas

Plants in the brassica family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, can harm tomatoes due to their allelopathic effects, which inhibit the growth of other plants in the same area. Additionally, brassicas attract pests like aphids and caterpillars that can damage tomato plants.

Nightshades

While peppers are a good companion plant for tomatoes, other nightshade plants like eggplants and potatoes should be avoided. These plants attract similar pests and diseases as tomatoes, which can create an environment where pests and diseases can thrive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting tomatoes in a raised bed with compatible plants can provide you with healthier and more abundant harvests. Basil, marigolds, peppers, and garlic are all excellent companion plants for tomatoes due to their pest-repelling properties and similar sun and soil requirements. However, plants in the brassica and nightshade families should not be planted alongside tomatoes. To get the most out of your raised bed, carefully consider which plants to plant alongside your tomatoes.