What to Avoid Planting with Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in the home garden. They are easy to grow, taste great, and provide a flavorful addition to many meals. However, not all plants are compatible with tomatoes, and planting them together can result in stunted growth, disease, or reduced yield. In this article, we will discuss what plants to avoid planting with tomatoes to ensure their growth and productivity.

First: Nightshade Plants

Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family, which includes other plants like peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. While tomatoes can grow well with some of these plants, others should be avoided. For example, planting tomatoes near potatoes can attract pests like the Colorado potato beetle, which can damage both plants.

In addition, planting tomatoes near other nightshade plants like peppers and eggplants can increase the risk of disease transmission. For instance, if you plant peppers and tomatoes next to each other, and a pepper plant gets infected with a bacterial or fungal disease, it can easily spread to the tomato plant and affect its growth.

Second: Brassicas

Another group of plants to avoid planting with tomatoes are brassicas, which include cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage. These plants have high nutrient requirements and can easily deplete the soil of essential nutrients needed by tomatoes. In addition, they are susceptible to the same diseases as tomatoes and can facilitate disease transmission.

However, there are some exceptions when it comes to planting brassicas with tomatoes. For example, planting arugula, kale, or spinach near tomato plants is beneficial. These greens have shallow roots and don't compete with tomatoes for nutrients. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which help control pests that attack tomatoes.

Third: Fennel

Fennel is a flavorful herb that goes well with fish, lamb, and other dishes. However, it should not be planted near tomato plants. Fennel attracts a pest called the tomato hornworm, which can devour tomato leaves and fruit. If you want to plant fennel in your garden, make sure it is at least 100 feet away from your tomato plants.

Fourth: Corn

Lastly, planting corn next to tomatoes should be avoided. Both plants are heavy feeders and can compete for nutrients. In addition, corn attracts a pest called the corn earworm, which can attack tomato fruits. If you want to grow corn and tomatoes in your garden, make sure they are at least 20 feet apart.

In conclusion, knowing what plants to avoid planting with tomatoes can help you grow healthy, productive plants. By keeping nightshade plants, brassicas, fennel, and corn away from your tomato plants, you can reduce the risk of disease, pest infestation, and reduced yield. Happy gardening!