What to Plant in Between Tomatoes

If you’re a gardener, you know how rewarding it is to grow your own produce. Tomatoes are one of the most popular veggies to grow, and for good reason! They’re delicious fresh off the vine, in salads, sauces, and all sorts of dishes. But what about the space in between the tomato plants? It’s a good idea to plant something else there, both to maximize your yield and to keep the soil healthy.

Companion Plants for Tomatoes

There are a number of plants that make great companions for tomatoes. Here are a few of the best:

Basil - repels flies and mosquitos, and improves the flavor of tomatoes

Marigold - deters nematodes and other harmful insects, and attracts beneficial ones

Beans - adds nitrogen back into the soil, which tomatoes love

Nasturtium - deters aphids, whiteflies, and other pests

Borage - attracts bees, which are essential for pollinating tomatoes

Garlic - repels aphids and other pests

When planting companion plants near tomatoes, it’s important to keep in mind their growing habits, size, and water needs. Most of the plants listed above are fairly low-maintenance, but it’s still a good idea to do your research and make sure you’re giving them the growing conditions they need.

How to Plant Companion Plants

When planting companion plants, it’s a good idea to interspersed them with the tomato plants. This not only looks nice, but it allows for maximum benefit to the tomatoes.

Here’s how to do it:

Plant your tomato seedlings as you normally would, leaving enough space between them for the companion plants.

When the tomato seedlings are a few inches tall, plant the companion plants in the spaces between them.

Water the plants as needed, making sure to water at the base of the plants rather than overhead.

Harvest your tomatoes and companion plants throughout the growing season.

Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting has a number of benefits for the garden, including:

Natural pest control - companion plants can help repel harmful insects while attracting beneficial ones.

Improved soil - planting companions like beans adds nitrogen back into the soil, which is essential for healthy tomato growth.

Maximized yield - by planting multiple crops in the same space, you can harvest more produce from your garden.

Biodiversity - planting a variety of crops in your garden can help maintain a healthy ecosystem and reduce the risk of disease and pest infestations.

In Conclusion

Planting companion plants between your tomato plants is a great way to maximize your yield and keep your garden healthy. With a little research and planning, you can create a beautiful, biodiverse garden that’s full of delicious produce.