What to Plant in Raised Bed with Tomatoes

Raised bed gardening has become a popular way to grow vegetables at home because it allows for better soil conditions, drainage, and weed control. However, deciding what to plant in a raised bed with tomatoes can sometimes be a challenge. Here are some ideas for what to plant in your raised bed alongside your tomato plants.

Herbs

Herbs are excellent companion plants for tomatoes as they can repel pests and encourage pollination. Basil is one of the most popular herbs to plant alongside tomato plants as it can enhance their flavor and help ward off pests such as aphids and tomato hornworms. Other herbs to consider include parsley, rosemary, thyme, and oregano.

Peppers

Peppers also make great companions for tomato plants as they both like similar growing conditions and can benefit from each other's presence. Peppers can add a pop of color and spice to your raised bed, and some varieties, such as jalapenos, can help repel pests.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers can be grown vertically alongside tomato plants, making them perfect for small raised beds. These plants also attract bees, which can help with pollination, and their sprawling vines can help to shade the soil, keeping it cool and moist. Cucumbers are also low maintenance and easy to grow.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a great option for a raised bed with tomatoes because it doesn't compete with them for soil nutrients or sun. You can plant lettuce between the tomato plants, and as they grow and mature, they will help to shade the soil and retain moisture, making it easier to keep your plants hydrated.

Carrots

Carrots are a root vegetable that can thrive in raised beds with tomatoes. They grow underground, while the tomato plants grow above ground, making them perfect companions. Carrots can help break up the soil and improve drainage, while the tomato plants provide shade, which can help to keep the roots cool in hot weather.

In Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different plants that you can grow alongside your tomato plants in raised beds. Herbs, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, and carrots are just a few examples. When deciding what to plant in your raised bed with tomatoes, consider which plants will complement each other in terms of growing conditions and nutrient needs, and which plants will help to repel pests and improve overall soil health.