What to Plant Near Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a popular plant in many gardens due to their vibrant colors, delicious flavor, and versatility in the kitchen. While they can certainly thrive on their own, planting certain other plants nearby can have a positive impact on their growth and overall health. Here are some of the best plants to consider planting near your tomatoes:

1. Basil

Basil is an herb that is often planted near tomatoes for two reasons - it adds flavor to the tomatoes when used in cooking, and it repels pests that can damage the tomato plants. This is due to the strong scent that basil emits, which is known to keep away insects such as flies and mosquitoes. Additionally, basil requires similar growing conditions to tomatoes, so they can thrive together in the same soil.

2. Carrots

Carrots and tomatoes are a great pair because they are both low-maintenance plants that require the same types of nutrients to grow. Additionally, carrots help to aerate the soil around the tomato plants with their long roots, which helps the tomatoes to grow stronger and faster. As an added bonus, planting carrots near tomatoes can also help to repel some insects and pests.

3. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a popular choice for planting near tomatoes because they attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and bees, which help to pollinate the tomato plants. Additionally, the flowers on the nasturtium plant release a strong scent that repels harmful insects such as whiteflies and aphids. Nasturtiums are also known to deter certain types of beetles that can damage tomato plants.

4. Chives

Chives are another herb that can be planted near tomatoes for both their flavor and their pest-repelling properties. The strong scent of chives can help to keep away insects such as aphids and spider mites, which can damage the tomato plants. Plus, chives are an easy-to-grow plant that requires similar soil conditions to tomatoes, making them a great companion plant.

5. Marigolds

Finally, marigolds are a classic choice for planting near tomatoes because they are known to repel harmful pests such as nematodes and whiteflies. In addition to this, marigolds are also believed to improve soil quality by reducing the amount of harmful bacteria present. Overall, planting marigolds near your tomato plants can help to boost their growth and health.

By choosing the right plants to plant near your tomatoes, you can help to ward off harmful pests, boost growth, and improve the overall health of your tomato plants. Consider trying out one or more of these companion plants in your garden this year!