Which Plant Grows with Tomatoes and Potatoes?

Tomatoes and potatoes are two of the most popular vegetables grown in gardens all over the world. Not only are they delicious and versatile in the kitchen, but they are also relatively easy to grow. One of the biggest questions that gardeners have when they start planning their tomato and potato plots is what other plants they can grow alongside them for a bountiful harvest. In this article, we'll explore some of the best plants to grow with tomatoes and potatoes.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular choice for companion planting with tomatoes and potatoes. These brightly colored flowers not only add a pop of color to the garden but also help to deter pests. Marigolds repel nematodes, which are microscopic worms that can damage the roots of plants like tomatoes and potatoes. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which eat harmful insects like aphids and mites.

Basil

Another great companion for tomatoes and potatoes is basil. Not only does basil add flavor to the kitchen, but it also repels pests like flies and mosquitos. It's believed that the strong scent of basil confuses and masks the scents of other plants, which makes it harder for pests to find the plants they want to feed on. Basil also attracts pollinators like bees, which can help to increase the yield of your tomatoes and potatoes.

Carrots

Carrots are another vegetable that can be grown alongside tomatoes and potatoes. While they don't offer any particular benefits to the other plants, they do complement them in the kitchen. Carrots can be planted in the same bed as potatoes and tomatoes, but they should be planted at a different depth than the other two. Potatoes are planted deep, and tomatoes are planted shallow, so carrots should be planted at a medium depth.

Peppers

Peppers are another vegetable that can be grown alongside tomatoes and potatoes. They require similar growing conditions to tomatoes, and they can help to repel the same pests that marigolds and basil deter. Peppers also add flavor to the kitchen and can be a great addition to salsa or other dishes featuring tomatoes.

Conclusion

There are many different plants that can be grown alongside tomatoes and potatoes to help yield a bountiful harvest. Marigolds, basil, carrots, and peppers are just a few of the many options available to gardeners. When choosing companion plants, it's important to consider their growing requirements and any potential benefits they may offer to the other plants in the bed. By choosing the right companion plants, gardeners can increase their yield and create a thriving vegetable garden.