What Not to Plant After Tomatoes

Tomato plants are one of the most popular garden vegetables, offering a wide range of varieties and sizes to suit any taste. However, it’s important to know what not to plant after tomatoes to ensure a successful and bountiful harvest. Here are some plants that should be avoided planting after tomatoes:

Cucumbers

Both cucumbers and tomatoes belong to the same family of plants, known as the Solanaceae family. This means that they are vulnerable to the same diseases and pests, and planting them in the same spot can increase the likelihood of spreading those issues. Additionally, cucumbers require more water than tomatoes, which can leave the soil too damp for tomato plants to thrive.

Peppers

Similar to cucumbers, peppers also belong to the Solanaceae family and share similar growing requirements with tomato plants. Planting peppers after tomatoes can increase the risk of soil-borne diseases, such as verticillium and fusarium wilt. Additionally, peppers require high levels of nitrogen, which can leave the soil deficient in other essential nutrients for tomato plants.

Eggplants

Eggplants belong to the same family as tomatoes and peppers, and can also be susceptible to the same soil-borne diseases. Additionally, eggplants are heavy feeders, which means that they can leave the soil depleted of essential nutrients for tomato plants. Consider planting eggplants in a separate garden bed or waiting until the next growing season to plant them.

Other Nightshade Plants

Other plants in the Solanaceae family, such as potatoes and tomatillos, should also be avoided planting after tomatoes for the same reasons listed above. These plants share similar growing requirements and can increase the risk of soil-borne diseases and nutrient depletion in the soil.

Conclusion

Knowing what not to plant after tomatoes is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive garden. By avoiding plants in the Solanaceae family and other heavy feeders, you can help ensure that your tomato plants thrive and produce a bountiful harvest. Consider rotating your crops each year and planting in raised garden beds or containers to minimize the risk of soil-borne diseases and keep your garden healthy and productive.