What Not to Plant Around Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables (or fruits) to grow in the garden, but did you know that certain plants can negatively impact their growth and health? Here are some plants that you should avoid planting near your tomatoes:

1. Nightshades

The family of nightshades includes peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. These plants can be host to many of the same pests and diseases that affect tomatoes, including aphids and blight. Additionally, nightshades are heavy feeders that will compete with your tomatoes for nutrients in the soil, making it more difficult for both plants to thrive.

2. Brassicas

Brassicas, such as broccoli, kale, and cabbage, are also heavy feeders that can compete with tomatoes for nutrients. Additionally, these plants release compounds that can attract pests such as cabbage worms and aphids, which can then spread to your tomatoes.

3. Corn

While corn may seem like a harmless crop to plant next to your tomatoes, it actually attracts tomato fruitworms and can serve as a host for common diseases such as corn earworm and corn rootworm. Additionally, corn and tomatoes have similar nutrient needs, which means that planting them next to each other can lead to stunted growth and poor yields for both plants.

4. Fennel

Fennel, along with other members of the carrot family, can attract tomato hornworms and other pests that can damage your tomatoes. In addition, fennel and tomato plants have allelopathic effects on each other, which means that they release chemicals that can inhibit each other's growth and health.

5. Walnuts

Walnut trees and other members of the juglone family release a chemical called juglone that can be toxic to many garden plants, including tomatoes. If you have walnut trees in your yard, it's best to plant your tomatoes in a different location or to use containers to avoid exposing them to juglone.

If you want to maximize the growth and health of your tomato plants, it's important to carefully consider the plants you choose to plant nearby. By avoiding these common offenders, you can help ensure a bountiful harvest of delicious, juicy tomatoes.