What Not to Plant with Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a popular garden crop and for good reason. They are easy to grow, versatile in the kitchen, and packed with health benefits. However, not all plants play nicely with tomatoes. Some can attract pests, stunt growth, or even transmit diseases. Here are some plants to avoid planting with your tomatoes.

Brassicas

Brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, are not good companions for tomatoes. These plants belong to the same family as tomatoes, and planting them together can lead to the spread of soil-borne diseases, particularly clubroot. This disease can wreak havoc on your tomato plants, causing wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. If you must plant brassicas in the same area as your tomatoes, be sure to rotate your crops regularly and practice good soil hygiene.

Nightshades

While tomatoes are a member of the Nightshade family, they should not be planted with other Nightshades, such as peppers, eggplants, or potatoes. These plants can attract the same pests that prey on tomatoes, such as aphids and tomato hornworms. Additionally, planting Nightshades together can lead to nutrient depletion in the soil, as these plants have similar nutritional requirements. To keep your tomatoes healthy, it's best to plant them away from other Nightshades.

Corn

While corn and tomatoes may seem like a classic garden pairing, they are not the best friends in the soil. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and can outcompete corn for nutrients, leading to stunted growth in both plants. Additionally, corn can attract the tomato fruit worm, which can damage tomato crops. If you want to plant corn and tomatoes together, be sure to provide ample spacing and supplement with extra nutrients.

Fennel

While fennel may be a delicious addition to the kitchen, it is not a good companion for tomatoes. Fennel is known to attract pests such as aphids and spider mites, which can spread to your tomato plants. Additionally, the strong scent of fennel can negatively affect tomato flavor. To keep pests at bay and maintain the integrity of your tomato crop, it's best to plant fennel elsewhere in the garden.

Walnuts

If you have walnut trees in your yard, it's best to keep them away from your tomato plants. Walnuts release a chemical called juglone, which can be toxic to many plants, including tomatoes. Symptoms of juglone toxicity in tomatoes include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and reduced fruit production. If you must plant tomatoes near walnut trees, try planting them in containers or in a raised bed with fresh soil.

In conclusion, while tomatoes can be a productive and delicious addition to your garden, it's important to be mindful of their companions. By avoiding planting certain plants near your tomatoes, you can help ensure the health and productivity of your tomato crop. Be sure to practice good crop rotation and soil hygiene to keep your garden thriving all season long.