Introduction

Tomatoes are a popular choice for gardeners due to their versatility and delicious taste. However, not all plants are compatible with tomatoes. Some plants can actually hinder the growth and health of tomato plants. In this article, we will discuss what plants are not good to plant near tomatoes.

Mint

Mint is a popular herb to grow in home gardens, but it is not a good neighbor for tomatoes. Mint is known for its invasive growth and can easily overtake your garden space. When mint is planted near tomatoes, it can attract pests such as aphids and spider mites, which can harm tomato plants. Additionally, some gardeners believe that the strong scent of mint can deter tomato growth.

Potatoes

Potatoes belong to the same family as tomatoes, which means they share many of the same pests and diseases. If planted too closely together, potatoes and tomatoes can cause problems for each other. Specifically, this can lead to the spread of early blight, which is a common fungal disease that affects both plants. Early blight can cause leaf drop, reduced yields, and stunted growth in tomatoes.

Fennel

Fennel is another plant that is not good to plant near tomatoes. Fennel releases chemicals that can be toxic to tomato plants, which can result in stunted growth and reduced yields. Furthermore, the strong scent of fennel can attract predators such as aphids and mites, which can also harm tomato plants.

Brassicas

Brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, are not good neighbors for tomatoes. These plants are heavy feeders, which means they require a lot of nutrients from the soil. When planted too closely to tomatoes, brassicas can deplete the soil of these essential nutrients, causing tomato plants to grow poorly. Furthermore, brassicas are known to attract pests such as cabbage worms, which can also harm tomato plants.

Conclusion

When planning your garden, it is important to consider what plants are not good to plant near tomatoes. Mint, potatoes, fennel, and brassicas are some plants to avoid planting near tomatoes. By being mindful of what plants to avoid, you can ensure that your tomatoes grow healthy and produce a bountiful harvest.