What Plants Do Tomatoes Not Like?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular and beloved vegetables grown in home gardens all over the world. They are versatile, delicious, and easy to cultivate. However, like all plants, tomatoes have a few enemies that they don't get along with. In this article, we'll explore some of the plants that tomatoes don't like and why.

Black Walnut Trees

Black walnut trees produce a toxic substance called juglone, which can be lethal to many plants, including tomatoes. Juglone is found in all parts of the black walnut tree, including the leaves, roots, and bark. If your tomato plants are located near a black walnut tree, you may notice stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilted stems. To avoid this problem, keep tomato plants at least 50 feet away from black walnut trees or plant them in raised beds or containers.

Brassicas

Brassicas, which include vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, are not good companions for tomatoes. They belong to the same family as tomatoes, known as the nightshade family, and they can attract similar pests and diseases. Additionally, brassicas are known for producing chemicals in the soil that can inhibit the growth of tomatoes. If you must grow brassicas near tomatoes, try to rotate the crops each year to avoid soil depletion.

Fennel

Fennel, an herb with a licorice-like flavor, is not a good neighbor for tomatoes. It produces a chemical called anethole, which can stunt the growth of nearby plants, including tomatoes. Additionally, fennel can attract pests such as aphids and slugs, which can damage tomato plants. If you want to grow fennel, make sure to plant it away from your tomato plants.

Potatoes

Tomatoes and potatoes are both members of the nightshade family, but they do not make good companions in the garden. Potatoes are notorious for attracting pests such as Colorado potato beetles and wireworms, which can also damage tomato plants. Additionally, both plants are susceptible to the same diseases, such as early blight and late blight. To avoid these problems, keep tomato plants at least 4 feet away from potato plants, or grow them in different areas of your garden.

Conclusion

While tomatoes are relatively easy to grow, they do have some enemies in the garden. Black walnut trees, brassicas, fennel, and potatoes are all plants that tomatoes do not get along with. To ensure a healthy and bountiful tomato harvest, keep these plants as far away from your tomato plants as possible.