Introduction

As a gardener, knowing what plants to grow alongside your tomatoes is important. But, there are also plants that you should avoid planting near tomatoes. Some plants can interfere with the growth and health of your tomatoes, affecting their yield and quality. In this article, we will take a look at what plants not to plant near tomatoes to help you achieve the best possible results in your garden.

1. Nightshade plants

Tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants all belong to the nightshade family. While these plants can grow well with each other, it is not recommended to plant them near each other. The reason is that they can all be affected by the same diseases and pests. For example, if you plant tomatoes near potatoes, they can attract Colorado potato beetles that can damage both plants. Therefore, it is best to rotate these crops and not plant them in the same location year after year.

2. Brassicas

Brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale, are not compatible with tomatoes. These plants have high nutrient requirements and can deplete the soil of the essential nutrients that tomatoes need to grow. Additionally, brassicas attract pests such as aphids, which can transmit viruses to tomatoes. If you want to plant brassicas in your garden, it is recommended to rotate them with other crops and not plant them near tomatoes.

3. Corn

While corn and tomatoes can grow well together, there is a risk of cross-pollination. Corn is wind-pollinated, and its pollen can easily travel to nearby tomato plants, resulting in hybrid seeds that can affect the flavor and quality of your tomatoes. Additionally, corn can attract tomato fruitworms, which can damage the fruit of your tomato plants. Therefore, it is best not to plant corn near tomatoes.

4. Fennel

Fennel is a herb that is prized for its anise-like flavor. However, it can negatively affect the growth of your tomatoes. Fennel produces chemicals that can inhibit the growth of tomato plants, affect their flavor and reduce their yield. Therefore, it is recommended not to plant fennel near tomatoes. Instead, you can plant fennel in its own separate raised bed or container.

5. Walnut Trees

Walnut trees produce a chemical called juglone, which is toxic to many plants, including tomatoes. If you plant tomatoes near walnut trees, they can wilt and die due to exposure to juglone. The chemical can also persist in the soil for years, even after the walnut tree has been removed. Therefore, it is best to avoid planting tomatoes near walnut trees or in areas where they have grown before.

Conclusion

Knowing what plants not to plant near tomatoes is just as important as knowing what plants to grow alongside them. Avoiding these plants can help you achieve better yields, healthier plants, and tastier tomatoes. So, before you plant your tomatoes, make sure to check the compatibility of the plants in your garden and plan accordingly.