What Should You Not Plant with Tomatoes

Tomatoes are great fruits to plant in your garden. They have many uses, and they are known for their delicious taste, versatility, and great nutritional value. Tomatoes grow well in most environments, and they are perfect for gardeners who want to have fresh vegetables all year round. However, like all other plants, tomatoes thrive best when they are surrounded by the right kind of companions. In this article, we will discuss the things that you should not plant with your tomatoes.

1. Brassicas

Brassicas include vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. While they are great for your health, they are not great for your tomatoes. These plants are heavy feeders, and they require a lot of nutrients from the soil. When they grow alongside tomatoes, they will compete for the same nutrients and resources from the soil, which can lead to stunted growth and a lower yield. Additionally, brassicas attract pests such as aphids and cabbage loopers, which can transfer diseases to tomatoes.

2. Nightshades

Nightshades are a family of plants that include peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. These plants are related to tomatoes, and while they share some similarities, they do not make great companions. Nightshades have a similar nutrient requirement as tomatoes, which can lead to nutrient depletion in the soil. Additionally, the diseases that affect one plant in this family can quickly spread to other plants. For instance, if your eggplant has blight, it can easily transfer to your tomatoes, which can lead to lost yield and poor quality fruit.

3. Corn

Corn is a staple food in many parts of the world, and it is also a popular crop for farmers. However, corn is not a great companion for your tomatoes. Corn is a heavy feeder, and it requires a lot of nitrogen from the soil. When planted with tomatoes, corn can deplete the soil of nitrogen faster than your tomatoes can use it. As a result, your tomatoes will suffer, and you will not get a good yield. Additionally, corn can create a microclimate that can encourage fungal diseases to spread to your tomatoes.

4. Fennel

Fennel is a herb that belongs to the carrot family, and it is known for its unique flavor and aroma. While it is great for cooking, fennel is not great for your tomatoes. Fennel attracts aphids, which can suck the sap out of your tomato plants and cause them to wilt. Additionally, the odor from fennel can deter beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests that attack your tomatoes.

5. Walnut Trees

If you have walnut trees in your garden, you should avoid planting tomatoes nearby. Walnut trees produce a substance called juglone, which is toxic to many plants, including tomatoes. Juglone can leach into the soil and affect the growth and yield of your tomatoes. Symptoms of juglone damage include wilting and yellowing leaves and stunted growth.

Conclusion

Tomatoes are great plants to grow in your garden, but they need the right kind of companions to thrive. Brassicas, nightshades, corn, fennel, and walnut trees are some of the plants that you should avoid planting with tomatoes. When choosing companions for your tomatoes, look for plants that have different nutrient requirements, attract beneficial insects, and repel pests. By doing so, you can create a healthy, diverse, and thriving garden that yields a bountiful harvest.