Introduction

Tomatoes are one of the most popular fruits to grow in gardens all around the world. They are easy to grow and provide a delicious crop that can be eaten fresh, canned, or cooked. However, many gardeners struggle with keeping their tomato plants healthy and productive. One way to improve the growth and yield of tomatoes is by planting them next to certain other plants. In this article, we will discuss what plants are best to grow alongside tomatoes and why.

Planting Tomatoes Next to Other Vegetables

One common strategy for improving the growth of tomato plants is to plant them alongside other vegetables. This is known as companion planting and can offer several benefits to tomato plants. For example:

Basil: Basil is a popular herb to grow next to tomatoes as it repels pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. In addition, the scent of basil is believed to improve the flavor of tomatoes.

Carrots: Carrots are a great companion plant to tomatoes as they help to loosen the soil, making it easier for tomato roots to grow. In addition, carrots and tomatoes have similar nutrient requirements, so they can be grown together without competing.

Lettuce: Lettuce is a cool-season crop that can be grown alongside tomatoes in the early spring or fall. Lettuce can provide shade for the tomato plants, which can help to prevent the tomatoes from getting sunscald.

Onions: Onions are another great companion plant for tomatoes as they repel garden pests like aphids and mites. In addition, onions and tomatoes have different nutrient requirements, so they don't compete for nutrients in the soil.

Peppers: Peppers are a member of the same family as tomatoes, so they have similar nutrient requirements. In addition, peppers and tomatoes can help to protect each other from pests like tomato hornworms and aphids.

Squash: Squash plants can be grown alongside tomato plants in the early season as they provide shade for the young tomato plants. In addition, squash plants have shallow roots that won't compete with tomato roots for nutrients in the soil.

Planting Tomatoes Next to Herbs

In addition to companion planting with other vegetables, tomatoes can also benefit from being grown alongside certain herbs. For example:

Borage: Borage is a herb that can be grown alongside tomato plants to repel tomato hornworms. In addition, the flowers of borage attract bees, which can help to pollinate the tomato plants.

Chives: Chives are a herb that can be grown alongside tomato plants to repel aphids and other garden pests. In addition, chives have shallow roots that won't compete with tomato roots for nutrients in the soil.

Dill: Dill is a herb that can be grown alongside tomato plants to repel spider mites and other pests. In addition, the scent of dill is believed to improve the flavor of tomatoes.

Parsley: Parsley is a herb that can be grown alongside tomato plants to repel beetles and other garden pests. In addition, parsley has shallow roots that won't compete with tomato roots for nutrients in the soil.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting tomatoes next to certain other plants can help improve their growth and yield. By practicing companion planting with other vegetables and herbs, gardeners can deter pests, improve soil quality, and provide shade for tomato plants. Some of the best companion plants for tomato plants include basil, carrots, lettuce, onions, peppers, squash, borage, chives, dill, and parsley. By planting these plants next to tomatoes, gardeners can enjoy a healthy and productive crop of tomatoes all season long.