What Shouldn't You Plant Next to Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable to grow in gardens or even on balconies in pots. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, making them a must-have for home gardeners. However, not all plants are good companions for tomatoes. Some plants, when grown next to tomatoes, can harm their growth, reduce their yield, or even make them more susceptible to disease. Here are a few plants that you shouldn't plant next to tomatoes.

Potatoes

Although potatoes come from a different family than tomatoes, they share similar diseases, namely blight. The fungus that causes blight can infect both tomatoes and potatoes, leading to reduced yields or even crop failure. Growing potatoes next to tomatoes also encourages potato beetles to come to the area, which can then attack the tomato plants.

Fennel

Fennel is a herb that is often used to flavor dishes. However, it's not a good companion plant for tomatoes. Fennel and tomatoes both require a lot of nutrients from the soil, leading to competition for resources. Additionally, fennel emits chemicals that can reduce the growth and yield of tomatoes.

Cabbage, Broccoli, and Cauliflower

Vegetables from the brassica family, including cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, should not be planted next to tomatoes. These vegetables often attract the same pests, which can lead to a higher incidence of pest infestations. Additionally, brassicas are heavy feeders, which means they require a lot of nutrients from the soil. Planting them next to tomatoes can result in nutrients being depleted in the soil faster, leading to stunted growth or poor yield for both types of plants.

Corn

Corn is another vegetable that should not be planted next to tomatoes. Corn is a heavy feeder, which means it requires a lot of nutrients from the soil. Planting corn next to tomatoes can lead to nutrient depletion, which may stunt growth or reduce yields for both crops. Additionally, corn is tall and can shade the tomato plants, leading to slower growth or reduced yields.

Conclusion

Tomatoes are a staple in many vegetable gardens, but not all plants make good companions. Plants like potatoes, fennel, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and corn should not be grown next to tomatoes. These plants can compete for nutrients, attract similar pests, or even stunt the growth of the tomatoes. On the other hand, plants like basil, marigolds, and onions can be excellent companions for tomatoes by repelling pests, enhancing flavor, or improving soil health.