Can You Grow One Tomatillo Plant Next to Tomatoes?

Tomatillos and tomatoes share a lot of similarities - they're both from the Solanaceae family, they grow in warm weather, and they're used in many of the same dishes. So, it's not surprising that people often wonder if they can grow these two plants together. The good news is, yes, you can! In this article, we'll look at why you might want to grow tomatillos alongside your tomatoes, the benefits of doing so, and some tips for success.

Why Grow Tomatillos Next to Tomatoes?

As we mentioned, tomatillos and tomatoes are very similar plants. Both need full sun, plenty of water, and fertile soil to grow. They also attract many of the same pests and diseases, such as whiteflies, aphids, and blight. So, why bother growing them together?

One reason to grow tomatillos next to tomatoes is space-saving. Both plants are vine-like and can take up a lot of room in a garden. By planting them side-by-side, you can maximize your growing space and get more yield from your garden. Additionally, these two plants complement each other very well in recipes. Tomatillos, with their tangy, green flavor, are excellent in salsas, sauces, and stews. They pair perfectly with ripe, juicy tomatoes.

Benefits of Growing Tomatillos with Tomatoes

By growing tomatillos next to tomatoes, you can enjoy several benefits. For starters, if you've had trouble with pests in the past, planting tomatillos alongside your tomatoes can help ward off pests effectively. Tomatillos produce a sticky substance on their leaves that naturally repels many pests. This can reduce the number of chemicals you need to use to keep pests under control.

Another benefit of growing tomatillos with tomatoes is that they can help improve soil health. Tomatillos are known to be nitrogen-fixers, which means they can add nitrogen to the soil. This essential nutrient is vital for plant growth and often gets depleted in soil over time. By planting tomatillos alongside tomatoes, you can provide some much-needed nitrogen to your soil and aid in plant growth.

Tips for Planting Tomatillos with Tomatoes

Before you begin planting tomatillos alongside your tomatoes, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Choose the right location - Both tomatillos and tomatoes need full sun to thrive. Make sure you select a location for planting that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.

Plant at the right time - Tomatillos and tomatoes are warm-weather plants and should be planted in late spring or early summer once the soil has warmed up. Follow planting guidelines for your specific region.

Give adequate space - Make sure to give each plant enough space to grow. Tomatoes need at least two feet between each plant, while tomatillos need around three feet. Planting them too close together can lead to overcrowding and disease.

Provide enough support - Both tomatillos and tomatoes require support as they grow. Tomato cages and stakes work well for both. Provide support early on to prevent branches from breaking under the weight of the fruit.

Water and fertilize regularly - Both tomatillos and tomatoes need plenty of water and nutrients to grow. Make sure to water them regularly and provide fertilization throughout the growing season.

Harvest regularly - Tomatillos and tomatoes both produce fruit throughout the growing season. Harvest them regularly - this encourages growth and helps prevent disease.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow tomatillos and tomatoes together and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Conclusion

Growing tomatillos next to tomatoes is an excellent way to maximize your garden space and enjoy the benefits of both plants. By planting them together, you can ward off pests, promote soil health, and enjoy a range of delicious recipes. Remember to choose the right location, plant at the right time, give each plant enough space and support, water and fertilize regularly, and harvest often. With a little care and attention, you can successfully grow tomatillos and tomatoes together and have a plentiful harvest.