Can Lavender be Planted Near Tomatoes?

Lavender is a popular herb and has great benefits when it comes to pest control in the garden. Tomatoes, on the other hand, are a highly cultivated vegetable that can benefit from different plants that are planted nearby. So, can lavender be planted near tomatoes? The answer is yes.

Benefits of Planting Lavender Near Tomatoes

There are several benefits of planting lavender near tomatoes:

Pest control: Lavender has natural pest-repelling properties that can help protect your tomatoes from harmful insects.

Attracting pollinators: Lavender is a great attractant for pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help improve the yield of your tomato plants.

Aesthetics: Lavender’s beautiful spikes of purple flowers can add a decorative touch to your tomato patch.

Complementary planting: Lavender and tomatoes complement each other in terms of their growth patterns and water needs. Lavender is drought-tolerant, while tomatoes need consistent watering.

How to Plant Lavender Near Tomatoes

Now that you know that lavender can be planted near tomatoes, let’s take a look at how to plant it:

Find the right location: Select a spot that gets full sun and has well-draining soil.

Prepare the soil: Lavender prefers slightly alkaline soil. If your soil is too acidic, add some lime to increase the pH level. Mix some organic matter like compost or aged manure into the soil to improve drainage.

Plant the lavender: Dig a hole twice the size of the lavender’s container or root ball. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly.

Care for the lavender: Water the lavender regularly, but don’t overwater as lavender doesn’t like wet feet. Prune the plant after it has finished flowering to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth.

When planting lavender near tomatoes, make sure to leave enough space between the plants so that they don’t compete for water and nutrients. A distance of at least 2 feet between the two plants is ideal.

Other Plants to Consider Planting Near Tomatoes

Lavender is not the only plant that can be planted near tomatoes. Here are some other plants to consider:

Basil: Basil is a great companion plant for tomatoes as it repels pests like aphids and whiteflies and enhances the flavor of the tomatoes.

Marigolds: Marigolds have natural pesticidal properties and attract beneficial insects. They can also help improve soil health.

Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums repel aphids and attract beneficial insects. They also add a splash of color to your garden.

Borage: Borage attracts pollinators and repels pests like tomato hornworms.

Conclusion

Planting lavender near tomatoes is a great way to protect your tomato plants from pests, attract pollinators, and add some visual appeal to your garden. Whether you choose to plant lavender, basil, marigolds, nasturtiums, borage, or any combination of these plants, remember to provide enough space between them to avoid competition for water and nutrients. Happy planting!