Can Peppers Be Planted by Tomatoes?

As a home gardener, you're probably always trying to maximize your space and get the most out of your plants. One question that has likely crossed your mind is whether or not you can plant peppers and tomatoes together. After all, the two plants are staples in many gardens and share a lot in common. So, can peppers be planted by tomatoes? The answer isn't so cut and dry.

The Debate

There's a bit of a debate among gardeners over whether or not you should plant peppers and tomatoes together. Some swear by the practice, while others insist it's a bad idea. Those who support planting the two together argue that they have similar needs when it comes to water, light, and soil nutrients. Additionally, some believe that planting them together can help repel pests like aphids and tomato hornworms.

On the other side of the debate, those who are against planting peppers and tomatoes together point to the fact that they are susceptible to many of the same diseases. Plants that are closely related are often more susceptible to contracting diseases from one another, so planting them together could increase the likelihood of both plants becoming infected. Some gardeners also argue that peppers and tomatoes have different soil pH requirements, which could lead to one plant suffering if they're planted together.

The Truth

So, what's the truth? While there isn't a definitive answer, many gardeners and experts agree that it's generally not a good idea to plant peppers and tomatoes together. While there are some potential benefits, like repelling pests, the risks outweigh the rewards. The two plants have different soil pH requirements, and planting them in the same bed could make it difficult to optimize the soil for each plant. Additionally, they are susceptible to many of the same diseases, which could lead to both plants becoming infected and ultimately failing.

There are some instances where planting peppers and tomatoes together could work. For example, if you have a large garden with plenty of space between plants, it may be possible to plant them together without risking the health of either plant. Additionally, if you're using hybrid or disease-resistant varieties of both peppers and tomatoes, the risk of disease is reduced. Ultimately, it's up to you to weigh the potential risks and benefits and decide if planting peppers and tomatoes together is worth it.

The Bottom Line

While there's no clear answer, it's generally not a good idea to plant peppers and tomatoes together. The two plants have different soil pH requirements and are susceptible to many of the same diseases, which could lead to both plants failing. While there are some potential benefits, like repelling pests, they may not be worth the risk. If you're determined to plant peppers and tomatoes together, make sure you're using hybrid or disease-resistant varieties and have plenty of space between plants to minimize the risk of disease.