Can You Plant Beets with Tomatoes?

Many vegetable gardeners wonder if it's possible to plant beets and tomatoes together in the same garden bed. The short answer is yes, you can plant beets with tomatoes. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you start planting.

Companion Planting

Companion planting is the practice of planting different crops near each other in the garden, in order to benefit each other in some way. There are several reasons why gardeners might choose to plant beets and tomatoes together:

Trellising: Tomatoes grow tall and need a trellis to support their weight. Beet plants are shorter and can be trellised alongside the tomatoes, maximizing space in the garden bed.

Soil health: Beets are known for their deep root system, which can help to improve soil health and nutrient availability for both crops.

Pest control: Planting beets and tomatoes together can help to repel certain pests that target one crop or the other.

Things to Keep in Mind

While it's possible to plant beets and tomatoes together, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Spacing: Beets and tomatoes both need room to grow, so make sure to space them out properly in the garden bed. Beets should be planted about 4-6 inches apart, while tomatoes need at least 2 feet of space between plants.

Watering: Beets and tomatoes have different watering requirements. Beets need consistent moisture, while tomatoes should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. To ensure both crops thrive, water them separately as needed.

Soil pH: Beets prefer a slightly acidic soil pH (between 6.0 and 7.5), while tomatoes prefer a slightly more alkaline soil pH (between 6.5 and 7.0). Make sure your garden bed has a neutral pH (around 7.0) to ensure both crops are happy.

In Conclusion

Planting beets with tomatoes can be a great way to maximize space in your garden bed and benefit both crops. Just make sure to keep spacing, watering, and soil pH in mind, and you'll be on your way to a bountiful harvest!