Can You Plant Calendula with Tomatoes?

When it comes to gardening, it's always a good idea to companion plant. Companion planting refers to the act of planting different crops together to promote their growth, health, and overall success. One common companion planting question is whether or not you can plant calendula with tomatoes. The short answer is yes, you can. However, there are a few things you should know before you start planting.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Before we dive into the specifics of planting calendula with tomatoes, let's take a step back and examine why companion planting is so beneficial. Here are just a few of the many benefits of companion planting:

Improved soil health

Insect control

Increased biodiversity

Disease prevention

Why Plant Calendula with Tomatoes?

Now, for the question at hand: why should you plant calendula with tomatoes? First and foremost, calendula is known for its pest-repellent properties. By planting calendula with tomatoes, you can deter certain pests that might otherwise harm your tomato plants. Additionally, calendula attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help with pollination.

Calendula is also known for its ability to improve soil health. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it converts nitrogen from the air into a form that can be used by other plants. This can help improve the overall health and fertility of your soil.

How to Plant Calendula with Tomatoes

If you're interested in planting calendula with tomatoes, here's how to get started:

Choose a location: Calendula and tomatoes both prefer full, direct sunlight. Choose a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.

Prepare the soil: Calendula likes well-draining soil, so make sure to prepare the soil before planting. Add compost or organic matter to improve the quality of the soil and ensure good drainage.

Plant the calendula: Sow calendula seeds directly into the soil in early spring. You can also purchase calendula seedlings if you prefer.

Plant the tomatoes: Wait a few weeks after planting the calendula to plant your tomatoes. This will give the calendula a chance to establish itself. Plant your tomatoes alongside the calendula, leaving enough space between each plant for proper growth.

Conclusion

Overall, planting calendula with tomatoes can be a beneficial practice in your garden. With its pest-repellent properties, ability to attract beneficial insects, and soil-improving abilities, calendula can help your tomato plants thrive. Just be sure to prepare the soil properly and give the calendula a chance to establish itself before planting your tomatoes. Happy gardening!