Can You Plant Onions by Tomatoes and Cucumbers?

If you're growing tomatoes and cucumbers in your garden, you might want to consider planting onions alongside them. Onions can benefit the growth of these plants, while also providing you with some delicious additions to your home-cooked meals. Let's take a closer look at why onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers make a great trio and how to plant them together.

The Benefits of Planting Onions with Tomatoes and Cucumbers

Onions are known to repel pests that tend to infest tomatoes and cucumbers, such as aphids, spider mites, and thrips. This means that by planting onions alongside your tomato and cucumber plants, you can help prevent infestations and reduce the need for pesticides. Additionally, onions are a great companion plant as they absorb excess moisture from the soil, preventing fungal diseases that can harm your other plants.

How to Plant Onions with Tomatoes and Cucumbers

The first step in planting onions with tomatoes and cucumbers is to select the right varieties that can thrive in the same environment. For instance, plants with similar watering and sunlight requirements tend to do well together. Once you have selected your plants, you'll need to prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure.

Next, dig a shallow trench and plant your onion sets about four inches deep, spacing them about four inches apart. Cover the onion sets with soil, ensuring that the top of the sets are level with the soil surface. Plant the tomato and cucumber plants nearby and ensure that you space them out adequately to prevent overcrowding.

How to Care for Your Onion, Tomato, and Cucumber Plants

Once your plants are in the ground, you'll need to care for them to ensure they thrive. For tomatoes and cucumbers, regular watering is essential, especially during hot weather. Ensure that the plants receive about an inch of water each week, and avoid watering them from overhead as this can increase the risk of disease.

As for the onions, they don't require as much water as the other plants, but they need a steady supply of moisture to ensure their bulbs develop correctly. Be sure to keep the area around the onion plants weed-free, as weeds can compete with the onions for nutrients.

The Bottom Line

Planting onions with tomatoes and cucumbers is a great way to ensure your plants thrive, while also adding a delicious and nutrient-rich ingredient to your home-cooked meals. With a little bit of planning and care, you can create a successful garden trio that produces healthy and tasty treats for you and your family to enjoy.