Andre CampbellA crop that is relatively easy to grow, tomato plants thrive in favorable conditions. Companion planting also helps support the needs of your tomato plants.
Growing good companion plants with your tomatoes can improve your chances of avoiding certain pests and plant diseases. This practice may also attract beneficial insects.
What to Plant with Tomatoes
Below are some of the best companion plants for tomatoes.
- Basil
- Borage
- Celery
- Bush beans
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Thyme
- Asparagus
- Garlic
- Lemon balm
- Lettuce
- Onion
- Parsley
- Carrots
- Peas
- Sage
- Spinach
- Squash
- Nasturtiums
- Petunias
- Cosmos
- Marigolds
- Radishes
- Oregano
- Red clover
What NOT to Plant with Tomatoes
Just as there are good tomato companion plants, some can be bad. Some might stunt plant growth and harbor pests, so it is wise to keep them away.
Here are some plants you should avoid planting next to tomatoes.
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Corn
- Eggplant
- Fennel
- Kale
- Potatoes
- Walnut
How to Grow Tomatoes
Tomatoes love warm weather. Therefore, sow your seeds so the seedlings will be ready for transplanting after the danger of frost has passed.
Tomato plants need full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours daily. They also need well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH.
Additionally, ensure the selected area has room for the plants and their companions.
Space the indeterminate tomatoes grown in cages 2 to 3 feet apart or 3 to 4 feet if they aren’t caged. And/or space determinate tomatoes 2 to 3 feet apart in rows 4 feet apart [1].
Once you’ve found a suitable spot, treat the soil with compost or aged manure several weeks before planting.
Plant seedlings deep. Lay the plant on its side and gently bend it upright, then cover the stem with soil.
Also, set cages or stakes immediately, as adding them later could damage the roots. Water transplanted seedlings immediately as well. Watering will help the roots adjust to the new planting site.
Care and Maintenance
Tomato plants also need adequate water all season long, about 1 to 2 inches per week. However, plants grown in containers will require more water.
Additionally, try to water early in the morning so they can survive hot days. After five weeks in their new growing space, add some mulch to your plants to help them stay moist and minimize weeds.
Grass clippings and dried leaves are examples of good garden mulches. Strings tied to stakes or cages ensure the plants have the needed support.
Trim the bottom leaves as well. This technique helps improve airflow and prevents splashback from the ground during watering or when it rains.
Pests and Diseases
Protecting your plants from unwanted garden pests and crop-killing diseases means keeping a close eye on them.
Check them constantly for signs of infestation, but remember that not all insects harm plants. Some, like ladybugs and dragonflies, are ones you should keep close by, as they prey on some harmful insects.
Some harmful insects and related pests to watch out for are aphids, cutworms, hornworms, spider mites, and slugs. However, don’t panic if you spot a few—pick them off!
If the bugs get out of control, consider using organic insecticidal soap or other natural pest-control methods.
Plant diseases are a little more complex to deal with. Plus, there are so many of them that you may find it difficult to learn some of the names. Anthracnose, botrytis gray mold, and early blight are common tomato plant diseases.
One common sign of mold is visible white patches on the leaves, while early blight shows black or brown spots on lower leaves.
The best solution is to stop pests and diseases before they can take hold. This is where good plant neighbors for tomatoes can be helpful.
Harvesting
When harvest time arrives, don’t pick tomatoes before they ripen. They will ripen much better on the vine than if harvested too early.
Pick when the fruits are full and deep in color. Also, keep them at room temperature. Storing tomatoes in the refrigerator can cause them to lose flavor and texture [2].
If the growing season ends before they all ripen, pull the entire plant out of the ground with the fruit attached and hang it somewhere cool indoors.
Where to Buy Seeds
When it’s time to go from planning your garden to starting your tomato plants, you’ll want to find quality seeds.
Many local farm stores sell seeds. Reputable online stores like SeedsNow.com also sell high-quality organic seeds.
Takeaway
Planning for potential tomato-growing problems before you plant will increase your chances of success. Incorporating helpful companion plants will help lessen those issues.
Also, water and mulch the plants once they are in the ground to keep them healthy.
Sasha Campbell
Very good words.
Thanks for posting