The Best Tomato Companions That Will Boost Your Yield

Tomatoes are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. They are also a relatively easy crop to grow, but there are a few things you can do to boost your yield. One of the best ways to do this is to plant companion plants.

Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together that benefit each other. There are many different companion plants that can be grown with tomatoes, but some of the best include:

• Basil: Basil is a classic companion plant for tomatoes. It helps to repel pests, such as aphids and tomato hornworms, and it also improves the flavor of the tomatoes.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They help to repel nematodes, which are soil-dwelling pests that can damage tomato roots.
• Borage: Borage is a flowering plant that attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hoverflies. These insects help to control pests that can damage tomatoes.
• Chives: Chives are a member of the onion family, and they help to repel pests, such as thrips and spider mites. They also improve the flavor of tomatoes.
• Garlic: Garlic is another member of the onion family, and it helps to repel pests, such as aphids and tomato hornworms. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes.
• Asparagus: Asparagus helps to improve the drainage of the soil around tomatoes, which can help to prevent root rot. It also helps to attract beneficial insects.
• Peas: Peas help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit tomatoes. They also help to shade the soil around tomatoes, which can help to keep it cool and moist.

When planting companion plants with tomatoes, it is important to choose plants that have similar growing requirements. For example, all of the plants listed above are sun-loving plants that prefer well-drained soil. It is also important to plant companion plants that will not compete with each other for nutrients. For example, you would not want to plant tomatoes with corn, as corn is a heavy feeder that can deplete the soil of nutrients.

By planting companion plants with tomatoes, you can boost your yield and improve the health of your plants. So next time you are planting tomatoes, be sure to consider adding some of these beneficial plants to your garden.

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FAQ of tomato companions

What are tomato companions?

Tomato companions are plants that can be grown alongside tomatoes to benefit both plants. Some companion plants can attract beneficial insects, repel pests, or improve the soil quality.

What are some good tomato companions?

Some good tomato companions include:

• Basil: Basil helps to repel tomato hornworms and other pests.
• Borage: Borage attracts beneficial insects, such as bees and ladybugs.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and tomatoes have similar growing requirements and can help to shade the soil, which can help to prevent diseases.
• Marigolds: Marigolds repel nematodes, which can damage tomato roots.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums attract beneficial insects and can help to improve the soil quality.
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers can help to attract pollinators and can also provide shade for tomatoes.

What are some bad tomato companions?

Some bad tomato companions include:

• Potatoes: Potatoes and tomatoes are susceptible to the same diseases, so it is best to avoid planting them together.
• Peas: Peas can compete with tomatoes for nutrients and water.
• Strawberries: Strawberries and tomatoes are susceptible to the same diseases, so it is best to avoid planting them together.

How do I plant tomato companions?

When planting tomato companions, it is important to consider the size and growth habits of both plants. For example, tall plants, such as sunflowers, should be planted behind shorter plants, such as tomatoes. It is also important to plant companion plants that have similar water and sunlight requirements.

What are the benefits of planting tomato companions?

There are many benefits to planting tomato companions, including:

• Improved pollination: Companion plants can attract beneficial insects, such as bees and ladybugs, which can help to pollinate tomatoes.
• Disease prevention: Companion plants can help to repel pests and diseases, which can help to protect tomatoes from damage.
• Improved soil quality: Companion plants can help to improve the soil quality, which can benefit the growth of tomatoes.

Image of tomato companions

10 different images of tomato companions that are free to use:

1. Marigolds

• Marigolds are a great companion plant for tomatoes because they help to deter pests. The bright colors and strong scent of marigolds make them an excellent deterrent against tomato hornworms and aphids.

2. Garlic

• Garlic is another good companion plant for tomatoes. It helps to repel nematodes, which are pests that can damage tomato roots.

3. Onions

• Onions are similar to garlic in that they help to repel nematodes. They also help to improve the flavor of tomatoes.

4. Lavender

• Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that can also help to deter pests. It is said to repel mosquitoes, flies, and ants.

5. Basil

• Basil is a classic companion plant for tomatoes. It helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes and also helps to deter aphids.

6. Chives

• Chives are a member of the onion family and they have similar pest-repellent properties. They also help to improve the flavor of tomatoes.

7. Asparagus

• Asparagus is a tall plant that can help to provide shade for tomatoes. This can help to protect tomatoes from sunscald.

8. Celery

• Celery is another tall plant that can provide shade for tomatoes. It also helps to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which help to control pests.

9. Cucumbers

• Cucumbers and tomatoes can be planted together because they have similar growing requirements. They also help to support each other, as cucumbers help to shade tomatoes and tomatoes help to support cucumbers.

10. Potatoes

• Potatoes and tomatoes can also be planted together. They help to improve the flavor of each other and they also help to suppress weeds.