12 Of The Best Plants To Grow Under Tomatoes!
When it comes to gardening, strategic planting can make a world of difference in maximizing space, improving soil health, and deterring pests. One popular technique is companion planting, where certain plants are grown alongside each other to benefit one another.
Tomatoes, being one of the most beloved garden crops, can greatly benefit from companion planting. In this article, we’ll explore 12 of the best plants to grow under tomatoes, each offering unique advantages to your garden.
Basil
Basil is not only a delicious herb but also an excellent companion to tomatoes. Its strong aroma helps repel pests like mosquitoes and flies that may otherwise bother your tomato plants.
Plus, basil and tomatoes share similar growing conditions, making them ideal companions in both the garden and the kitchen.
Marigolds
Marigolds are well-known for their ability to repel nematodes, harmful soil-dwelling pests that can damage tomato roots. Planting marigolds under your tomato plants can help keep these pests at bay while adding vibrant color to your garden.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are not only beautiful, trailing flowers but also great companions for tomatoes. They act as a natural insect repellent, deterring pests like aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, nasturtiums attract predatory insects such as ladybugs, which help control pest populations.
Borage
Borage is a versatile herb that offers several benefits to tomatoes. Its small, star-shaped flowers attract pollinators like bees, which can improve tomato fruit set. Borage also accumulates potassium in the soil, benefiting nearby tomato plants and enhancing their growth.
Onions
Onions are excellent companions for tomatoes due to their ability to repel certain pests like aphids and carrot flies. Planting onions under tomatoes not only helps deter pests but also makes efficient use of garden space, as both crops have different root depths and growth habits.
Garlic
Like onions, garlic possesses natural pest-repellent properties that can benefit tomatoes. Planting garlic under tomatoes can help keep pests at bay while adding flavor to your culinary creations. Additionally, garlic’s sulfur compounds may also help enhance the flavor of tomatoes.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a cool-season crop that thrives in the shade provided by tomato plants during the hot summer months. Interplanting lettuce with tomatoes not only maximizes space but also helps conserve soil moisture and suppresses weed growth.
Plus, harvesting fresh lettuce leaves alongside ripe tomatoes makes for delicious salads.
Carrots
Carrots and tomatoes make excellent companions in the garden. While tomatoes provide shade for the shallow-rooted carrots, the carrots’ scent can help repel pests that might otherwise damage tomato plants. This interplanting also promotes biodiversity in the garden, which can improve overall soil health.
Parsley
Parsley is a biennial herb that complements tomatoes both in the garden and on the plate. Its strong aroma can help repel harmful insects like carrot flies and aphids, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Plus, parsley attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, which prey on aphids and other garden pests.
Radishes
Radishes are fast-growing root vegetables that can be interplanted with tomatoes to maximize space and yield. Their pungent scent deters pests such as cucumber beetles and flea beetles, which can damage tomato plants.
Additionally, radishes help break up compacted soil, improving aeration and drainage for tomatoes.
Chives
Chives are members of the onion family and share similar pest-repellent properties with onions and garlic. Planting chives under tomatoes can help deter pests while providing a tasty and versatile herb for culinary use. Chive flowers also attract pollinators, benefiting nearby tomato plants.
Spinach
Spinach is a nutritious leafy green that thrives in the partial shade provided by tomato plants. Interplanting spinach with tomatoes can help conserve soil moisture and reduce evaporation, especially during hot summer months.
Additionally, spinach’s shallow root system complements the deeper roots of tomato plants, making efficient use of available space.
Companion planting is a valuable technique for maximizing the productivity and health of your garden. By strategically selecting plants to grow under tomatoes, you can improve soil fertility, deter pests, and enhance overall biodiversity.
Experiment with different combinations of companion plants to discover what works best in your garden, and enjoy the benefits of a thriving and harmonious plant community. Happy gardening!
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