Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in gardens and containers. If you’re wondering what to plant with tomatoes, companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden’s potential. Certain plants can help tomatoes grow better, keep bugs away, and even improve the flavor of your tomatoes. However, it’s also important to know what not to plant with tomatoes to avoid any negative effects.
What to Plant with Tomatoes to Keep Bugs Away
One of the best reasons to practice companion planting is to protect your tomatoes from pests. If you’re looking for what to plant with tomatoes to keep bugs away, consider these options:
- Basil: Planting basil with tomatoes is a classic combination. Basil can help repel insects like aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms.
- Marigolds: These bright flowers are great for keeping pests at bay. They release a scent that deters harmful insects, making them a great choice for what flowers to plant with tomatoes.
- Garlic and Onions: Both of these plants have strong scents that repel many common garden pests, making them excellent companions for tomatoes.
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What to Plant with Tomatoes in a Container
If you are growing tomatoes in containers, you might wonder what to plant with tomatoes in a container. Some great choices include:
- Parsley: Parsley grows well in containers and can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs that help control pests.
- Chives: Chives are small enough to fit in a container and can deter aphids and other pests from your tomatoes.
- Lettuce: Lettuce grows well in the shade of tomato plants and can be a great companion in a container garden.
What to Plant with Tomatoes in a Raised Bed
For those who grow tomatoes in raised beds, knowing what to plant with tomatoes in raised bed setups is important. Here are some good options:
- Carrots: Carrots grow well with tomatoes because they have different root depths, which means they won’t compete for nutrients.
- Peppers: Peppers and tomatoes have similar growing needs, so they make a good pairing in a raised bed.
- Spinach: Spinach grows quickly and can be harvested before the tomato plants need more space, making it a great companion for tomatoes.
What Herbs to Plant with Tomatoes
Herbs can be very beneficial when planted with tomatoes. If you’re wondering what herbs to plant with tomatoes, consider these:
- Thyme: This herb can help deter garden pests like whiteflies and cabbage worms.
- Oregano: Oregano is another great herb that can help protect your tomatoes from pests while also enhancing their flavor.
- Dill: Dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and can improve the health of your tomato plants.
What Flowers to Plant with Tomatoes
Adding flowers to your tomato garden can attract beneficial insects and improve pollination. If you’re curious about what flowers to plant with tomatoes, try these:
- Nasturtiums: These flowers attract aphids away from your tomatoes and can also repel whiteflies and squash bugs.
- Calendula: Also known as pot marigold, calendula can help attract pollinators to your garden.
- Borage: Borage can help improve the flavor of tomatoes and attract bees, which are great for pollination.
What Not to Plant with Tomatoes
While companion planting can be beneficial, it’s important to know what not to plant with tomatoes. Some plants can hinder the growth of your tomatoes or attract harmful pests. Avoid planting these with tomatoes:
- Cabbage Family: Plants like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale can stunt the growth of tomatoes and should not be planted nearby.
- Fennel: Fennel can inhibit the growth of tomatoes and should be planted far away from them.
- Corn: Corn and tomatoes can attract the same pests, like the corn earworm and tomato hornworm, so it’s best to plant them separately.
What to Do with Tomato Plants at End of Season
At the end of the growing season, you might wonder what to do with tomato plants at end of season. Here’s what you should consider:
- Harvest Remaining Tomatoes: Pick any ripe or green tomatoes before the first frost.
- Remove Dead Plants: Pull out the tomato plants and dispose of them to prevent any diseases from spreading in your garden.
- Compost: If your tomato plants were healthy, you can compost them. If they had any diseases, it’s best to discard them.
What to Do with Tomato Plants in Winter
If you’re growing tomatoes indoors or in a mild climate, you may need to know what to do with tomato plants in winter. Here’s how to care for them:
- Move Indoors: If you have a greenhouse or a sunny window, you can bring your tomato plants inside.
- Prune: Cut back the tomato plants to encourage healthy growth.
- Reduce Watering: Tomato plants need less water in winter, so be sure to reduce the amount you give them.
What to Do with Tomato Plants After Harvest
Once you’ve harvested your tomatoes, knowing what to do with tomato plants after harvest is important for garden maintenance. Here’s what you should do:
- Clean Up: Remove any fallen leaves or debris to prevent pests and diseases.
- Feed the Soil: Add compost or a balanced fertilizer to replenish the nutrients in the soil.
By choosing the right plants and knowing what to avoid, you can create a thriving garden that supports healthy tomato growth. Whether you’re looking for what plants to plant with tomatoes or advice on what to do with tomato plants after harvest, companion planting can make a big difference in your gardening success.
