Tomatoes are a popular vegetable to grow in home gardens due to their delicious taste and versatility in cooking. However there are certain plants can have negative effects on tomatoes, so it’s best to avoid planting them together. Here are some plants you should avoid planting with tomatoes:
- Avoid planting potatoes with tomatoes. Potatoes belong to the same family as tomatoes, the nightshade family, and can be susceptible to similar diseases and pests. Planting them together increases the risk of spreading diseases and attracting pests.
- Another plant to avoid planting with tomatoes is corn. Corn is a tall plant that can shade out the tomatoes, reducing their access to sunlight. Additionally, corn has high nitrogen requirements, which can compete with tomatoes for nutrients in the soil.
- Cabbage is another plant that should not be planted with tomatoes. Cabbage and other brassicas, such as broccoli and cauliflower, release chemicals into the soil that can inhibit the growth of tomatoes and other nightshade plants.
- Avoid planting fennel near tomatoes. Fennel produces a chemical that can stunt the growth of nearby plants, including tomatoes. It’s best to keep these two plants separate in your garden.
- Beans and tomatoes should also be kept apart. Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use. However, this process can deplete the soil of other nutrients that tomatoes need to thrive.
- Onions and garlic are known for their strong aromas, which can repel pests. However, they can also inhibit the growth of tomatoes if planted too closely together. It’s best to give these plants their own space in the garden.
- Avoid planting tomatoes near walnuts or black walnut trees. These trees release a chemical called juglone, which can be toxic to tomatoes and other sensitive plants.
- Strawberries and tomatoes are both prone to fungal diseases, so it’s best to keep them separate. Planting them together increases the risk of spreading diseases and can lead to poor growth and fruit production.
- Avoid planting tomatoes near peppers. While they are both nightshade plants, peppers have different nutrient requirements and can compete with tomatoes for resources in the soil.
- Keep tomatoes away from sunflowers. Sunflowers are tall plants that can shade out tomatoes, reducing their access to sunlight and hindering their growth.
- Avoid planting tomatoes near members of the mint family, such as basil and oregano. These plants can release chemicals that inhibit the growth of tomatoes.
- Lastly, avoid planting tomatoes near melons and cucumbers. These plants have similar water and nutrient requirements as tomatoes, and planting them together can lead to competition for resources.
By being mindful of what you plant alongside your tomatoes, you can ensure they have the best chance of thriving and producing a successful harvest.