The Ultimate Guide To Companion Planting Tomatoes With Herbs

The Ultimate Guide to Companion Planting Tomatoes with Herbs

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in home gardens. They are relatively easy to care for and can produce a bountiful harvest. However, there are a few things you can do to improve the health and productivity of your tomato plants. One of the best ways to do this is to companion plant tomatoes with herbs.

Companion planting is the practice of planting certain types of plants together to benefit each other. There are many different herbs that can be companion planted with tomatoes, each with its own unique benefits.

In this guide, we will discuss the best herbs to plant with tomatoes, as well as the benefits of companion planting. We will also provide some tips on how to plant and care for these herbs.

Benefits of Companion Planting Tomatoes with Herbs

There are many benefits to companion planting tomatoes with herbs. Some of the most important benefits include:

• Improved pollination: Many herbs attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. These pollinators help to improve the pollination of tomato plants, which leads to a larger harvest.
• Disease and pest control: Some herbs have natural insecticidal properties. These herbs can help to repel pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and tomato hornworms. They can also help to prevent diseases, such as powdery mildew and fusarium wilt.
• Improved soil quality: Some herbs help to improve the soil quality around tomato plants. This can lead to healthier plants and a better harvest.
• Enhanced flavor: Some herbs can enhance the flavor of tomatoes. For example, basil is a classic companion plant for tomatoes because it complements their flavor.

Best Herbs to Plant with Tomatoes

There are many different herbs that can be companion planted with tomatoes. Some of the best herbs include:

• Basil: Basil is a classic companion plant for tomatoes. It helps to repel pests, such as aphids and spider mites, and it enhances the flavor of tomatoes.
• Chives: Chives help to repel aphids, carrot flies, and root maggots. They also improve the flavor of tomatoes.
• Cilantro: Cilantro helps to repel aphids and whiteflies. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes.
• Dill: Dill helps to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes.
• Garlic: Garlic helps to repel aphids, spider mites, and tomato hornworms. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes.
• Marigolds: Marigolds help to repel nematodes, whiteflies, and aphids. They also attract pollinators.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums help to repel aphids, whiteflies, and flea beetles. They also attract pollinators.
• Parsley: Parsley helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes and attracts pollinators. It also helps to prevent blossom end rot.
• Rosemary: Rosemary helps to repel aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes.
• Thyme: Thyme helps to repel aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes.

How to Plant and Care for Companion Plants

When planting companion plants with tomatoes, it is important to choose plants that have similar growing requirements. For example, both tomatoes and basil prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

It is also important to plant companion plants at the same time as tomatoes. This will help to ensure that they have time to establish themselves before the tomatoes start to grow.

Once the plants are established, it is important to care for them properly. This includes watering them regularly, fertilizing them, and weeding around them.

Conclusion

Companion planting tomatoes with herbs is a great way to improve the health and productivity of your tomato plants. By planting the right herbs together, you can attract pollinators, repel pests, and improve the soil quality. This will lead to a healthier harvest and a better tasting tomato.

Are you growing tomatoes in your garden this year? If so, you'll want to consider planting some herbs nearby. Certain herbs can help to improve the growth and flavor of tomatoes, and they can also help to deter pests.

Some of the best herbs to plant with tomatoes include:

• Basil: This classic companion plant is said to improve the flavor of tomatoes and repel pests like aphids and mosquitoes.
• Chives: Chives have a strong oniony scent that can help to repel pests like thrips and beetles. They can also improve the flavor of tomatoes.
• Thyme: Thyme is another herb that can help to improve the flavor of tomatoes. It also has insect-repelling properties.
• Parsley: Parsley is a good companion plant for tomatoes because it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. These pollinators help to pollinate the tomatoes, which results in a better harvest.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are not technically herbs, but they are a great companion plant for tomatoes. Marigolds help to repel nematodes, which are pests that can damage tomato roots.

If you're looking for more information about herbs that grow well with tomatoes, I recommend visiting Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a comprehensive list of companion plants for tomatoes, as well as information about the benefits of companion planting.

FAQ of herbs that grow well with tomatoes

1. What are some herbs that grow well with tomatoes?

Some of the best herbs to grow with tomatoes include:

• Basil: Basil is a classic companion plant for tomatoes, and for good reason. It helps to repel pests, improve the flavor of tomatoes, and attract pollinators.
• Parsley: Parsley is another great companion plant for tomatoes. It helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes and attract pollinators.
• Thyme: Thyme is a low-growing herb that helps to repel pests and improve the flavor of tomatoes.
• Mint: Mint is a fragrant herb that helps to repel pests and improve the flavor of tomatoes. However, it can be invasive, so it's best to plant it in a pot or separate area of the garden.
• Chives: Chives are a versatile herb that can be used in both cooking and as a companion plant for tomatoes. They help to repel pests and improve the flavor of tomatoes.

2. How do herbs help tomatoes grow?

Herbs can help tomatoes grow in a number of ways:

• They can repel pests. Many herbs have strong scents that pests find unpleasant, so planting them near tomatoes can help to keep pests away.
• They can improve the flavor of tomatoes. The flavors of herbs and tomatoes complement each other well, so planting them together can create a more flavorful dish.
• They can attract pollinators. Pollinators are essential for the pollination of tomatoes, so planting herbs that attract pollinators can help to increase the yield of tomatoes.

3. What are some other benefits of planting herbs with tomatoes?

In addition to helping tomatoes grow, planting herbs with tomatoes can also provide a number of other benefits, such as:

• Improved soil quality. Herbs can help to improve the soil quality around tomatoes, making it more fertile and better able to support the growth of tomatoes.
• Reduced disease risk. Some herbs have properties that can help to reduce the risk of disease in tomatoes. For example, thyme has been shown to help to prevent the spread of tomato blight.
• Increased aesthetic appeal. Herbs can add beauty and interest to a tomato garden. They can also be used as a living mulch, which can help to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.

4. What are some herbs that should not be planted with tomatoes?

There are a few herbs that should not be planted with tomatoes, as they can compete for resources or even harm the tomatoes. These herbs include:

• Fennel: Fennel can release chemicals that can stunt the growth of tomatoes.
• Celery: Celery can compete with tomatoes for water and nutrients.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers can attract pests that can also harm tomatoes.
• Melons: Melons can spread diseases that can harm tomatoes.

5. How far apart should herbs be planted from tomatoes?

The ideal spacing between herbs and tomatoes will vary depending on the type of herb and the size of the tomato plants. However, as a general rule, herbs should be planted at least 12 inches away from tomatoes. This will give the herbs enough space to grow and prevent them from competing with the tomatoes for resources.

Image of herbs that grow well with tomatoes

Here are 5 different images of herbs that grow well with tomatoes from Pinterest:

• Basil: Basil is a classic companion plant for tomatoes, and for good reason. The two herbs complement each other's flavors perfectly, and basil can help to deter pests from tomatoes.
• Chives: Chives are another great herb to plant near tomatoes. They help to repel aphids and other pests, and their delicate flavor goes well with tomatoes in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
• Oregano: Oregano is a flavorful herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, including tomato-based sauces and soups. It also helps to repel pests, making it a good companion plant for tomatoes.
• Parsley: Parsley is a versatile herb that can be used in both cooked and raw dishes. It also helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes, and it can help to deter pests.
• Thyme: Thyme is a flavorful herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, including tomato-based sauces and stews. It also helps to repel pests, making it a good companion plant for tomatoes.