What Could Be Planted Between Tomato Plants?
The assortment of insects that plague tomatoes abound, even if left unchecked, but compound controls disrupt the delicate eco-balance of the lawn and leave plants more vulnerable to infestation. Companion planting provides an alternative, natural way of pest control which repels harmful insects and attracts allies by planting compatible herbs, vegetables and flowers between the tomato crops. Experiment to discover the most effective mix for your own garden, as results vary by your harvest mix as well as the specific insects that plague your own tomatoes. Some pairings include the further benefit of boosting tomato growth and quality for a better harvest.
Herbs
Plant basil between rows of tomato plants to ward off flies, mosquitoes and tomato hornworms in addition to attract beneficial insects into your garden. Borage also provides defense against tomato worms. Mint works against a cabbage moth infestation. Golden Harvest Organics reports which basil, bee balm, chives, mint, youthful dill and borage bolster the health of the tomato plants in addition to improving the flavor.
Flowers
The strong scents of nasturtiums and marigolds confuse insects in search of their favorite garden meal. In addition, the origins generate a nematode-repelling substance. Marigolds deter not just nematodes, but also, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, tomato hornworms, tomato worms and cabbage moths. Nasturtiums are effective against whiteflies and cabbage moths, too, but also aphids, pumpkin beetles, squash beetles and potato beetles. Cornflowers, cosmos, goldenrod, asters and black-eyed Susans attracts lacewings which offer additional pest control by preying on the damaging insects.
Vegetables
Garlic and chives are some of the most powerful of this pest-repellent plants which make good tomato companions, working particularly well against aphids, beetles and spider mites. Onions keep borers, mites, slugs and cutworms at bay. Planting asparagus between tomato crops provides protection against asparagus beetles. Carrots have complementary growth patterns with tomatoes, so that they develop well together in the exact same space as the bananas are ready to harvest before the tomato crops mature and take over the space. However, according to Golden Harvest Organics, closeness to strawberries can restrict carrot growth, even though they still maintain good flavor.
What to prevent
Some plants just were not made to co-exist in precisely the exact same space and pushing them collectively can stunt growth or raise the vulnerability of one or both plants to infection and infestation. Corn and tomato share a frequent worm enemy so keeping them together makes it too easy for the pest to stack on its favorite foods. The pairing of potatoes and tomatoes increases the risk of blight and pollution. Old dill, fennel, rue, kohlrabi, cabbage, cauliflower, walnut and apricot trees also do not mix well with tomato plants.