Companion Planting for Tomatoes: 7 Essential Plants to Grow Together
As the summer months approach, gardeners across the UK are preparing to grow their own tomatoes. While tomatoes are a delight to grow and produce, they can be susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. However, there is a natural and effective way to protect your tomato plants: companion planting.
According to an article from Yahoo Lifestyle, companion planting involves growing different plants together to improve their growth, health, and productivity. By selecting the right companion plants, you can create a balanced and thriving ecosystem in your garden. The article highlights seven essential plants to grow with tomatoes, each offering unique benefits.
1. Sweet Alyssum: A Natural Pest Repellent
Sweet alyssum is a low-growing, flowering plant that is perfect for container gardens. It creates a beautiful, flowering carpet around the base of the tomato plant, which not only adds visual appeal but also repels pests like aphids. As the sweet alyssum flowers, it attracts natural predators like parasitic wasps, which feed on aphids and other pests. This plant is available in white, pink, and purple varieties, making it easy to choose a color that complements your garden design.
2. Chrysanthemums: A Vibrant and Effective Pest Repellent
Chrysanthemums are a popular choice for gardens, and for good reason. They come in a range of colors, are easy to grow, and produce beautiful flowers that add interest to the garden. But that’s not all – chrysanthemums also produce natural chemicals called pyrethrins, which repel common insects like mosquitoes, ants, and Japanese beetles. These plants are effective pest repellents for all kinds of plants, including tomatoes.
3. Calendula: A Natural Fungicide and Pest Repellent
Calendula is a bright and cheerful flower that is often used as a companion plant for tomatoes. It repels pests like hornworms, aphids, and corn earworms, which can do significant damage to tomato plants. Calendula also has antimicrobial properties, making it a great addition to any garden. The flowers can be used as a culinary ingredient, and the plant’s woody fragrance is appealing to humans.
4. Basil: A Classic Companion Plant
Basil and tomatoes are a classic culinary pairing, but they also make great companion plants. Basil has several properties that aid the growth of tomato vines, including increasing root size and repelling pests like aphids and hornworms. The scent of basil is also known to mask the smell of tomato vines, limiting the number of pests that are attracted to the area.
5. Parsley: A Nutritious and Protective Companion Plant
Parsley is a nutritious and versatile herb that can be used as a companion plant for tomatoes. It creates a fertile growing environment for tomatoes by doubling as an edible mulch covering around the base of the plant. Parsley also attracts ladybugs, which feed on aphids and other pests. Additionally, parsley is a great source of nutrients for humans, making it a worthwhile addition to any garden.
6. Asparagus: A Natural Nematode Repellent
Asparagus is a great companion plant for tomatoes, as it naturally repels nematodes, which can harm tomato plants. Asparagus also produces natural fungicides, which reduce the risk of fungal disease in the garden. In return, tomatoes produce a chemical called solanine, which deters asparagus beetles.
7. Borage: A Nutrient-Rich Companion Plant
Borage is a nutrient-rich plant that enhances the growth and flavor of tomatoes. It releases nutrients like vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, and potassium into the soil, which benefit tomato plants. Borage also repels pests like tomato hornworms and cabbage worms, making it a great addition to any garden.
By incorporating these seven companion plants into your garden, you can create a healthy and thriving ecosystem that benefits your tomato plants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, companion planting is a simple and effective way to improve the growth and productivity of your tomato plants.
This article was sourced from: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/7-best-companion-plants-tomatoes-061500692.html.
