Tomatoes love companions, so it is best to plant them with plants like basil, nasturtiums or marigolds, according to the experts at Obsessed Lawn. These friendly neighbours not only help to “repel pests”, but they can also help to “enhance” the flavour of the tomatoes.
Nasturtiums can help deter whiteflies and aphids, common problems when growing fruit in the summer months. Peppers also make great companions, as do spinach, lettuce and carrots, which will help tomatoes thrive all summer long.
The RHS added: “Companions can give added health to their neighbours. Parsley gives increased vigour to tomatoes and asparagus, and horseradish planted near potatoes makes them stronger and more disease-resistant.”
With spring just around the corner, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) suggests companion planting as a clever approach to let your garden thrive. This age-old method pairs different plants together, which enables fruits, including tomatoes, to bloom well throughout the growing season.
According to the RHS experts: “Some plants are thought to consume or act as a decoy to potential pests, while a few provide food for the pest’s natural predators.” When growing tomatoes, it is important to plant nearby to plant certain plants nearby to encourage a healthier crop.
Similarly, gardeners should also avoid growing tomatoes near certain plants, including potatoes.
Fennel is also one to avoid, as it can stunt the growth of the fruit and other plants.
If you don’t opt for companion planting with tomatoes, make sure to check regularly for disease.
Common signs of disease include black spots and a wrinkled crop, both of which can cause the plant to wither and die.
During the growing season, it’s also important to pinch the side shoots of the crop regularly to boost more growth.
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