If you’re an avid gardener, you know that not all plants make good neighbors. Companion planting involves strategically placing plants that benefit each other, but with tomatoes, not every plant is a friend. In this guide, we’ll explore seven companion plants you should avoid growing with tomatoes to ensure a thriving vegetable garden.
1. Brassicas: The Disease Buddies
Brassicas, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, might seem like good company, but they share more than the garden bed. These plants are susceptible to similar diseases like early and late blight, which can quickly spread to your beloved tomatoes. Moreover, both are heavy feeders, competing for essential nutrients in the soil.
2. Potatoes: Nightshade Companions
Despite both belonging to the nightshade family, tomatoes and potatoes should maintain a healthy distance. Planting them too close increases the risk of shared diseases, including blight and potato scab. Keep these nightshade relatives at bay to ensure the individual health of each plant.
3. Eggplant: Nightshade Overlaps
While eggplants and tomatoes may create a visually appealing garden, they’re both nightshades with overlapping disease vulnerabilities. To complicate matters, eggplants attract the Colorado potato beetle, a notorious pest that can wreak havoc on both plants. It’s a case where beauty might not be worth the shared troubles.
4. Fennel: Growth Stunter
Fennel, with its feathery fronds and distinct aroma, can be a hindrance to tomato growth. This herb releases chemicals that stunt the growth of tomato plants. To ensure your tomatoes reach their full potential, it’s wise to plant fennel at a safe distance.
5. Dill: A Controversial Companion
While some gardeners advocate for dill as a companion plant for tomatoes due to its reputed pest-repelling properties, research suggests otherwise. Dill might not be the ally you thought it was. Exercise caution and consider alternatives to promote a thriving tomato crop.
6. Corn: Watering Woes
Corn and tomatoes might evoke images of a classic summer garden, but they have different watering needs. Corn demands frequent, deep watering, potentially leading to overwatering for tomatoes, a condition that invites root rot. Keeping them separated ensures each gets the hydration it craves.
7. Walnuts: The Growth Inhibitor
The majestic walnut tree, while a symbol of strength, harbors a secret. It releases juglone, a chemical compound that inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. If you have a walnut tree, be sure to plant your tomatoes far away from its root zone to prevent stunted growth.