Borage should be planted at the end of tomato beds where its bushy growth can expand and return every year without getting in the way. These include: Basil. These peas are prolific producers so you'll probably still get a harvest. Climbing pole beans can be planted on the northside of tomatoes but bush beans should be planted on the south side to prevent the tomatoes from shading them. Direct seed carrots around the base of recently transplanted tomatoes, so that there is already sufficient shade after sprouting. Its all about pairing the right plants together, like annuals and perennials, as you dont want them to compete with each other but offer co-benefits and successional harvests.This benefit is also considered a practice of its own called interplanting. Low growing herbs serve as living mulch and work well planted with tomatoes in pots. Before we start to look at the options for companion plants to grow with your tomatoes, we should look at the different types of companion plants. Transplant pepper and tomato seedlings into the garden at the same time in the spring. Growing celery together with your tomatoes makes efficient use of your space and allows you to take advantage of succession planting while extending the celery season. From growing tomatoes to cooking them, youll find everything you need to know on our website. While there a many popular garden vegetables and herbs suitable for growing alongside tomatoes, but there are also vegetables and plants that you should avoid planting near tomatoes. We dont know everything about plants by any means. How To Repot A Snake Plant (& 5 Signs You Need To), 10 Best Plants for A Stunning Fall Hanging Basket. To learn more about thyme, and its best companion plants, take a, If you have never had the pleasure of harvesting your own herbs to season your homemade dishes, you have not lived. Planted with tomatoes, It helps keep soil moist and scent repels spider mites and aphids. There are many benefits to companion planting, including improved soil health, pest and disease control, and increased yields. Stinging nettles attract a range of caterpillars and beneficial insects. Nasturtiums produce colorful flowers that hit all the marks when it comes to productive blooms: they will attract pollinators, act as a trap for aphids, draw in insects that are aphid predators to feast on them, and lastly the flowers themselves are edible and tasty and will provide you with a bonus harvest! by Jeff Rosenbaum | Oct 16, 2022 | Tomato Care. Sprinkle on the seeds, then cover with a light layer of potting mix. Here are some herbs to plant alongside tomatoes: Basil and tomato go very well together on the plate. Growing them together, therefore, can sometimes be the better option. Mint is also a fragrant herb that can repel certain pest species. In her free time she likes to read, garden, and pet nice dogs. Parsley can be intercropped with tomato plants and will enjoy the shade that the taller plants offer. From repelling insects to increasing the health and quality of the plants its paired with, rosemary is guaranteed to make a great addition to your garden. Read our. She has long had an interest in ecology, gardening and sustainability and is fascinated by how thought can generate action, and ideas can generate positive change. The reasoning goes that planting these crops together can be problematic because diseases (like blight, for example) can easily spread between them. Select self-branching varieties rather than trenching celery. It would be impossible to maintain these two herbs if they were planted together due to the different conditions they require to survive and flourish. Though rosemary and tomatoes can thrive in similar climate conditions, tomatoes need significantly more water than rosemary can handle. Water well. Although certain companion plants might just fall into one of the following categories, many will fulfill multiple and create the optimal conditions for your tomato to grow and thrive. It is important to know that some plants definitely should not be planted next to rosemary. For instance, bees and ladybugs are welcome visitors to any garden as they pollinate your crops. Take care to leave at least a few feet of space between the two plants so they each have space to grow. Marigolds are not only beautiful flowers that adorn the local area, but also medicinal plants. Marigolds should be sown throughout a garden because they give off a powerful scent that repels many pests and French Marigolds give off a chemical from their roots that acts as a powerful pesticide for several years and can kill harmful nematodes in the soil. Pole and bush beans can be planted with tomatoes, and the seeds should be sown at the same time that tomato seedlings are transplanted to stagger the initial growing period. Rosemary supplements should never be used if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or have any medications. However, once dill has fully matured it should be moved away from tomato plants as it will begin to have the opposite effect and hinder its growth. Planting these close to vulnerable plants helps to protect them. Tomatoes are heavy feeders that like lots of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to fuel their growth, and sometimes this doesnt leave much for the other plants growing nearby. Alternatively, grow rosemary in a pot. Tomatoes, basil, marigold, nasturtium, parsley and dill are all perfect companion plants for asparagus and will keep your precious harvest safe by repelling asparagus beetles. I top dress with compost every spring, and that's it. However, some companion plants, such as marigold flowers and rue, work to repel certain harmful insects. Apparently, the roots of the mint invaded those of the rosemary and killed off a well-established plant. Rosemary generally likes a more dry soil and does not do well with plants requiring more water like tomatoes and basil. I give my consent to receive periodic emails. Some plants, such as borage flowers, are planted to attract pollinators to the garden. Pollinators like bees and butterflies can be brought to your tomato plants if you have strategically placed something like bee balm next to them, and drastically increase the rates of pollination that occur, therefore boosting fruit production. Learn which herbs, flowers, and root vegetables make the best and worst tomato companion plants. But companion planting is not about cramming in as many plants as we can in a random way. Both of these plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. It's strong scent comes from essential oils that repel insect pests including aphids, whiteflies and hornworms. Plant borage seeds in the spring before transplanting tomatoes to give them some time to establish. It also improves soil quality as the leaves are used as a mulch or to enrich your compost. Squash seeds can be directly sown into the soil around tomato transplants or started indoors and planted out at the same time. Flowers can also be great companions for tomatoes in beds, borders or containers. What comes before and after your tomatoes is often just as important as what is planted with them. It's best to . Growing lettuce near tomatoes acts as a live mulch which will help keep in moisture and make the soil cooler. They are naturally repellent to aphids and the roots have anti-fungal properties. Just like in ecosystems, diversity fosters resilience and will create a healthy garden that can bounce back when faced with threats. See what works best where you live? They need significantly more water than rosemary plants are able to tolerate. Basil prefers higher levels of moisture in the soil than rosemary. The yield from the garden is increasing year on year rapidly approaching an annual weight in produce of almost 1 ton. Sow chive seeds in the early spring in a border around the bed where you plan to plant tomatoes. It is also said to improve the essential oil yield of other aromatic herbs planted nearby, so may increase other companion plants efficacy. The truth is, it makes a great plant for beneficial insects that help protect your tomatoes. Planting your rosemary with marjoram is guaranteed to promote its general health and success. This will create a dense hedge. Asparagus illustrates the give and take of companion planting. As an aromatic herb, it makes an excellent companion for a number of different plants. Beans are a common companion plant for tomatoes since they are nitrogen-fixing and will increase the availability of nitrogen in the soil. Certain ornamentals even attract beneficial insects that prey on insect pests. Some plants create good ground cover. However, tomato plants are vulnerabl. What is more, tomatoes and peppers grow at the same time, and like similar conditions. The flowers will attract pollinators while its scent deters flying pests, and they will both appreciate the same types of soil conditions. Companion planting applies to growing trees, crops, ornamental flowers, and herbs, all of which can offer unique benefits to other specific plants. Garlic is a great companion plant that keeps away tomato hornworm and also releases a sulphuric compound into the soil that deters soil-borne fungal diseases from spreading. Intercropping tomatoes with asparagus makes efficient use of your space as the two crops are harvested at different times of the year asparagus in the spring and tomatoes in mid to late summer. sativus) Carrots can be tucked in and planted wherever you have extra space, which makes them a convenient companion to tomatoes. Take a look at the 5 worst rosemary companion plants below. As soon as seedlings start to appear, around 14-28 days later, remove the cover. They grow in shallow soil and don't interfere with tomato roots, so place them right at the base of the tomato plant. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It can reach up to 6 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide when planted in the ground but will remain smaller if pruned or planted in containers. Mint comes in plenty of flavors and is a great beverage herb. Plants that spread at a low height across the ground work to cover and protect the soil from the sun, ensuring that it is kept cool. When asking what herbs can be planted together this herb can be planted in the same pot as dill, rosemary, and mint plants. It is also recommended that the soil pH level is between 6 and 7. Parsley works as a living mulch for tomatoes and is an edible herb used in a wide variety of dishes. It also helps to ward off pesky insects such as aphids. But more than this, borage is an excellent companion plant because it deters tomato hornworms. Basil is also heat-loving so it requires the same outside conditions as tomatoes for transplanting. If you live in an area with a lot of deer, you may want to consider putting up a fence around your garden to protect your plants. Zone 3 can also get going indoors with cauliflower . Rosemary and sage grow extremely well when planted together due to them thriving in highly similar conditions. Luckily, rosemary has a variety of companion plants that can keep it company in your garden. It releases chemicals into the soil that help to encourage growth and a better taste. Rosemary often supports the growth of its partner as well as protects it from insects and other pests. The soil should be moist, but not soggy. Yes, tomatoes and herbs can grow well together. She graduated from allotment gardening to organically managing 1/3 of an acre of land, including a mature fruit orchard,which she has turned into a productive forest garden. Gooseberry bushes and tomatoes are thought to repel the insect pests of each other, and by planting perennial bushes with annuals you can create a mini agroforestry system. But it can also help because them can excrete a chemical from their roots which kills harmful root-knot nematodes in the soil and stop them from spoiling your tomato plants. Rosemary and sage both thrive in similar environments. Marjoram is a plant that releases specific chemicals into the soil that encourages faster growth and better taste in the plants they are paired with. If you want to make a hedge using your rosemary, you should plant them around 18 to 24 apart. A visitor to Our Herb Garden warned us about planting mint around rosemary. And they, like tomatoes and beans, could also be grown up cordons or supports to make the most of a smaller growing area. Rosemary, in addition to being a good companion plant, can also be beneficial to your other crops. Research has suggested that planting marigolds in between tomato plants is beneficial because the marigolds like similar conditions. When chopped and dropped, comfrey can take nutrients from deep under ground and make them available in the topsoil. Jessica Bindernagel / Eye Em / Getty Images. Clover can grow close to the base of the tomato plants, just make sure to continuously cut it back to return nutrients to the soil and prevent any blooms. It is important to realise that the science of companion planting is not much studied, nor are plant interactions fully understood. If you have ever had to deal with blight, youll know how devastating it can be so keep them on opposite ends of the garden. Rosemary and thyme make for lovely herb companions, with thyme giving more benefits than it receives. Carrots (Daucus carota subsp. Together, these plants make an excellent team for protecting the rest of your garden from aphids and other pests that may be plaguing your plants. Pest and disease issues can always arise, but they will be much less likely to succeed in being destructive in a companion planted garden. As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. In Zones 8 and above (10F or warmer), you can keep rosemary in the ground. While the tiny flowers of an alyssum attract pollinators and other beneficial insects, rosemary is equipped to repel any pests. Mint is a vigorous self-seeder that can easily take over a bed, so make sure to keep it under a firm hand in order for it to remain a beneficial companion to your tomatoes. Additionally, rosemary can easily deprive tomatoes of necessary nutrients in the soil, meaning the tomato plant will suffer. Marigolds make great companions to many plants, rosemary being one of them. Garlic is probably the most famous companion plant in this list, and is used as a pest and fungal deterrent for many diverse crops. Another great friend in the vegetable garden, marigolds are among the most well-researched companion plants for tomatoes. The seed pod can be pickled as a substitute for capers. Plant cucumber transplants at the same time as you do your tomatoes in the spring when all risk of frost has passed. What is more, they also release ethylene gas, so could allow your fruits to ripen more quickly. The herb comes in many varieties including citrus scented types. Though rosemary and tomatoes can thrive in similar climate conditions, tomatoes need significantly more water than rosemary can handle. Both foliage and flowers have a sweet floral fragrance unattractive to flea beetles and nematodes but generally appealing to humans. Most plants absorb valuable nutrients from the soil. One final type of plant to consider are those commonly called weeds. Carrots are typically grown as cool season crops but their season can be extended when grown with tomatoes which provide them with ample shade. Chives also produce early blooms of spiky purple flowers that will attract bees in the spring to pollinate the first round of tomato flowers. Lovage is another herb said to benefit tomatoes. Attracting creatures that prey on pest species can help keep the garden or farm ecosystem in balance. It produces small white flowers that attract different pollinators and helpful insects. Since carrots are a root vegetable, their penetration through the soil aerates and loosens the ground around tomato roots allowing them to receive more oxygen and moisture. I would not recommend growing corn and tomatoes in the same bed. There are so many different elements to consider. Cucumbers Discover the best . Planting tomatoes with rosemary is a no-no. Drop 1-2 seeds in each cell of the tray - or every few inches in a lasagna tray - and gently cover them up. A number of different pests can cause havoc in your garden. Companion planting is the practice of planting specific crops in close proximity to each other to enhance nutrient uptake, provide pest control, encourage pollination, and increase crop production. Learn how your comment data is processed. Water Rosemary shrubs have good drought tolerance once they are mature, and it's better to underwater rather than overwater them. Whilst rosemary is a hardy plant, it can still easily fall victim to a number of health conditions, such as root rot, that can be exacerbated by mildew. Mint is a rapid spreader and best grown in pots to keep it in check. The corn earworm is the same as the tomato fruit worm, and growing the two crops next to each other will create a feast for this pest. Companion planting tomatoes with plant partners like asparagus, basil, beans, borage, carrot, celery, chives, cucumber, garlic, lettuce can provide many different services, like attracting pollinators, deterring pests, improving fruit flavor, or mulching the soil surface. Although rosemary is frost-hardy, the combination of cold and waterlogging can kill immature plants. If you have a cold clay soil, dig in lots of bark, grit or leaf mould to improve drainage. Chives are a commonly grown perennial herb that are hardy and light feeders, making them a good companion for heavy feeding tomatoes. Borage is a self-seeding annual that will likely pop up in the same spot for several years. So they can be grown next to a range of vegetables. An intercropped, companion planted garden will be teeming with diversity, beneficial insects, pollinators, and life! Since dill should only be kept with tomatoes while it is young and its mature growth can inhibit it, it is a good idea to keep one of them potted. Tomatoes Plant a border of garlic alongside your tomato row to deter spider mites and aphids, and it can also improve the flavour of the fruits. Make sure not to plant onions with tomatoes if you are already companion planting tomatoes with beans, as beans and onions are foes in the garden. This plant is known to significantly enhance the flavor and growth of the plants it is close to. However, thanks to its strong scent, rosemary wards off these pests. 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