Squire's Garden Centres share tips for growing tomatoes
The plants that tomatoes are grown next to can have a massive impact on their health. There are fantastic companion plants that help deter pests and improve health. The tomatoes may even help these plants out in return.
Then there are the opposite, awful companion plants that do everything in their power to bring tomatoes down.
The reason why some garden plants do not get along is often because the plants have different growing conditions.
A plant that prefers moist soil will not be happy next to a plant that requires minimal watering.
Two plant neighbours should have similar light requirements too and shouldn’t obstruct each other’s light source – and tomatoes are often guilty of this problem.
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However, some plants are so incompatible, that they actively harm each other. They may attract certain pests that target the neighbouring plant, or emit chemicals that inhibit the growth of the other.
Two plants may share diseases, or alter the components of the soil to decrease nutrients and negatively impact flavour.
To avoid this, Reesav Niraula, a gardening expert at Plants Craze has shared five plants to keep away from tomatoes.
He said: “By avoiding planting these plants near tomatoes, you can help prevent the spread of diseases, avoid competition for resources, and promote healthy growth for your tomato plants.”
1. Potatoes
Potatoes and tomatoes are both members of the nightshade family and can cause problems with disease in tomatoes.
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Potatoes and tomatoes are susceptible to the same diseases, many of which are spread through the soil.
Planting the two next to each other increases the likelihood that a disease problem with one plant will spread to the other.
The expert instructed: “Put potatoes far from tomatoes since both plants are susceptible to diseases like late and early blight. Infections can easily travel from one sick plant to another, potentially affecting both crops.”
2. Cabbage family (cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower)
Brassica vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, can impede the growth of tomatoes.
They discharge glucosinolates, a chemical substance that “prevents the growth of other plants, including tomatoes”, into the soil. Reesav said: “Tomato growth may suffer if they are planted together.”
3. Corn
Tall plants like corn can shade and outcompete tomato plants for nutrition. As a result, tomatoes may “develop more slowly” and receive less sunlight.
The tomato fruitworm, which can “harm tomato fruits”, is also attracted to maize. Tomato fruitworm, also called corn earworms and cotton bollworms, are insects that attack tomatoes and other plants. These pests are commonly found on corn plants.
4. Fennel
It is well known that fennel produces compounds that stop other plants from growing. It can “harm the growth and development” of tomatoes when planted close by.
Additionally, the gardening pro said: “Fennel and tomatoes have the potential to cross-pollinate, which can impact the flavour and quality of tomato fruits.”
5. Dill
Similar to fennel, dill is another plant that produces chemicals that can “inhibit tomato growth”. Reesav said: “Planting dill near tomatoes can hinder their development and lead to smaller, less flavourful fruits. Also, dill can attract pests like aphids, harming tomato plants.”
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