Companion planting is a gardening practice that pairs different plant species together to enhance each other’s growth and protect from pests.
When it comes to growing tomatoes, one of the most beloved staples in home gardens, choosing the right neighbors is crucial.
Not only can the proper companions prevent pests and diseases, but they can also improve the flavor and health of your tomatoes.
Conversely, some plants can be detrimental when placed near tomatoes, competing for nutrients, attracting pests, or even stunting growth.
In this article, we explore ten plants that should ideally not be planted next to tomatoes to ensure your garden thrives.
1. Black Walnut – The Toxic Neighbor
Among the plants to avoid near your tomato garden is the Black Walnut tree. Known for its majestic stature and valuable wood, this tree has a sinister side for neighboring plants.
Black Walnut trees produce a chemical called juglone, found in all parts of the tree, especially in the roots, leaves, and nut husks. Juglone is toxic to many plant species, tomatoes included.
It inhibits their growth by affecting the respiration in their root systems, ultimately leading to wilting and death if the exposure is prolonged.
Since juglone can leach into the soil far beyond the tree’s drip line, it is recommended to plant tomatoes at least 50 feet away from Black Walnut trees.
2. Corn – The Attractor of Common Pests
Corn might seem like a suitable garden companion for tomatoes, but it actually poses several risks. Corn and tomatoes share common pests, such as the tomato fruitworm, which is also known as the corn earworm.
Planting these two together can lead to a higher concentration of pests in one area, making it a hotspot for damage from these voracious eaters.
Additionally, corn is a tall plant that can block sunlight from reaching tomato plants and is also a heavy feeder.
This means corn and tomatoes will compete for soil nutrients, potentially stunting the growth and fruit production of your tomato plants.
3. Fennel – The Growth Inhibitor
Fennel is a strong herb with a distinct flavor, making it a popular culinary ingredient. However, in the garden, fennel is known for its allelopathic properties, which means it releases chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants.
Tomatoes are particularly susceptible to these chemicals, which can suppress their growth and lead to poor yields.
Moreover, fennel attracts certain insects that do not necessarily harm it but could pose a threat to tomatoes and other garden vegetables. For these reasons, it’s best to keep fennel out of your tomato garden.
4. Cabbage Family (Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale) – Space and Nutrient Rivals
The cabbage family, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale, are heavy feeders that require a lot of nutrients from the soil to grow.
Tomatoes, similarly demanding in their nutritional needs, could suffer from a lack of available nutrients if planted too close to these relatives.
Additionally, members of the cabbage family can grow quite large and overshadow smaller tomato plants, limiting their sunlight exposure and further inhibiting their growth.
The spatial and nutritional competition introduced by these vegetables can significantly diminish the health and productivity of tomato plants.
5. Potatoes – Sharing Diseases
Potatoes and tomatoes share more than just a family tree; they are susceptible to the same diseases, particularly blight.
Blight is a fungal infection that can devastate entire crops of both potatoes and tomatoes if given the chance to spread.
Planting potatoes near tomatoes increases the risk of cross-contamination and can lead to rapid disease spread through the soil, affecting both crops severely.
Furthermore, potatoes and tomatoes compete for similar nutrients, and their close proximity can exacerbate the depletion of these resources, weakening both plants.
For a healthier garden, it is advisable to separate these two crops and rotate them in different sections of the garden each year to prevent disease buildup and nutrient depletion.
6. Dill – The Early Stage Foe
While dill may seem like a harmless herb, it can pose a threat to tomato plants if not managed properly.
In the early stages of growth, dill can actually benefit young tomato plants by attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on common tomato pests such as aphids.
However, as dill matures, it can become a hindrance to tomato growth. Mature dill plants produce a compound that inhibits the growth of nearby plants, including tomatoes.
To prevent interference with tomato growth, it’s essential to either plant dill at a considerable distance from tomatoes or harvest it before it reaches maturity.
7. Apricot Trees – The Disease Promoter
Apricot trees may seem like a beautiful addition to your garden, but they can inadvertently harm your tomato plants.
Apricot trees are susceptible to a bacterial disease called bacterial canker, which can easily spread to nearby tomato plants.
This disease can cause lesions on tomato stems and fruit, leading to reduced yield and plant health. To prevent the spread of bacterial canker, it’s best to avoid planting apricot trees near tomatoes.
If you already have both in your garden, be vigilant for signs of disease and promptly remove any infected plant material to prevent further spread.
8. Walnuts (Other Than Black Walnut) – Mild Juglone Producers
While black walnuts are well-known for their juglone-producing properties, other walnut varieties also contain varying levels of juglone, although to a lesser extent.
These trees can still have subtle but detrimental effects on nearby tomato plants, including stunted growth and reduced yield.
If you have walnut trees in your garden, consider planting tomatoes at a safe distance away to minimize the risk of juglone exposure.
Additionally, amending the soil with organic matter can help neutralize juglone’s effects and create a healthier environment for tomato growth.
9. Peppers – Close Relatives, Close Problems
Peppers and tomatoes are close relatives, both belonging to the nightshade family. While this might suggest they would make good companions, it can actually lead to shared problems.
Both tomatoes and peppers are susceptible to similar diseases, such as early blight and late blight, which can easily spread between the two crops if planted in close proximity.
Additionally, planting these crops together can create an ideal environment for pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can quickly infest both tomato and pepper plants.
To minimize disease and pest problems, it’s best to plant tomatoes and peppers in separate areas of the garden.
10. Sunflowers – The Shady Competitors
Sunflowers are often celebrated for their beauty and usefulness in the garden, but they can also pose challenges when planted near tomatoes.
Sunflowers are tall plants that can cast significant shade, potentially depriving nearby tomato plants of much-needed sunlight.
Additionally, sunflowers are heavy feeders and can compete with tomatoes for soil nutrients, leading to reduced growth and yield for both plants.
If you choose to plant sunflowers and tomatoes in the same garden, be sure to provide ample spacing between the two crops to minimize competition and maximize sunlight exposure for optimal growth.
Choosing the right companions for your tomato plants is essential for a successful and thriving garden.
By avoiding planting certain plants near tomatoes, you can prevent competition for nutrients, reduce the risk of disease and pest infestations, and promote healthier, more productive tomato plants.
While it’s important to be mindful of potential negative interactions between plants, experimenting with different companion planting combinations can also lead to exciting discoveries and improved garden biodiversity.
By carefully selecting your garden companions, you can create a harmonious and flourishing garden that yields bountiful harvests year after year.