How to Use Tomatoes as a Companion Plant

Tomatoes may be the most popular garden plant grown in the United States. Whether you try cherry, beefsteak or heirloom varieties, tomatoes make wonderful companion plants in your garden because they are good neighbors to plenty of other common garden plants. Read further to learn how to use tomatoes as a companion plant.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tomato seedlings or seeds
• A garden or planting area

1. Make sure you plant your tomatoes deep enough. If you plant seedlings, ensure the hole is deep enough so dirt covers the stem all the way up to the bottom leaves. You need to plant them 12 to 24 inches apart if you plan to use tomato cages around the plants and about 36 to 48 inches apart if you will just let them shrub out in the dirt.

2. Tomatoes are good companions to spinach, lettuce, aromatic herbs--especially basil, parsley and sage. Dill and borage may help control hornworms on tomatoes. You can plant tomatoes near asparagus, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and onions to improve the growth and flavor of your tomatoes.

3. Tomatoes love well-drained, rich soil in full sunlight. Make sure to feed with fish emulsion when the plants are in bloom.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't plant tomatoes near black walnut trees since the roots can be harmful.
• Don't plant tomatoes near fennel, potatoes or eggplants either.