Tomatoes are a favorite in home gardens, prized for their delicious flavor and versatility. However, the company they keep in the garden can greatly affect their health and productivity. Some plants can harm tomatoes by competing for nutrients, attracting pests, or spreading diseases. Here’s a guide to seven plants you should keep away from your tomatoes and why.
1. Black Walnut
Why to Avoid: Black walnut trees release juglone, a toxic chemical harmful to many plants, including tomatoes.
Impact: Exposure to juglone can cause tomato plants to wilt, suffer stunted growth, or even die.
2. Corn
Why to Avoid: Corn and tomatoes are vulnerable to the same pests, like the corn earworm (also called the tomato fruitworm).
Impact: Growing these plants together can amplify pest problems, damaging both crops.
3. Kohlrabi
Why to Avoid: Kohlrabi competes aggressively for nutrients, which can deprive tomatoes of essential resources.
Impact: Both plants may struggle, resulting in reduced growth and poor yields.
4. Potatoes
Why to Avoid: Tomatoes and potatoes are part of the nightshade family, making them susceptible to the same diseases, such as blight.
Impact: If one plant gets infected, the disease can quickly spread, potentially ruining both crops.
5. Fennel
Why to Avoid: Fennel produces compounds from its roots that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including tomatoes.
Impact: Tomatoes grown near fennel may experience stunted growth and lower fruit production.
6. Cabbage (and Relatives)
Why to Avoid: Members of the cabbage family (like broccoli and cauliflower) attract pests such as aphids and flea beetles, which can also attack tomatoes.
Impact: These pests may overwhelm your tomatoes, reducing their overall health and yield.
7. Dill
Why to Avoid: While young dill plants are harmless or even helpful, mature dill releases chemicals that can harm tomatoes.
Impact: Older dill can stunt tomato growth and negatively affect their development.
Tips for a Thriving Tomato Garden
- Companion Planting: Pair tomatoes with basil, marigolds, or garlic to repel pests and enhance growth.
- Proper Spacing: Keep harmful plants well away from tomatoes to prevent competition and disease transmission.
- Regular Monitoring: Inspect your plants for stress, pests, or signs of disease, and practice crop rotation to maintain healthy soil.
By avoiding these incompatible neighbors, you can create a more harmonious garden environment and enjoy a successful tomato harvest. For additional tips, explore companion planting guides tailored to other crops like eggplants and peppers.