Companion planting is a great way to optimize space in your garden beds and improve growing conditions for different crops.
Properly selected neighbors for tomatoes can not only save space, but also bring mutual benefit.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti" - a scientist, agronomist and landscape designer, told what to do in such a case.
Basil: aromatic protection
Basil is not only a popular herb, but also a great companion for tomatoes.
Its aroma repels pests such as aphids and whiteflies, protecting tomato plants. In addition, basil improves the taste and aroma of tomato fruits.
Carrots: Harmonious Coexistence
Carrots and tomatoes are great neighbors that do not compete for resources.
Carrots prefer the lower layers of soil, while tomatoes develop their root system closer to the surface. This coexistence allows both crops to use nutrients and moisture efficiently.
Onions and garlic: protection from pests
Onions and garlic are natural repellents that repel many tomato pests, including spider mites and Colorado potato beetles.
Growing them together helps protect tomato bushes and reduce the risk of diseases.
Cucumbers: a mutually beneficial neighborhood
Cucumbers and tomatoes are good neighbors that can bring mutual benefit.
Cucumbers create additional shading that protects tomatoes from the scorching sun, and tomatoes, in turn, serve as support for climbing cucumber vines.
Lettuce and Spinach: Efficient Use of Space
Lettuce and spinach are fast-growing crops that can be planted between tomato plants. They effectively fill the empty space and do not compete with tomatoes for resources.
In addition, lettuce and spinach provide additional shading of the soil, retaining moisture and preventing weed growth.
Marigolds: A Natural Insecticide
Marigolds are bright flowers that not only decorate the beds, but also repel pests. Their specific smell repels nematodes, whiteflies and other insects, protecting tomato bushes.
Parsley: Bait for Beneficial Insects
Parsley attracts beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybugs, which are natural enemies of tomato pests.
Growing parsley and tomatoes together promotes biological protection and reduces the risk of plant damage.
Mint: A fragrant companion
Mint is a fragrant herb that repels pests such as ants and aphids, protecting tomato plants. In addition, mint improves the taste and aroma of tomato fruits.
Earlier we told you where to plant currants in your summer cottage.