Best Flowers To Plant Next To Tomatoes

Title: Best Flowers to Plant Next to Tomatoes

Introduction:

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in the garden, and for good reason. They're delicious, versatile, and relatively easy to care for. But did you know that you can also improve your tomato harvest by planting certain flowers nearby?

That's right, flowers can actually benefit tomatoes in a number of ways. Some flowers help to deter pests, while others attract beneficial insects. Some flowers even help to improve the flavor of tomatoes.

So if you're looking to boost your tomato harvest, here are a few of the best flowers to plant next to them:

Marigolds: Marigolds are a classic companion plant for tomatoes. They have a strong scent that deters pests like aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. Marigolds also help to improve the drainage of the soil around tomatoes, which can help to prevent root rot.

Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for tomatoes. They have a peppery scent that deters pests like thrips and tomato hornworms. Nasturtiums also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which help to control pests.

Borage: Borage is a beautiful blue flower that also has a number of benefits for tomatoes. It attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which help to pollinate the tomatoes. Borage also helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes.

Sunflowers: Sunflowers are tall, cheerful flowers that can add a touch of beauty to any garden. They also provide a number of benefits for tomatoes. Sunflowers attract pollinators, which help to pollinate the tomatoes. They also help to shade the tomatoes, which can help to prevent sunscald.

Lavender: Lavender is a fragrant herb that can also be grown as a flower. It has a strong scent that deters pests like mosquitoes, flies, and ants. Lavender also helps to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

Chives: Chives are a versatile herb that can be used in cooking. They also have a number of benefits for tomatoes. Chives help to repel pests like aphids and spider mites. They also help to improve the flavor of tomatoes.

Basil: Basil is another popular herb that is often grown near tomatoes. It has a strong scent that deters pests like aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. Basil also helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes.

These are just a few of the best flowers to plant next to tomatoes. When choosing companion plants, it's important to consider the needs of both the tomatoes and the flowers. For example, some flowers, like sunflowers, can grow quite tall and may shade the tomatoes. It's also important to make sure that the flowers you choose are compatible with the soil and climate in your garden.

Conclusion:

Planting flowers next to tomatoes can help to improve your tomato harvest in a number of ways. By choosing the right companion plants, you can deter pests, attract beneficial insects, improve the flavor of your tomatoes, and even improve the drainage of the soil. So next time you're planning your tomato garden, don't forget to add some flowers!

FAQ of flowers to plant next to tomatoes

• What flowers can I plant next to tomatoes?

Some of the best flowers to plant next to tomatoes include:

* Marigolds: Marigolds are known for their insect-repelling properties, and they can help to protect your tomatoes from pests like aphids, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies.
* Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are also a good choice for companion planting with tomatoes. They have a peppery scent that deters pests, and their edible flowers can be used in salads or as a garnish.
* Borage: Borage is a flowering herb that attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which can help to control pests. It also has nectar-rich flowers that attract pollinators, which can help to improve the pollination of your tomato plants.
* Sunflowers: Sunflowers are tall plants that can provide shade for your tomato plants, which can help to protect them from the hot sun. They also attract pollinators and produce edible seeds.
* Calendula: Calendula is a flowering herb that has been shown to deter nematodes, which are microscopic worms that can damage tomato roots. It also has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that can help to protect your tomato plants from disease.

• What flowers should I avoid planting next to tomatoes?

Some flowers that you should avoid planting next to tomatoes include:

* Cabbage: Cabbage and other members of the brassica family can compete with tomatoes for nutrients and water.
* Corn: Corn can shade tomato plants and stunt their growth.
* Fennel: Fennel can release a chemical that can inhibit the growth of tomato plants.
* Dill: Dill can attract pests like aphids and whiteflies.
* Potatoes: Potatoes and tomatoes are both susceptible to the same diseases, so planting them close together can increase the risk of disease transmission.
* Walnut trees: Walnut trees release a chemical that can inhibit the growth of tomato plants.

• How far apart should I plant flowers next to tomatoes?

The distance between flowers and tomatoes will vary depending on the size of the plants. In general, you should plant flowers at least 12 inches away from tomato plants. If you are planting tall flowers like sunflowers, you may need to plant them even further away to avoid shading your tomato plants.

• Can I plant flowers in the same pot as tomatoes?

It is not recommended to plant flowers in the same pot as tomatoes. Tomatoes need a lot of space to grow, and flowers can compete with them for nutrients and water. If you do want to plant flowers in the same pot as tomatoes, choose small, low-growing flowers that will not shade the tomato plants.

• What are the benefits of companion planting with flowers?

There are many benefits to companion planting with flowers. Flowers can help to:

* Repel pests and diseases
* Attract pollinators
* Provide shade
* Improve the appearance of your garden

By planting flowers next to your tomatoes, you can help to create a healthier and more productive garden.

Image of flowers to plant next to tomatoes

10 different images of flowers to plant next to tomatoes that are free to use:

• Marigolds: Marigolds are a classic companion plant for tomatoes. They help to repel pests, such as nematodes and whiteflies. They also attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are another great choice for companion planting with tomatoes. They help to deter pests, such as aphids and beetles. They also add a splash of color to your garden.
• Cosmos: Cosmos are tall, airy flowers that attract pollinators. They also help to suppress weeds.
• Calendula: Calendula is a flowering plant that is known for its medicinal properties. It can be used to treat wounds and skin conditions. It also attracts pollinators and helps to repel pests.
• Lavender: Lavender is a fragrant flower that is known for its calming properties. It can also help to repel pests.
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers are tall, sunny flowers that attract pollinators. They can also help to shade your tomato plants from the hot sun.
• Borage: Borage is a flowering plant that is known for its edible leaves. The leaves can be used in salads or cooked like spinach. Borage also attracts pollinators.
• Chives: Chives are a type of herb that is known for its edible leaves. The leaves can be used in salads, soups, and sauces. Chives also attract pollinators.

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