Companion Planting And Tomatoes
As I’m sure many of you know, there are plants that can be planted together for a benefit to both varieties. There are also plants that should never be planted together for the very reason some plants do well together others do not. Due to the fact that I have one tomato plant in particular, that is in a split 55 gallon drum, I have plenty of space to test this out, even in containers. My first choice is being made due to the fact that I have recently come across some heirloom seeds that are nearly extinct and I plan on sharing them in years to come.
More information can be viewed about companion planting in Loise Riotte’s book, Carrots Love Tomatoes
As the title explains, “Carrots and Tomatoes are great companions, so with my passion for heirloom seeds, I will try one of my heirloom carrot varieties. A variety that is nearly extinct, Red Elephant, was sold in Australia until the early 1900’s when it was discontinued by seed companies for unknown reasons. It is a very large rooted variety with deep red flesh. Fortunately, I was able to locate some seed and I plan on wintering over the roots in order to save seed next season.
Other plants that can be grown along side tomatoes are basil, chives, onion, parsley, marigold and nasturtium. While these grow well together, there are actual different benefits from each variety. On another note, while these plants grow well as companions, there are also varieties that should never be grown close to one another. Of these varieties, the Brassica or Cabbage family as well as Potatoes and Fennel should never be planted near the tomatoes in your garden.
