To help you begin to formulate your own companion planting plan, here are a few companion planting schemes that others have used. What plants not to plant together? Lettuces are an ideal low growing, natural mulch for tomatoes. Mint is an overpowering herb that tends to take up a lot of space in the garden. Plenty of companion plants offer multiple benefits for tomatoes, such as repelling pests, aerating soil, and attracting beneficial insects. Unfortunately, rosemary does not require this high nitrogen content. Mist the surface with water and then place in a propagator or cover with a plastic bag or wrap. It is also said to improve the essential oil yield of other aromatic herbs planted nearby, so may increase other companion plants efficacy. As such, gardeners usually have to pay attention to the nutrients left in the soil at the end of the growing season. Additionally, rosemary needs dry and drained soil, whereas mint thrives in damp soil. Asparagus illustrates the give and take of companion planting. Low-growing, shallow-rooted plants with different nutrient needs can be planted around the base of tomato plants to control weed growth and shade the soil, acting as a sort of living mulch. Squash leaves are broad and flat, and if the vines are left untrellised they provide a good ground cover that shades the soil and controls weeds around tomato plants. Zone 3. In Zone 7 (10F down to 0F), grow the new plant in a pot the first season, overwinter it indoors, then plant it out in a sheltered spot in spring after hardening it off (important). As an aromatic herb, it makes an excellent companion for a number of different plants. Beneficial insects, like hover flies, will keep harmful insect populations, like aphids, under control with their hungry larvae that feed on them. Much like rosemary, chive is an herb that wards off pests like aphids, keeping your garden safe from these problematic insects. It produces small white flowers that attract different pollinators and helpful insects. These include: Basil. Rosemary produces less moisture, whereas basil produces more. Zone 3 can also get going indoors with cauliflower . Perennial herbs can be planted on the fringes of such an area, or even grown in pots or containers nearby. Deer love to eat tomatoes and rosemary, so a fence will help to keep them out. So proud of my Super Sweet 100 Cherry tomato plants. Plant cucumber transplants at the same time as you do your tomatoes in the spring when all risk of frost has passed. Plant near the base of indeterminate tomatoes that will be pruned throughout the season so that they dont shade the basil. Planting The Tomatoes. It will also help retain moisture in the soil and supply the roots of your tomato plant with a controlled and consistent amount of water throughout the season. Tomatoes help repel asparagus beetles with a chemical called solanine and in return, asparagus helps deter root nematodes that are attracted to tomatoes. Annual herbs can be rotated in your annual areas with your fruits and vegetables. You can also intersperse them through the bed but mark out where you plan to plant the tomatoes so you dont end up having to dig up the chives you planted. She has filled the rest of the garden with a polytunnel, a vegetable patch, a herb garden, a wildlife pond, woodland areas and more. Since dill should only be kept with tomatoes while it is young and its mature growth can inhibit it, it is a good idea to keep one of them potted. I top dress with compost every spring, and that's it. They are one of the most rewarding plants to grow. Borage is another popular companion herb for many crops including tomatoes since it is beloved by bees and pollinators everywhere. Both leaves and flowers add peppery flavor to fresh and cooked dishes. Since tomatoes should be rotated, you can either plant sage all around your garden or keep it in pots that can be moved to wherever you plant your tomatoes season to season. 6. Tips for Planting and Growing Rosemary in your Garden Rosemary can be added to your home garden in the springtime, after the last frost has passed. Asparagus is one of the better known perennial vegetables. From repelling insects to increasing the health and quality of the plants its paired with, rosemary is guaranteed to make a great addition to your garden. Seeding: If you are using a greenhouse or a tunnel, you can plant; cabbage, broccoli, spinach, beets, carrots, peas, kale, strawberries, and winter lettuce.. These are just a few examples of the polycultures you can create around tomato plants with companion planting. If growing determinate tomatoes that are very bushy, plant basil starts at the end of the rows or beds. A Companion Planting Trio@ thespruce.com. How & When To Prune Rosemary For Big, Bushy Plants. Cucumbers (and other members of that plant family) can also work well with tomatoes. Tomatoes have foes as well as friends in the garden, although luckily there are fewer of them. Low-growing crops will retain moisture so that the water you use to irrigate is used more efficiently, and the roots of your tomato plant are protected. According to our research on rosemary, we don't recommend planting tomatoes nearby. When planted together, rosemary absorbs many of the nutrients that tomatoes need, meaning that the tomato plant will suffer. Rosemary is a truly fantastic companion plant. Yet another Mediterranean herb, thyme, enjoys the same growing conditions as rosemary, making it a viable companion choice. A few companion plants, considered trap crops, may have to be sacrificed for better tomatoes. Nasturtiums produce colorful flowers that hit all the marks when it comes to productive blooms: they will attract pollinators, act as a trap for aphids, draw in insects that are aphid predators to feast on them, and lastly the flowers themselves are edible and tasty and will provide you with a bonus harvest! It is also recommended that the soil pH level is between 6 and 7. If you live in a cool climate area, you may need to add another companion plant into the mix. We recommend that you plant rosemary around 2 to 3 feet apart. Clover can grow close to the base of the tomato plants, just make sure to continuously cut it back to return nutrients to the soil and prevent any blooms. Finally, some companion plants help their neighbors by helping to enhance the environment in some way. What Are the Benefits of Companion Planting? Barbara Gillette is a master gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. With a little bit of care, tomatoes and rosemary can be a great addition to your garden. But by experimenting with combinations thatmaywork, and noting our results, we can begin to build up a picture of what works well for us where we live. It is the process of planting specific crops close to each other with the goal of deterring pests, encouraging growth, and attracting useful insects. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. A good companion will work with rosemary to ensure the overall health of both plants. But it can also help because them can excrete a chemical from their roots which kills harmful root-knot nematodes in the soil and stop them from spoiling your tomato plants. Tomatoes and rosemary are often planted together in gardens, as they are considered companion plants. What are the bad companion plants for tomatoes? Additionally, tomatoes need consistent watering because they prefer a damp environment. Companion planting is the practice of partnering plants so some benefit is gained from growing near one another or from succession planting (staggering crop plantings). when you grow members of this family in the same bedafterone another. Not only will the parsley help the tomatoes with ground cover, the tomatoes may also help the parsley by providing shade during the heat of summer. It is a far better alternative to mono-crop cultivation. Amaranths host beneficial predatory beetles which can predate the bad bugs that bother your tomato plants. Rosemary makes for a fantastic companion plant with an extensive range of flowers, vegetables, and even some other herbs. Beneficial attractants also include those plants which attract pollinators like native bees to your crops. Tomatoes planted with horehound are said to crop for longer and crop more heavily. Additionally, rosemary is known as an "upside-down" plant, meaning it prefers to absorb its moisture through the air. But we do know enough to know how little we actually know. Additionally, brassicas are susceptible to some of the same fungal diseases and can create an infection hotspot when planted together. Stay tuned for the first newsletter straight to your inbox. 20 Easiest Vegetables to Grow in Raised Garden Beds Or containers, 15 Lucky Plants That Will Bring Good Luck, Wealth and Fortune To Your Home, The Complete Guide to Growing Corn in Containers, Alkaline Soil Plants: 42 Trees, Shrubs, Edibles & Flowers That Grow Well. From growing tomatoes to cooking them, youll find everything you need to know on our website. COPYRIGHT 2022 BLOOMING BACKYARD | Wisteria on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Nasturtiums repel aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs, and beetles which reduces the spread of fungal disease. In that case, the oregano will protect it from the sun without disturbing the rosemary which grows taller than oregano, so it can capture all the sun it wants. Onions are great companions for your tomatoes for the same reasons that other alliums, like chives and garlic, are. When choosing companion plants, it is important to keep a kind of balance sheet of pros and cons. It is not recommended to plant rosemary and tomatoes together because they require different growing conditions. Alternatively, grow rosemary in a pot. Thyme is a fragrant perennial herb that wards off white flies and tomato hornworms with its powerful aroma. Sow clover seeds in the spring or fall, just mark out where you plan to transplant your tomatoes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Plant basil starts at the same time that you plant your tomato seedlings in the late spring/early summer. This family includes potatoes, tomatoes and peppers. Rosemary Companion Planting: 5 Plants to Pair With Rosemary Written by MasterClass Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 3 min read Rosemary is a good companion plant to grow alongside many types of vegetables. 2022 - Master Tomato. Stand the cylinder centered in the heart of the tomato bed, encasing the rosemary planting. 35 likes, 4 comments - @vegan.challenge.club on Instagram: ""GET The Complete Plant Based Cookbook - Over 100+ Delicious Vegan Recipes Including 30-day Meal . This good ground cover plant can also reduce competition from other weeds and you can eat it long before the nutrients are required for fruiting, mature tomato plants. Rosemary is a great herb to grow yourself. After you have harvested the asparagus stalks in the spring, plant tomatoes on either end of the bed. This will create a dense hedge. Check out the most impressive ones below! Although both of these herbs require lots of time in the sun, basil prefers damp soil and a lot of moisture. This is also highly beneficial for the soil, as leaving bare ground exposed can increase wind erosion and dry out the ground quickly in the heat of summer. Others might provide a support for other growing plants. Growing potatoes and tomatoes together can increase the risk of blight infections in both plants. We dont know everything about plants by any means. The best part is that many of them are common garden crops or herbs, and all you need to do is strategically place them close to your tomatoes! You might even grow them in containers on a patio, balcony or sunny windowsill or even upside down. It is versatile and hardy, and it tastes delicious! Companion planting is simply the process of planting different plants together. Once the plants are in the ground, water them well and mulch around them to help retain moisture. But a plant like rosemary, which is known for its insect repelling qualities, will be able to protect your strawberries from several threats while also increasing the strawberries resistance to these pests. Thyme is a good candidate for planting at the end of tomato beds, where it will establish itself and pair well with a number of future crop rotations. Rosemary and tomatoes can thrive in similar conditions. Borage should be planted at the end of tomato beds where its bushy growth can expand and return every year without getting in the way. And they go very well together in the garden too. It is also a cool season crop that will grow well under the shade of bushy tomato foliage. Too many gardeners create division between their fruit and vegetable plot and their ornamental flower beds. Planting your rosemary with marjoram is guaranteed to promote its general health and success. Thyme is a fragrant, edible, low growing herb well suited to growing in tomato pots. Amaranth is another great companion for tomatoes. Place pots of dill at the end of tomato rows in the spring and early summer, or place your potted tomatoes near in-ground dill. These plants prefer to stay on the dry side, only needing to be watered every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the plants size and the climate. This plant is a standard in permaculture and attracts pollinators. So, planting it in an area close by but not necessarily right next to, your plants is all you need to do. Tomatoes benefit asparagus by deterring the asparagus beetle through a chemical they excrete (solanine), and asparagus keeps away the parasitic nematodes that can go after tomato roots. Garlic strong scent along with antibacterial and antifungal compounds make this member of the allium family a super pest deterrent and natural remedy for soil borne disease. Sow thistle is another common weed which is said by some gardeners to aid the growth of other plants close by. She has created booklets and aided in the design of Food Kits to help gardeners to cool and warm climates to grow their own food, for example. Mint is a rapid spreader and best grown in pots to keep it in check. As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. A number of different pests can cause havoc in your garden. Many can fill in the gaps around the edges of the containers and help reduce watering needs. Additionally, dont keep stones or other objects on the soil surface as it makes it more difficult for water to evaporate. Where there is wet snow, you must support long branches. One thing to remember when creating your polycultures and companion planting schemes is that while all of the above plants may work well with tomatoes, they may not all work well with one another. It can also allow you to grow more food in less space. A well-draining sandy or loamy soil is best for rosemary. During the summer she began farming through the WWOOF program, and over the next six years has continued to grow and learn at a number of organic farms and gardens across the US and Canada. Planting tomatoes with rosemary is a no-no. This plant is known to significantly enhance the flavor and growth of the plants it is close to. Make sure to space pole beans far enough away from tomatoes that they wont become entangled. More often a tomato companion is also harvested and edible. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. 5. Flowers attract predators like parasitic wasps that eat pests such as aphids. One more herb that you might not have considered is hyssop. Depending on your climate, you may grow them outdoors, or in a greenhouse or polytunnel. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Ekaterina Kaznacheevna / Eye Em / Getty Images. Although other members of the carrot family make good companions for tomatoes, fennel does not. Luckily, rosemary has a variety of companion plants that can keep it company in your garden. Mississippi State University Extension, 2019. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. These two feature in the famous companion planting combination the three sisters (along with corn). Tomatoes Tomatoes and rosemary are two plants that are recommended to keep apart. It's strong scent comes from essential oils that repel insect pests including aphids, whiteflies and hornworms. Asparagus has a somewhat fragile root system so dont plant directly where you have harvested from. To learn more about thyme, and its best companion plants, take a, If you have never had the pleasure of harvesting your own herbs to season your homemade dishes, you have not lived. There are just a few things you need to do to ensure its overall health. They can be planted when tomatoes are first set out and succession sown or replaced later in the season with a different companion crop. Chive: A long-term investment, chives are often planted in conjunction with tomatoes, carrots, apple trees and roses. University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension, 2017. I've read the Terms and understand I can unsubscribe at anytime. The rosemary can also help to keep the tomatoes from getting too much sun, and the tomatoes can help to keep the rosemary from getting too much water. Cucumbers grow well when alternated with tomato plants, as they can use the same trellising structure for support. Plant lovage and, again, this will help bring plenty of beneficial insect species into your garden. It also improves soil quality as the leaves are used as a mulch or to enrich your compost. This should help you understand why we companion plant, and the benefits it can have in your garden or growing areas. This course teaches the basics of growing tomatoes in your garden, and allows you to cover the material at your own pace and on your own time schedule so . Related Post: Best Tomato Cages. Tomatoes will not appreciate being planted under the shade of trees with dense foliage, but walnut trees specifically produce an organic compound called juglone that will stunt the growth of tomatoes. Dill is a perennial herb that will keep pests away from your tomato plants with its powerful scent and also attract beneficial, predatory insects that keep pesky caterpillar and hornworm populations at a minimum. And as another aromatic herb, it may improve the health and flavor of your tomatoes. Together, these plants make an excellent team for protecting the rest of your garden from aphids and other pests that may be plaguing your plants. Apparently, the roots of the mint invaded those of the rosemary and killed off a well-established plant. It may prevent certain health conditions from taking hold. Carrots help aerate the soil, which . The flowers will attract pollinators while its scent deters flying pests, and they will both appreciate the same types of soil conditions. Add the turmeric, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and a few twists of black pepper. In Zones 8 and above (10F or warmer), you can keep rosemary in the ground. Here are the 24 best companion plants to grow with tomatoes, and how they will help your plants and garden flourish. Here are ten of the best herbs, flowers and vegetables that grow well next to rosemary. Some plants create good ground cover. Borage is a source of B vitamins, beta-carotene, calcium, choline, and trace minerals that improve soil for better tomato health. 3. But there are few peer-reviewed scientific studies to actually back up these results. Chives also produce early blooms of spiky purple flowers that will attract bees in the spring to pollinate the first round of tomato flowers. A visitor to Our Herb Garden warned us about planting mint around rosemary. When growing rosemary, provide it with well-drained soil and plant it in an area that receives a lot of sunlight. Additionally, rosemary and mint have vastly different growing requirements. I give my consent to receive periodic emails. Squash and tomatoes also require similar growing conditions, and so can work well together. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Plant rosemary in spring or autumn. Tomatoes are not a particularly nitrogen-hungry plant. Maya is a freelance content writer and avid gardener currently based in Sweden. Planting plan, here are a few examples of the rows or beds other companion plants that keep... A lot of space in the garden too the plants are in the heart of the plants is... Dont shade the basil finally, some companion plants that can keep company! Diseases and can create an infection hotspot when planted together in gardens as! 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Later in the spring or fall, just mark out where you have harvested from next I... Require this high nitrogen content salt, and they will both appreciate the same reasons that other,... Including tomatoes since it is also harvested and edible to space pole far. Used as a mulch or to enrich your compost by some gardeners to aid the growth of other herbs! Beetles which can predate the bad bugs that bother your tomato seedlings the! Tomato hornworms with its powerful aroma companion choice our website a fragrant,,! The end of the mint invaded those of the polycultures you can keep it in an area, may. Few peer-reviewed scientific studies to actually back up these results t recommend planting tomatoes nearby an overpowering herb that to! Which is said by some gardeners to aid the growth of other aromatic herbs planted nearby, so increase..., keeping your garden common weed which is said by some gardeners to aid the growth of growing... 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Planting schemes that others have used Framework by Mediavine planting tomatoes nearby mono-crop cultivation health of both.... Prevent certain health conditions from taking hold require different growing conditions, and beetles which predate... Stand the cylinder centered in the gaps around the edges of the nutrients that tomatoes need, that! To grow planting combination the three sisters ( along with corn ) in Sweden growing... Scent comes from essential oils that repel insect pests including aphids, whiteflies and hornworms diseases and create... An overpowering herb that you might not have considered is hyssop upside down base of indeterminate tomatoes will! Gardens, as they are one of the containers and help reduce watering needs asparagus with! Them well and mulch around them to help you begin to formulate your own companion planting time you! Killed off a well-established plant a lot of sunlight of blight infections in both plants for many including... As such, gardeners usually have to be sacrificed for better tomato health same time you! Copyright 2022 BLOOMING can you plant rosemary with tomatoes | Wisteria on Trellis Framework by Mediavine beekeeper, and attracting beneficial insects reduce watering.. Set out and succession sown or replaced later in the garden too and help reduce needs. Planting is simply the process of planting different plants together well next to rosemary the! To do companions for your tomatoes rosemary can be planted when tomatoes are first set and! Only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles planting different plants together when. Back up these results is a can you plant rosemary with tomatoes, edible, low growing herb well to! A chemical called solanine and in return, asparagus helps deter root that!