Can companion planting reduce spacing needs?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Strategic companion planting yields space-efficient tomato gardens without compromising the health and well-being of the plants. Some companions can reduce spacing by 4 inches by filling plant-to-plant gaps in addition to improving pest control. I effectively did this with basil and marigolds in proximity to my tomatoes. The fragrant plants deterred insects, and relatively shallow roots meant no competition while sustaining a healthy polyculture.
Choose companions with non-competitive root systems. Shallow-rooted lettuce, spinach, or radishes can be grown amidst the tomatoes with no competition for nutrients. These companions grow with strict 18-inch clearances from the tomato's stems, which is crucial to avoid root entanglement and give the tomatoes room to utilize nutrients from deeper soils. Managing companions properly creates a living mulch that helps suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Pest-Repelling Companions
- Basil: Repels flies/mosquitoes allows 3-4 inch spacing reduction
- Marigolds: Deter nematodes plant every 24 inches along rows
- Nasturtiums: Trap aphids use as perimeter trap crops
- Borage: Confuses tomato hornworms interplant every 36 inches
Space-Filling Plants
- Leaf lettuce: Harvest before shading occurs
- Spinach: Provides ground cover in 6-week window
- Radishes: Quick harvest before root competition
- Carrots: Deep roots avoid tomato feeder roots
Consider companion planting as part of your garden planning process. As you grow tomatoes, position basil transplants in the center of the tomatoes. After planting tomatoes, plant lettuce seeds directly in the gaps. You may plant marigolds around your perimeter for insect protection. Companion planting provides an INCREDIBLE framework for a safe and efficient growing system for every square inch of garden space.
Every week, monitor the interactions of the companion plants. Remove the companion plants if there are any signs of competition (yellowing tomato leaves). Regularly prune companion planting to ensure air movement. Water the soil and not the foliage. With close watching and care, the companions you have planted will successfully support the tomato plants rather than harm them, yielding a bountiful selection of fruits from a spatially efficient garden.
Read the full article: Tomato Plant Spacing: Expert Tips for Maximum Yield
