What plants should never be near tomatoes?

When you plant incompatible species in proximity to the tomatoes, a myriad of issues occur. Some plants are voracious nutrient competitors, while others attract problematic pests that harm the tomatoes, and some transmit diseases that can impact the health of your tomato plants. I have witnessed this firsthand. When I planted fennel, the tomato plants stopped growing due to chemical warfare, whereby the fennel released chemicals through its roots to prevent the tomato plants' growth entirely.

Having a basic understanding of plant antagonism will help to sustain crops from failing. Plants from the same family, which include the brassicas (such as cabbage and broccoli), require a significant amount of nutrients. It starves the surrounding tomatoes of nutrients. Corn will attract tomato fruit worms that will annihilate developing fruit. Potatoes carry blight pathogens that can spread to many crops. These scenarios occur between the roots and/or through airborne spores.

Start using protective practices right away. Rotate nightshade family crops every year to reduce the spread of soil-borne diseases. Create physical barriers, such as raised beds, to separate incompatible species. Use positive companions, such as basil, which will repel pests like flies and improve the flavor. Your tomato plants will enjoy being under reduced disease pressure.

Practical solutions are used to bypass planting constraints. You can use pots for herbs that tend to be problematic, like mature dill. You can create a planting with windbreak plants between incompatible species. You can monitor soil nutrients every month during peak season. All of these practices help enable crop diversity and afford tomato protection from suboptimal interactions.

Read the full article: Tomato Plant Spacing: Expert Tips for Maximum Yield