Tomato plants will grow bigger fruit if grown next to 3 plants which repel pests (original) (raw)

When growing tomatoes, it's important to choose the right companion plants to encourage a healthier plant with better fruit.

Simple tip for bigger tomatoes

Growing tomatoes is fairly easy to do, but if you want yours to be even bigger and juicier this summer, one key task could be a massive help.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) explained that companion planting involves growing different plants alongside one another to benefit one or both plants.

They added: "Some plants are thought to confuse or act as a decoy to potential pests, while a few provide food for the pest's natural predators."

When growing tomatoes, positioning certain plants nearby can promote healthier growth and improved fruit production, while unsuitable companions could potentially wipe out your entire crop.

According to an expert at Obsessed Lawns, tomatoes thrive with companion plants, so it's recommended to pair them with varieties such as basil, marigolds or nasturtiums.

These beneficial plants don't just help to "repel pests" — they can also "enhance" the taste of your harvest.

Basil is renowned for improving the flavour of tomatoes, plus it's a versatile addition to so many different dishes. Nasturtium works to ward off whiteflies and aphids, which are typical tomato pests during the summer period, reports the Express.

Peppers make excellent companions too, as do spinach, lettuce and carrots, all of which support tomato plants in flourishing.

The RHS added: "Companions can give added health to their neighbours.

"Parsley gives increased vigour to tomatoes and asparagus, horseradish planted near potatoes makes them stronger and more disease resistant."

If you decide against using companion plants for your tomatoes, regular disease monitoring is essential, or alternatively, opt for a disease-resistant variety such as Crimson Crush. During the growing season, gardeners must also ensure they nip off the side shoots to channel growth towards the main plant.

Failing to do this leads to a spindly plant that fails to produce any fruit.

How to water tomato plants

It's recommended that you water tomato plants regularly to keep the soil or compost evenly moist. Fluctuating moisture levels can cause problems with the fruit, such as splitting or blossom end rot.

If your tomatoes are planted in containers, they can dry out quickly, so if the weather is hot then they need watering daily. Curling leaves can be a sign that a tomato plant is short of water, so keep an eye out for this.