Companion Planting // 14 Companion Plants for Tomatoes (Evidence Based)

In this video I will show you 14 evidence based companion planting strategies for your organic garden tomatoes. Plus two plants that should never be planted near tomatoes.
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[@ttb1513]

@1:55 1 Basil @3:25 2 carrots @3:25 3 celery @3:25 4 dill @3:25 5 fennel @4:14 6 cow peas (5+’ away) @4:42 7 radishes (flowers a bonus) @5:24 8 pac choi @5:35 9 parsley @6:15 10 garlic @6:15 11 onions @6:15 12 chives @7:07 13 hairy vetch @8:30 14 crimson clover @9:10 Avoid Black walnut (trunk 50+’ away) @9:47 Avoid Potatoes (keep 10+’ away)

[@margaretd3710]

Thanks!!!!

[@chachadodds5860]

Thank you!!!!!!

[@cathybird9763]

Yes, thank you

[@tamararoberts9307]

Thank you 😊

[@trishanavarro4887]

So helpful, thank you.

[@dafluf]

I've got parsley, Lebanese cucumber, marrow, bell peppers/chillies and celery in and around my tomatoes. No bugs, no weeds. And I play them some Chopin every morning.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Perfect!

[@terrybentz6508]

I play Edvard Grieg's "Morning Mood," but I think they're ready for a change.

[@dafluf]

@@terrybentz6508 let's be honest, it's the Chopin that keeps the bugs away. It even works on annoying neighbors.

[@Mimeh53]

Chopin will do it every time.

[@gerriequaresma5076]

Not only do I get good gardening advise from your channel but I can count on a lot of laughs from some of the comments.

[@valerielord1088]

But late-night hunts with a black light are a huge highlight of my summer! 🤣

[@maryanna2245]

"I really have a gift for describing things...." LOL! Funny and informational... that's why we're sticking around on this channel.

[@NextLevelGardening]

😁 thanks Mary Ann

[@anntaft7808]

We had a vegetable garden plus rhubarb about 75’ from a black walnut tree. It grew well for many years but gradually declined. I think as the walnut root system expanded, it prevent my plants growing. We created a new garden further away and it thrived! It is many years later now, and I am old! I now container garden. I first used 5 leaky stock tanks. Now I still use them but also use food grade, 18 gallon totes. They work great. I plant a Mai gold in each tote and think it helps. Plant herbs either in with my veggies or place pots of herbs between my totes. Also have a few large pots of marigolds near the totes. Using containers really simplifies gardening for me. I do have help filling my totes. This year each tote is half or a little less of last years potting mix, topped with new potting mix and fertilizer mulch.

[@garyshaw3575]

I usually plant onions marigolds and Basil in and around my Tomatoes and have good results

[@NextLevelGardening]

Perfect!

[@randibgood]

I've always heard about the marigolds too. I've got one planted in each of my container tomatoes already. Gonna try the basil too.

[@jessicainabnit3393]

Brian, I was so moved and impressed that you shared your experience with your anurism. I hope you are still doing well. God's love and mercy to his children is so amazing. I also wanted to let you know that the telling of your story and the reciprocal comments have encouraged me in my health struggles. Best to you!

[@MK-ti2oo]

Husband walks by while I'm watching, says 'I don't care what your botanical boyfriend there says, you're not growing any hairy vetch' lol

[@ktpieallen]

This is epic.

[@NextLevelGardening]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 THAT IS GREAT!!! Tell your husband hello! 😁

[@augustagootee6254]

Lmao

[@augustagootee6254]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sharonclarke596]

Lol!!!

[@rebecca6017]

What a find. Studied Horticulture in College then landscape design. Passionate for 40 years about anything growing. You are spot on and thorough in your info and easy to follow. My new favorite channel.

[@ChaplainDeanna]

You can harvest that purple clover! Both the greens and flower are edible. The flowers make delicious teas when dried and combined with other herbs. The greens are best boiled, and you can also use them in salads. They are a natural source of folic acid which is beneficial for memory and skin.

[@borracho-joe7255]

The best companion when I plant tomatoes is a beer in my free hand. Does that count?

[@melissasullivan1658]

It does to me! Lol

[@normanwyatt8761]

Make it a nice COLD one in a frosted mug.......oooooowwweeee.....ha......

[@NextLevelGardening]

Lol. Good one

[@joanies6778]

Make sure you leave some for the slugs. Your plants will love you for it! 😄

[@nanarose3496]

🤣🤣🤣

[@themaddscrapper-mayradalla6354]

I just recently discovered you and starged BINGE watching your videos. I started gardening last year as a way to stay sane during lockdown with mixed results, but I was okay with that because it did keep me sane! Why I didn't think to come to KZbin I have no idea. but this year I wanted RESULTS and HERE YOU ARE!!!! THIS video is a GAME CHANGER for me. I'm heading out in a few minutes with my cup of coffee to start planting my "salad." I know it's late, but I am planting packs from Armstrong. My goal is to figure it out and maybe a few salads out of the deal so NEXT season I will do better. My tomatoes are in and I over-wintered my bellpeppers without realizing it in-ground. Let's see what happens this year. I also over-wintered two entire TOO HAPPY eggplants, but I never got really mature eggplants so I've pruned it down and got your fertilizer recommendations and we are going to try again this year! Again, if nothing else it's therapy. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE.

[@NextLevelGardening]

You're so welcome. Glad you're here and it sounds like you're off to a great start!

[@19bishop56]

Brian, you are becoming even more funny! (Not getting political, haha.) You give us so much wonderful information, but the humor is great too. Now I know where Noah gets it. Bless your wife in all this too.

[@tinaturner2125]

I love the cottage tour video. I am 56 years old and have Multiple Sclerosis. One of my biggest fears is tripping over the water hose. This water hose would be a lifesaver for me. I totally love Next Level Gardening. I have learned a massive amount that is helping me greatly with my garden.

[@SciaticaDrums]

Now that I've advanced in growing tomatoes this is my next step. Timely advice! As far as hornworms go invest in a blacklight flashlight. The hornworms will glow at night and you can pluck them and feed them t your chickens in the morning.

[@jackielambert7980]

They're also a delicacy for bearded dragons... as long as you dont use pesticides.

[@marydivittorio7455]

We’re just coming out of summer in Australia and I’ve still got tomatoes in my garden. I can honestly say I had no pests this season. I planted lots of basil in and around my tomato plants. I didn’t even have to use any organic sprays. Very informative video. Thank you 🍅

[@randifretwell5229]

________

[@dennybarber9360]

I stumbled across this channel a few days ago and have binged watched so many episodes already. This is by far my favorite gardening channel. Thanks so much for all of your helpful information. I tried to grow tomatoes a few years ago and failed miserably. I was very discouraged and stopped gardening all together. I am so excited to start growing again this year. I cant wait to share with you how it goes. Thanks Brian!

[@nataliecartier8933]

So refreshing to see a fact based guide for this. Thank you! ❤️

[@NextLevelGardening]

Yes! Only way I would do it!

[@1laurelei1]

Whew, this was timely. I've got seed potatoes ready to go in grow bags, and had every intention of plopping them down right next to the tomatoes. Tyvm!!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Oh good! Just in time!

[@denisediaz1702]

I always throw in some marigolds around the tomato plants as well. I didn't know about hairy vetch!! Thanks

[@NextLevelGardening]

You're welcome

[@ryanmurphy4287]

Yes. Unsure about West Coast pests, but here in Maine, most of us plant marigolds with our tomatoes.

[@plchilson6283]

I love marigolds and have major issues with cabbage moths and worms... I learned that marigolds are a big attractor of those moths. I will force myself not to plant them to see what happens. I am planting painted daisy along with more herbs. My all time fav to plant with tomatoes is borage... my oh my, it was a flavor game changer.

[@joanies6778]

Last year I had lots of marigolds in my tomato garden, one in each bed corner, plus only one basil. Zero horn worms, and I even bought a special flashlight to hunt them at night. Nada. No pests in my tomato garden. I planted several borage plants in my cabbage and kale garden, and one near my tomato beds. Supposedly, it draws wasps, which I did see in my garden. (Of course, honey bees LOVE borage, too.) I planted thyme for scent and beneficial bugs, too... plus two onions. The only problem I had was white cabbage butterflies. I could never find the caterpillars... and I looked hard, even at night with the black light... maybe the wasps ate them! But I think the huge grasshoppers ate my cabbage and kales. I plan using fleece, this time.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Sounds like you've got alot of good companion strategies in place already. Great!

[@rramsey9591]

I've always planted marigolds with my tomatoes too. Always seams to work for me too.

[@MrsNosbig]

We did marigolds with complete success last year too. I also had green tomatoes growing nearby.

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Marigolds are about the easiest seed to save and start !! I start them in the house because I live in zone 3, I mass sow them in a disposable food tray and just break chunks off and plop in the ground.....free and easy way to have a lot of marigolds!!!!

[@wobblybobengland]

Brian, french marigold, pot marigold, best companion plants for like, everything! And long tagetes for composting, they have a compound that supresses nematode development.

[@larrykeyes4979]

I get your point, but in my home town of Yuma, Arizona there were no Lady Bugs close enough to attract by Companion Planting or any other method. And the LBs and Praying Mantises I got my mail were NOT harvested wild, but supplied by Rodale or one of their partners. Very few of the insects I ordered flew away, because I provided them with a superb invironment with lots of food. Ordered bugs worked well for me for over two decades with zero problems.

[@Kimipu]

I've heard if you want to attract more bees to your garden, you can say "hairy vetch" 5x into your bathroom mirror

[@bernadettearmbruster1908]

That was hilarious

[@hollymelville462]

LOL

[@mrsd3455]

You are funny, thanks for the laugh

[@NextLevelGardening]

😁 You're welcome

[@gigihenderson7668]

Companion planting is an excellent way to assist you with your garden

[@maggieshreve8107]

Flowers are the best companion plants because the bring in the pollinators. Plus I love flowers and they bring ME into the garden 😍🏡

[@Jenufir]

Hi, Brian. I had to wait for the tornadoes and rain to clear out. But, this morning I planted parsley, carrots, and basil in the bed where my tomatoes will go (hopefully next weekend). After seeing this, I think I may go out and dump more of those seeds all over the bed. We're going to get a late cold snap coming in Wednesday and Thursday night. But if all goes well, I can plant my tomato seedlings Friday. Before this video, I also watched your container video. I opted for a 10 gallon flower pot/container for my first try at potatoes. I probably should have planted them already. But if nothing else, I'll be a pro at what not to do, in just a few seasons.😅 Thank you so much for the great info!

[@TheLaLaFarm]

This is the type of video that makes me absolutely love your channel Brian. Most of your videos are evidence based - not just anecdotal "because this is how I have done it for 30 years". Such absolute statements are rarely universally accepted across all scenarios. I love finding topics where I can debunk myths related to farming. This is an excellent video - thank you!! - Rick

[@denisekarres7914]

Unfortunately, hairy vetch is a common weed here in GA zone 7b. An old timer calls it “Hairy Wretch” 😆 The hairy parts are what stick to you, your dog, the neighborhood rabbits and take pieces of the plat everywhere!

[@aviljacobs4091]

Brian, you are always very clear with your valuable information and I always enjoy your delivery.

[@almostoily7541]

Hairy vetch climbs and will take over everything. It's hard to get all the seeds. We got a roll of hay one year that had vetch in it. I've fought it ever since. But, my chickens love it. I've been feeding it to them the last couple of weeks .

[@hisbeautifultruth5931]

A few years ago I had tomatoes and basil on my deck (along with mint and scallion) and the scent was glorious!!

[@samuelpchiu]

My wife collects the flowers of crimson clover, dries them and make tea from them. Supposed to be good for the heart. So far it’s working - physically & emotionally 😀. Unfortunately, they also attract the bunnies and the bunnies will munch on the tomatoes just right before we get ready to pick them. 😡

[@robinn247]

I love your honesty and sense of humor. :)

[@maryvaliquette713]

I have returned to gardening about a year ago. I believe it was you I watched and had advised planting basil near the tomatoes! So that is what I did Both the tomatoes and basil came up thrived!🍅💚 thank you also for putting an image along with the type of bug! Although I had to pause the video while eating lunch!🥴

[@xcalak7550]

Yes!! Finally, after searching and searching, I find some good advice about flea beetles. 4 years ago I started having problems with them in my tomato beds. I have no idea where they came from (I'd sure like to know), but they have continued to aggravate me, though somewhat less due to diligent use of an organic spray. I LOVE your channel and have subscribed for years now. Thank you!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Great! You're welcome!

[@dr.allisongunneph.d.6494]

This video was the most instructive video I’ve seen on companion planting for tomato plant health. Thank you from TN.

[@nancybaumgartner6774]

I am naming my next rooster , “Harry Vetch”

[@TwinklesTheChinchilla]

"Hey mom, how are things? Yeah, I'm just calling to let you know that I've picked up some hairy vetch for a companion, so that my fruit don't get all moldy and wilt..." *CLICK* "... mom?"

[@kelliprevich4323]

🤣😂🤣

[@teresajames2725]

😂😂🤣😂

[@D.A.Hanks14]

Hairy vetch is growing as a weed in my yard, lol. Your videos are very informative, and I will say this carefully: I am considered to be one of the leading experts in the world on the critically endangered dawn redwood, but last year was the first time I had ever planted a garden, and I don't know squat about agriculture! Your videos are helping me to overcome so many of the issues I had last year. Thank you very much for putting these out. They are working!

[@JanineEPayne]

Your joy is infectious. You provide clear and evidence-based information that I can use and pass along to others - that makes the gardening world stronger and more sustainable. Thank you. P.S. "Hairy vetch" had me laughing right along with you!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you Janine!

[@janedanish7828]

Excellent advice. I'm a newbie and trying to learn all I can. Love your videos.

[@rinashah3824]

I am always watching ur video. Just start gardening last year I didn't get success but this year igot little success .I plant basil near 🍅& u know no pets no bugs around 🍅. I love gardening but I don't know anything so I'm always watching ur video they help me lot.

[@LoriWingerBordessa]

"I really have a gift for describing things". Lol!😂 you really have a great sense of humor. I listen to your videos and I have learned a lot, so thank you so much for everything. I also just purchased your companion book. Finally!! I'm in my garden right now listening to companion planting videos by you and after I leave, I'm going to run out and get some crimson clover to plant around my two rows of pepper plants. but my basil and my dill and my parsley starts are going in the garden and you were very helpful, so thank you very much and God bless you and your family

[@elsafischer3247]

This a wonderful tutorial, this better then chemicals. Thank you

[@jeanschultz2427]

Thank you so much for the informative (and occasionally hilarious) videos. Forty+ years ago when I blindly planted an array of seeds, I was blessed with huge crops of a variety of veggies. I really had no idea what I was doing! In subsequent years, time constraints limited my gardening. Since I've retired, I've gone all-in, researching, planning, and investing a great deal of time and money trying to revive the success I had all those years ago. I believe I've figured out why I've failed with certain crops (thank you). We have quite a bit of nut trees, including black walnuts. Most have been removed (storm damage hastened their demise). So here is my question about spacing tomatoes away from the walnuts: is spacing still a concern if the tomato is in a raised bed? I appreciate your wisdom and advice

[@mobysmom]

I grew hairy vetch a few years ago tho not sure why. I'm planting more of it this fall as you suggested and will cut it back next spring to grow tomatoes! Never knew this! Better write this one down so I never forget it! THANKS, Brian!!! And by the way, Kellogg's Breakfast is also MY favorite tomato ever!!!

[@suzycowan5072]

I really learned a lot from your video, thank you. Planting Crimson Clover also has a two-fold since the flowers can be picked not only for medicinal purposes but I understand they make a pretty good jelly.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Oh. True!

[@merrilybeck872]

well my goodness! you are in quite the funny mood today! love the humor with the info!!

[@jacquelinetremblay4166]

I can't remember if it was in your other companion video but I was going to use the shade created by the tomato to grow herbs and for their pest benefits. Basil also makes an amazing addition to flower gardens and if you let it go to flower, they look great as fillers in bouquets for all my flower gardeners out there ♥️♥️♥️

[@NextLevelGardening]

Most herbs want alot of sun. I plant my basil along the sunny side of my tomato bed. Radishes on the other hand will take some shade

[@farmerbob4554]

I’ve planted hairy vetch as green manure in the veggie beds and it really does improve the soil (NPK testing). I’m for sure going to try it in the tomato patch as well. Thanks for the informative video.

[@rozsmith6850]

I use peppermint or basil. I’m going to add parsley and chives!

[@debiegordon3787]

Wow...that was an AWESOME VIDEO W SUPER GREAT INFO! Those CRIMSON CLOVERS. & CARROT TOPS are FANTASTIC to feed to PET BUNNIES🐇🐇🐇

[@rosedowling3690]

I HOPE you read my comment.. I was blown away when you mentioned "stink bugs" all my years of living in NJ and now 15 yrs in TN I had never seen nor heard of a stink bug until the last few years.. we have been infested with these bugs in summer and still some floating around the house and you learn quickly how not to kill them such as vacuum them up if in the house if you want to save your vacuum..OMG I am just started my container garden and hopefully your advice will help.. I just might hang garlic from every plant but afraid that will keep the bees away LOL

[@eveny119]

Yes, I learned about Harry Vetch 🧙‍♂, and why you want him in your garden. 😄🌿🍅

[@jeannemyers489]

Awesome information. Thank you so much. I can really use this! It will save a lot of heartache. ❤

[@cassskitchen]

The wasp laying its eggs in the worm is.. terrifying and awesome at the same time 😂

[@ahnaahna7278]

God bless you since your health issue. Much appreciation of your channel.

[@georgiacinq-mars1899]

I am learning so much from you. But what about Marigolds? I have about 50 Marigold plants started. That’s okay there is always a place to put them!

[@PaullaWells]

Of course I learned something! I always do. And this time what I learned has also save me a pure headache. The tub I planted with taters is right where the tomatoes are going to be. I will be moving that tub over by the tater bed thank you very much. 🤣 Thanks as always!

[@NextLevelGardening]

You're welcome Paulla. ❤

[@krissgross2335]

If you're growing in raised containers/tubs, as long as your maters and taters aren't in the same bed you'll be ok. Taters are nitrogen suckers, and would steal it from your maters. But if they're in ground, you need to be sure they're 10' apart. Happy planting!

[@PaullaWells]

@@krissgross2335 - Thank you! My main crop is in a raised bed on the opposite side of the garden. I happen to do a tub for video purposes and it is right next to where the maters are going to be. Thank God it is a tub because it can be easily moved over by the bed.

[@anniecochrane3359]

Oh I wish there was a companion plant for the tomato/potato psyllid. I have to plant potatoes super early to avoid these horrors and then spray my tomatoes every two weeks with neem oil. Otherwise these pesky little things will suck the plants to death. Funny, It is said it came to New Zealand from Califormia, yet it doesnt seem to be a problem for you all over there. Great video though.

[@antongrey3495]

Great tips! One thing on the thrips, the damage you will see is actually small white dead spots seen on the top of the leaf and combination of white and black(poop) specks underneath the leaf! And while they do tend to be small, if you look at the underside of the leaf long enough you will usually see them move around!

[@KeithWheelerBooks]

You struggling with Hairy Vetch was hilarious! “Grow up…” CLASSIC! 😂

[@joannashill3287]

Thank you for using pictures of what you are discussing. Worth a thousand words!

[@akelei6884]

New Zealand spinach is also good to plant with tomatoes 👩‍🌾 Happy gardening 🌷🐝🌷

[@TheRawdaddy]

Nice video. Perhaps a list in the comment section would be helpful.

[@bballerforever]

I made a list, hopefully I got it right from what he said.

[@joanl2057]

Dr Berg videos.... scroll down he gives his research links, and further down he writes out what he taught.

[@nellanddudley]

Best channel ever...still😊 Thanks!!

[@wandakelly2173]

Thank you! I will put my extra parsley seedlings down with my tomatoes. And...I will be planting radishes around my eggplants. I already have them in my tomato bed 😊

[@NextLevelGardening]

Perfect

[@schnowzy1]

Marigolds and zinnias work great for the tomato worms ,,I also plant basil with the tomatoes because the tomatoes shade the basil and it doesn't go to seed as quick

[@virginiasmith5278]

You always come up with the topics I want to know about!! THANK YOU!!!!❤🧡💛💚💙🎉

[@NextLevelGardening]

You're welcome

[@lovinlifeinNC]

Most of these bugs have been the bane of my garden. I plant on doing as many of these as I can, since my goal this year is to outsmart the bugs. Thanks Brian! Wish me luck!

[@VaultDwellerGal]

Geez, I can’t stop laughing about it. Surprisingly there isn’t a Hairy Vetch meme out in the wild! 🤔What a missed opportunity?!?!! Definitely going to visit a friend’s garden just so to say ‘Is that a Hairy Vetch in your garden or are you just happy to see me?’. Hairy Vetch doesn’t get old. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Great video too!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Lol

[@SuperVlerik]

Love seeing the cymbidium in the background. Could you make a video on growing outdoor orchids in your area?

[@joemccall8991]

Planted radishes (Easter Basket mix from Baker Creek) around my cucumber plants last year and pests definitely focused on them instead of the cucs.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Nice!

[@danaashton9297]

Great tip thanks!

[@thanhvancooking3632]

Your video convince me not to grow tomato ever again. Too much stress,have to deal with all the insects and diseases on the tomato. Cleaning the house,going for a walk,doing exercise….much better for my body.Thanks a million.

[@gardeniaflower6484]

SO MUCH GREAT INFORMATION! I'm going to try growing tomatoes again!!!

[@ritalr15]

My fall 🍅 did fabulous with the carrots, celery, and radishes. The funny thing is I just decided to throw that combo together. The only thing I was lacking was parsley. Those will be sown today to be added to plants. And I have chives that need a home. Well that will be added as well. Thanks for the info. I had the red spider mites on one part of the plant. If not, I will use DE for the spider mites.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Great intuition!

[@peggycole7162]

Hi, read online just yesterday to never plant sunflowers near ANYTHING because their roots emit a substance that cause other plants to not grow well. Planted hugh ones in a small bed that had 3 HT roses and a couple of tomatoes. Barely any tomatoes that year, rose blooms weren't great. Read that, had an epiphany memory. Live and learn, right?

[@basmadiscala5165]

I have been impatiently waiting for this one, thanks Brian!! I wrote down everything you mentioned and luckily I have starts of each one so now I can plant accordingly. Thanks a lot for this video!!

[@NextLevelGardening]

You're welcome. Great!

[@pinkyfromhaughtfarms6550]

I use eggplants as a trap crop for flea beetles, they take most of the damage and still end up producing

[@mammacass5311]

That’s a really good idea because I don’t want to eat egg plants do they take up much room?

[@luoboeguy]

This year I had some garlic chive seedlings in pots getting ready to plant and I was delighted to find lacewing eggs on them!

[@digsindirt4490]

Another great video! I was worried about planting my tomatoes where my radishes currently reside (because they’re growing slowly this year!!) but now it’s a win-win. Thank you!!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Perfect. You're welcome!

[@lesliee6721]

Dropping a note to say your older material is still extremely relevant and useful.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you!

[@Tianthira]

I made my garden a raised one, and a good ways from our black walnut. It not killed our to.atoes, but pretty much everything that grows around the stingy thing. We plan to save up and have it cut down.

[@marcyandscott]

I had never heard of hairy vetch. I will.have to.order seeds for the fall. I have seen the tomato horn worm and those wasp eggs in my garden. It is awful. That goes under things that cannot be unseen. I don't like basil.so.I considered skipping it this year, but you have convinced me to go ahead to plant it and radishes. This was a great video. Thank you!

[@robynmorris2408]

Well a Harry Vetch good morning to you🤓🤓. Thanks for all the good information and the laughs.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Lol. You're welcome

[@iambilly]

This is the way to start the day...learning with a laugh🤣😂Thank you!🌱🌱

[@NextLevelGardening]

You're welcome

[@kendo2377]

I plant basil and generic garlic from the grocery store under my paste tomato plants. I do that because they all go in the same pot in the kitchen or when I bother to can tomatoes. The garlic won't make heads where I live (too hot) but the green tops taste like garlic so there you go. Also, the mustard type of tatsoi makes a good edible ground cover. The roots are shallow so they don't take much away from the tomato plants and they block most weeds.

[@ginajust-me2445]

I'm in Mo. I've got 100 asparagus this year is there 3rd year, I'm about to plant a ton of tomatoes and basil with them this year because I just learned this.. Awesome.. More excited this year then last few years.. Thanks..

[@curiouscat3384]

Tiny holes with "no hanging chads" - HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! I needed a laugh today :) Interestingly, In my 5 years of gardening in central NC I have not had a single hornworm. Not bragging - just amazed - my main problem is blight which I'm going to try and head off at the pass this year. Thanks so much!

[@stefaniward355]

I am so happy you can’t say hairy vetch with a straight face either 🤣 I planted it as a cover crop last fall along with winter rye mainly because it was hilarious to say. Glad to hear it has some other benefits that are actually related to gardening!

[@jmas2312]

I had terrible horn worm problems my first year of in ground tomatos. My grandkids would collect them in jars, gross. I started planting marigolds and basil in with the tomatos the next year and haven't seen a hornworm since. 🤗 YAY! Don't know if it is the marigolds or the basil, but I like them, so I keep planting both. I'm putting them next to my cabbage this year too. God, do bugs like cabbage.

[@jasoncarlile7825]

You might think I'm crazy but the hummingbird Hawk moth is on its way out and I sacrificed a couple of tomatoes to each hornworm and then I remove them then I relocate them further on down the pasture

[@mikemcdonald3670]

I used a small yellow solo cup covered with tanglefoot at the beginning of the season and had almost no pests. I used two suspended in each 14' x 4' planting bed.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Nice

[@mammacass5311]

I worry about using yellow solo cups and harming beneficial‘s

[@mikemcdonald3670]

@@mammacass5311 The tanglefoot is a waterproof sticky substance that only captures small insects. last year it captured most of the pest. No bees or larger insect get trapped they are strong enough to escape. The yellow cups attract pest just like the yellow flowers on squash plants. I had no squash beetles last year. The traps lasted all season. I should have renewed them in Sept as they were pretty full and lost some of there stickiness and color from all the bugs.

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

What is tanglefoot ? Thanks

[@mammacass5311]

@@mikemcdonald3670 Awesome thanks for the tip I will definitely try it

[@alisonschooley5459]

This came at the exact moment I needed. I am still in a positive frame of mind about the tomato plants I have. We grow organically and this helps expand the garden giving us more to eat and hopefully giving us the tomatoes we try year after year with unfortunately no success.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Perfect!

[@dhoyt1967]

I moved to central florida in 2004. I came from Western New York. I could grow all kinds of things in NY but as soon as I got to Florida I can't grow anything and have not had a home grown Tomato since 2004. Not for lack of trying.

[@krissgross2335]

Have you tried planting in containers? You gave more control over your soil, fertilizer, and watering. Good luck and happy planting.

[@Katydidit]

@@dhoyt1967 I know the feeling, I moved from Wisconsin to Texas. Perhaps try the Floradade tomato. You need tomatoes that do well in both hot weather and high humidity, same as my area. Also, you might try growing them in a container mix in a 10 gallon pot. I have heard that Florida soil can be quite challenging.

[@alisonschooley5459]

@@krissgross2335 Doing that this year, thank you for the suggestion and validating my shot in the dark.

[@SoberOKMoments]

Excellent. Thanks for some good information. I'll be back for more.

[@elsie3255]

I know you are a vegetable guy, but I have to fight the squirrels, too. Not just the invisible bugs. Marigolds and mint are my go to's for this. Added to this are some smelly bar soap pieces (not in the containers) and scented geraniums.

[@mr.whetstone889]

35ft from the drop line for the black walnut to avoid Juglone is a good rule of thumb… I have a giant black walnut that I hate… and all my tomatoes, peppers and all grow around 42 ft from where the farthest branch would drop a walnut.

[@bristonknight9315]

I plant a lot of basil, and it's good in salades. It guess it's also good for tomatoes plants: I don't see any parasites. The plant I thoroughly avoid planting around tomatoes is milkweed: - It gets all kinds of pest easily spreading to other crops.