I’m a big fan of tomatillos. They have such a fresh and delicious flavor, and I use them to make a ton of salsa verde! The best part is, they’re easy to grow and require very little maintenance. However, when planning your garden, it’s important to consider the pests and diseases that can affect your tomatillos.
Pests That Love Tomatillos
Tomatillos are not only loved by humans, but also by insects and other pests. Here are some common ones that you might encounter:
You're reading: 12 Best Companion Plants for Tomatillos (And Which Ones to Avoid)
Aphids
Aphids are small bugs that can be green or other colors. They are incredibly common in gardens and can be found on everything, including tomatillos.
Plants that Repel Aphids: Garlic, Fennel, Dill, Catnip, Chives, Leeks, Marigolds
Cucumber Beetles
Cucumber beetles are yellow and black bugs that are extremely annoying. Despite their name, they love to eat tomatillos, watermelons, and muskmelons.
Plants that Repel Cucumber Beetles: Radishes, Nasturtiums, Tansy
Plants that attract beneficial insects that eat cucumber beetles: Marigolds, Sunflower, Daisies, Dill, Calendula
Potato Beetles
Potato beetles are notorious for eating potatoes, but they also enjoy feasting on nightshades like tomatillos, eggplants, and tomato plants. They can quickly spread and cause extensive damage.
Plants that Repel Potato Beetles: Catnip, Tansy, Sage, Horseradish, Bush beans, Marigolds
Tomato Hornworms
Tomato hornworms are green worms with a pale stripe down their back. They can grow up to four inches long and will devour leaves, fruit, and flowers before moving on to your tomatillos.
Plants That Repel Tomato Hornworms: Dill, Basil, Marigolds, Garlic, Onions
12 Great Companion Plants for Tomatillos
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Tomatillos are heavy feeders and require a lot of nutrients. Here are some excellent companion plants for your tomatillos:
Asparagus
Asparagus is a great companion plant for tomatillos as it helps deter root-knot nematodes, which are harmful roundworms that can lay eggs in your plant’s roots.
Basil
Basil is known for its strong scent, which helps repel hornworms and other pests. It’s a great companion for many plants, including tomatillos, as it masks their scent.
Carrots
Carrots help aerate the soil, especially if it’s clay-like. This is beneficial for tomatillos and other plants.
Garlic
Planting garlic close to your tomatillos can deter aphids, although it’s important to plant them fairly close together. Garlic is also effective against spider mites.
Marigolds
Marigolds are fantastic companion plants as they attract pollinators and help keep nematodes away. They are beneficial for almost any plant in your garden.
Mint
Growing mint near your tomatillos can help deter aphids, cabbage moths, and even ants.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums keep whiteflies and cucumber beetles at bay. They also attract pollinators, which is essential for fruit production.
Onions
The smell of onions can confuse and deter beetles. Planting them close to your tomatillos can be beneficial. Onions also help repel spider mites.
Parsley
Parsley attracts hoverflies, whose larvae consume aphids. It’s a versatile companion plant for many vegetables and herbs.
Peas
Peas add nitrogen to the soil, which is beneficial for tomatillos and other nitrogen-loving plants. They also attract bees for pollination.
Peppers
Peppers help prevent root rot in tomatillos, making them an excellent companion plant.
Tomatoes
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Tomatoes require the same soil and nutrients as tomatillos, so planting them together makes sense. They also attract pollinators.
What NOT to Plant With Tomatillos
While tomatillos can be planted near many plants, there are some that should be avoided:
Corn
Corn attracts aphids, which can be detrimental to tomatillos. Additionally, cucumber beetles lay their eggs near corn, making it a bad neighbor for tomatillos.
Kohlrabi & Brassicas
Kohlrabi and brassicas, like cabbage, can stunt the growth of tomatillos and tomatoes. They also share similar fungal diseases, so it’s best to keep them separate.
Dill and Fennel
While dill and fennel can repel pests, the oils they release into the soil can do more harm than good.
Potatoes
Potatoes attract potato beetles and aphids, which are also pests of tomatillos. Keep them separate to avoid infestations.
Companion Planting Benefits
Companion planting involves strategically planting certain species together and keeping others apart. Here are some benefits of companion planting:
Organic Pest Control
Companion planting is an organic way to control garden pests. By planting herbs that repel specific pests, you can reduce their populations and have a healthier harvest.
Attracting Beneficial Insects
Certain companion plants, like basil, can attract beneficial insects and pollinators to your garden. These insects can help other companion plants grow stronger and more abundant.
Flavor Enhancement
Companion planting can enhance the flavor of some plants, such as basil with tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. However, it’s important to consider how flavors might affect neighboring plants.
By paying attention to companion planting, you can reduce pest damage and improve the quality of your tomatillos. Remember to plant at least two flowering plants to ensure proper pollination and fruit production. And guess what? One of the best companions for tomatillos is another tomatillo! Happy gardening!
Source: https://roweorganic.com
Category: Gardening