If you’re growing tomatillos this season, you’ll want to know about tomatillo companion plants. Choosing the right neighbors for your tomatillos can make a huge difference in your garden’s health and your harvest. This guide will walk you through the best pairings, what to avoid, and simple steps to create a thriving, productive space.
Tomatillo Companion Plants
Companion planting is like setting up a good support system for your vegetables. Some plants help each other by deterring pests, improving soil, or providing needed shade. For tomatillos, which are part of the nightshade family, smart pairings can lead to stronger plants and more of those tasty green husked fruits.
Why Companion Planting Works for Tomatillos
Tomatillos are vigorous growers that need full sun and good air circulation. They can be affected by pests like aphids, hornworms, and flea beetles. The right companions can help manage these issues naturally.
They also have specific nutrient needs. By pairing them with plants that don’t compete for the same resources, you make better use of your garden soil. This method reduces the need for chemical interventions, creating a more balanced ecosystem right in your backyard.
Top Companion Plants for Tomatillos
Here are the best plants to grow alongside your tomatillos. These choices are known to provide clear benefits.
1. Basil and Other Herbs
Basil is a superstar companion. Its strong scent is believed to repel thrips, flies, and hornworms, which can bother your tomatillos. Some gardeners even think it improves flavor.
- Plant basil around the base of your tomatillo plants.
- Other helpful herbs include cilantro and parsley, which attract beneficial insects like hoverflies that eat aphids.
2. Alliums: Onions, Garlic, and Chives
Plants from the allium family are excellent pest deterrents. Their pungent smell masks the scent of your tomatillos, confusing insects looking for a meal.
- Garlic and onions can help deter spider mites.
- Chives planted nearby may help prevent powdery mildew, a common fungal issue.
3. Marigolds and Nasturtiums
These are two of the most popular companion flowers. Marigolds release a substance from their roots that can repel nematodes, tiny soil pests. Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, luring aphids away from your tomatillos.
- French marigolds are considered the most effective type.
- Let nasturtiums sprawl between your tomatillo plants.
4. Carrots and Root Vegetables
Carrots are a great space-filler. They grow down into the soil, while tomatillos grow up, so they don’t compete for room. Their foliage is light and airy, not creating to much shade.
- Radishes and beets are also good options for similar reasons.
- They help break up soil as they grow, improving drainage.
5. Leafy Greens
Cool-weather greens like lettuce and spinach can be planted in the shadow of young tomatillo plants. They provide a ground cover that helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. By the time the tomatillos get large and need the space, these greens are usually ready for harvest.
Plants to Avoid Near Tomatillos
Just as some plants help, others can hinder. Here are the combinations you should steer clear of.
Other Nightshades (Potatoes, Eggplant, Peppers)
It’s best not to plant tomatillos next to their close relatives. They are susceptible to the same diseases (like blight) and attract the same pests. Grouping them together makes it easy for problems to spread quickly. They also compete heavely for the same soil nutrients.
Fennel and Dill
Fennel is known to be allelopathic, meaning it releases compounds that can inhibit the growth of many plants, including tomatillos. Dill, especially when it matures and flowers, can also attract pests that might cause issues. It’s safer to plant dill in a different bed.
Corn and Tall Climbers
Corn might seem like a good idea for providing support, but it’s a heavy feeder that will compete with tomatillos for nitrogen. It also creates to much shade. Similarly, avoid planting climbing beans with tomatillos, as they can become tangled and restrict air flow, promoting disease.
How to Plan and Plant Your Tomatillo Garden
Follow these steps to put your companion planting plan into action successfully.
- Choose a Sunny Spot: Tomatillos need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. Map out your garden space on paper first.
- Prepare the Soil: Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. Tomatillos prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
- Plant Your Tomatillos: Remember, you need at least two plants for proper pollination. Space them about 3 feet apart.
- Add Companions: Interplant your chosen companions in the spaces between. For example, plant a ring of marigolds around the perimeter, and tuck basil plants near the base of each tomatillo.
- Provide Support: Install cages or stakes early. Tomatillos get heavy and will flop over without support, which can smother smaller companions.
- Water and Mulch: Water at the base of plants to keep foliage dry. Apply a layer of straw or wood chip mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Managing Common Problems with Companions
Even with companions, you might see some issues. Here’s how to handle them.
Aphid Infestations
If aphids appear on your tomatillos, check your nasturtiums first—they might be doing their job as a trap crop. Blast both plants with a strong jet of water from the hose to knock the aphids off. Encourage ladybugs by letting some cilantro flower.
Poor Fruit Set
If plants flower but don’t set fruit, ensure you have at least two tomatillo plants for cross-pollination. Plant bee-friendly companions like borage or basil flowers nearby to attract more pollinators to your garden. Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides that harm bees.
Fungal Diseases
To prevent mildew and blight, always water at soil level. Prune the lower 12 inches of foliage from your tomatillos to improve air flow around the base. Companions like chives and garlic may offer some protective benefit here to.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you plant tomatillos and tomatoes together?
It’s not recommended. They are both nightshades and share diseases like early blight and verticillium wilt. They also attract identical pests, like hornworms, which can quickly jump between them. For a healthier garden, give them separate spaces.
What is the best mulch for tomatillos?
Straw or shredded leaves are excellent choices. They keep the soil moist and cool, prevent weeds, and can reduce soil-borne disease splashing onto leaves. Avoid using fresh grass clippings, as they can mat down and create to much heat.
Do tomatillos need a trellis?
While not strictly a vine, tomatillos benefit hugely from support. Their branches become laden with fruit and can snap or sprawl. A sturdy cage, stake, or trellis keeps the fruit clean, improves air circulation, and makes harvesting much easier.
What are good companion plants for tomatillos in containers?
In pots, focus on compact companions. Basil, chives, and dwarf marigolds work very well. Avoid planting anything to aggressive or deep-rooted in the same container. Ensure the pot is large enough (at least 10 gallons) for the tomatillo’s root system.
By choosing the right tomatillo companion plants, you set your garden up for a succesful season. You’ll see healthier plants, deal with fewer pests, and likely enjoy a more abundant harvest. Start with a few proven pairings like basil and marigolds, observe what works in your space, and adjust your plan next year. The beauty of gardening is that you learn something new every time you step outside.