If you’re planning your garden, you might be wondering how close to plant basil and tomatoes. This classic pairing is a favorite for good reason, but getting the spacing right is key to success. Proper placement ensures both plants thrive together, offering mutual benefits without competing for resources. Let’s look at the best practices for this perfect garden partnership.
How Close To Plant Basil And Tomatoes
The optimal spacing for companion planting basil and tomatoes is to place basil plants about 12 to 18 inches away from the base of your tomato plants. You can plant one basil per tomato, or space several basil plants along a row of tomatoes. This distance is close enough for the companion benefits to work, but far enough to prevent overcrowding and ensure good air circulation.
The Science Behind the Companionship
Basil and tomatoes are more than just good neighbors. They actually help each other grow better. Many gardeners believe basil improves the flavor of tomatoes, though this is debated. The more concrete benefits are well-documented.
Basil is known to repel certain pests that bother tomatoes. Its strong scent can deter thrips, flies, and mosquitos. Some studies even suggest it may help reduce issues with tomato hornworms. This natural protection is a huge advantage.
Furthermore, planting basil nearby can attract beneficial pollinators to your tomato flowers. This leads to better fruit set. The basil itself benefits from the partial shade provided by larger tomato plants during the hottest part of the summer.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these simple steps to get your basil and tomato pairing off to a great start.
1. Prepare Your Garden Bed
Both plants love warm soil and lots of sun. Choose a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to create a rich, well-draining soil. They share similar soil pH preferences, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.
2. Plant Your Tomatoes First
Set your tomato transplants or seedlings into the ground according to their specific variety needs. Indeterminate (vining) tomatoes need more space, usually 24-36 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Determinate (bush) tomatoes can be spaced closer, about 18-24 inches apart.
3. Add the Basil
Once your tomatoes are in, it’s time to plant the basil. Measure 12 to 18 inches from the stem of each tomato plant. At that point, dig a small hole and plant your basil seedling. Gently firm the soil around it. You can alternate basil between every tomato, or plant a small cluster of basil for every two tomato plants.
If you’re planting in containers, use a large pot (at least 18-24 inches wide). Plant one tomato in the center and surround it with 2-3 basil plants near the edges.
4. Initial Watering and Care
Water both plants deeply right after planting to settle the soil. Adding a layer of organic mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, around both plants is a great idea. The mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil off the tomato leaves.
Common Spacing Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make a few errors. Here are the most common spacing mistakes gardeners make.
- Planting Too Close: Placing basil right against the tomato stem restricts air flow. This can create a humid environment that encourages fungal diseases like powdery mildew on the basil or blight on the tomatoes.
- Planting Too Far Apart: If basil is planted more than 24 inches away, the companion benefits, particularly pest repellency, are greatly diminished. They essentially become separate crops.
- Ignoring Mature Size: Remember that both plants will grow much larger. A tiny basil seedling needs room to bush out into a full plant up to 2 feet tall and wide. Crowding stresses both plants.
- Forgetting About Access: You need to be able to reach your tomatoes to prune suckers, tie them up, and harvest fruit. Don’t let the basil completely block your garden path.
Ongoing Care for Your Paired Plants
Their care needs align nicely, which makes maintenance simpler.
Watering
Both prefer consistent moisture. Water at the base of the plants, avoiding the leaves, to prevent disease. A soaker hose or drip irrigation system is ideal. Tomatoes need deep watering, and the basil will benefit from the same schedule. During very hot, dry periods, you may need to water every other day.
Feeding
Tomatoes are heavy feeders. Use a balanced organic fertilizer when planting and again when fruits first form. Basil benefits from this feeding too, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers later in the season, as they can reduce the basil’s flavor intensity.
Pruning and Harvesting
Regularly pinching off the tips of your basil will encourage it to grow bushy instead of tall and leggy. This also gives you a continuous harvest. For tomatoes, remove the lower leaves as the plant grows to improve air circulation. Always harvest basil leaves from the top down.
Harvesting from both plants frequently actually stimulates more growth. Don’t be shy about picking your basil, it’s one of those herbs that thrives with regular use.
Benefits Beyond Pest Control
The advantages of this pairing extend past just keeping bugs away. Here’s a few more reasons to plant them together.
- Efficient Use of Space: In a small garden or container, you’re growing two valuable crops in nearly the same footprint. This is a key principle of intensive gardening.
- Weed Suppression: The basil acts as a living mulch, shading the soil around the tomato base. This helps prevent weed seeds from germinating and taking hold.
- Flavor Partnership: Whether or not basil improves tomato flavor on the vine, there’s no denying they are perfect partners in the kitchen. Having them right next to each other makes for easy harvest when you’re making a salad or sauce.
FAQ: Your Companion Planting Questions Answered
Can I plant other herbs with my tomatoes?
Yes! Parsley, oregano, and marigolds are also excellent companions for tomatoes. Avoid planting dill, fennel, or cabbage family crops too close to tomatoes, as they can compete or attract similar pests.
What if I started my basil from seed?
You can sow basil seeds directly around your tomato transplants. Just thin the seedlings to the strongest ones, maintaining that 12-18 inch distance. Ensure the tiny seedlings don’t get overwhelmed by the tomato’s growth early on.
Does the type of basil matter?
Most basil varieties work well. Genovese or Sweet Basil are the most common choices. Some gardeners swear by spicy globe basil or lemon basil for even stronger pest-repelling scents. Feel free to experiment with different types to see what you prefer.
My basil always gets leggy. What am I doing wrong?
Leggy basil is usually caused by not enough sun or not enough pruning. Make sure the tomato plants aren’t shading the basil completely. And remember to pinch off the top sets of leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth from the bottom.
When is the best time to plant them together?
Plant both outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. They are warm-season plants that will not tolerate cold. If you get a late cold snap, be prepared to cover them both with a frost cloth.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with perfect spacing, issues can arise. Here’s how to handle them.
If your basil is yellowing, it might be getting to much water or not enough nutrients. Check your soil drainage and consider a light feed. If your tomato leaves are curling, it could be a sign of heat or water stress—ensure consistent watering.
Watch for signs of disease like spots on leaves. Remove any affected leaves immediately to prevent spread. Good spacing is your first defense, as it allows air to move freely between plants, drying leaves quickly.
By following these spacing and care guidelines, you’ll create a harmonious and productive garden bed. The combination of basil and tomatoes is a proven winner, and with the right setup, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of both all season long.