Basil with tomatoes in a greenhouse and in open ground together: is it possible to plant tomatoes next to herbs, how to care for and harvest, as well as photos of plants Russian farmer

Can it be grown nearby in open ground?

Not only is it possible, but it is even necessary! The proximity of these two cultures will be very successful and complementary . Tomatoes contain saponin, a special substance that ensures intensive growth and development of nearby plants.

Interesting fact . Saponin released from tomatoes protects plantings from pests, since its chemical composition is dangerous for them. Therefore, you don’t have to be afraid of encountering frogs and worms on your property.

Has a beneficial effect on tomatoes and basil. Firstly, it also performs a protective function, repelling pests. Secondly, it repels spider mites, which can cause crop destruction. And finally, basil helps improve the taste of the fruit.

Can close proximity to plants in open ground harm plants?

In principle, if you decide to combine both plants on your site, then you have nothing to fear. They do not conflict and get along well together. The only problem, judging by reviews from gardeners, may be uneven plant growth . Thus, tomato bushes, growing, can block the basil's access to sunlight. This problem can be solved by choosing the right area of the garden for planting.

The best varieties for cultivation together and their photos

Today there are a huge number of varieties of basil, each of which has its own unique characteristics. The following types are best suited for planting in open ground along with tomatoes:

Fragrant

The most fragrant type of basil, somewhat reminiscent of cloves in smell . Of the varieties, preference should be given to “Magical Michael” and “Genovese Gigante”. They make best friends with tomatoes and give their fruits shades of a unique spicy taste.

Cinnamon

Another name for this type of basil is Mexican. Its smell is somewhat reminiscent of cinnamon. The most livable varieties are “Cinnamon” and “Early Tender”.

Violet

The leaves of this plant have an unusual dark purple color . The aroma of basil is strong, spicy and intense, the taste is pungent and specific. Next to the tomatoes we plant the “Zastolny” variety of seasoning.

But you can choose any variety of tomatoes, for example “Nevsky”, which will give you an excellent harvest and grow well in central Russia.

What goes with what?

Having learned from a neighbor about such an unusual approach to gardening, she hastened to find out which plants are companions.

Basil goes well with tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli. Plant corn, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, melons, zucchini, pumpkins, peas, and peppers next to beans and other legumes. That is, almost all vegetables. Beans add nitrogen to the soil, which is important for other plants to absorb organic matter.

Cucumbers go well with tomatoes, cabbage, lettuce and zucchini. Cucumbers are also best planted in different places in the garden, as the fragrant inflorescences of this plant attract many bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Onions will grow juicy, strong and will never mold in the ground if planted close to carrots and tomatoes. Dill grows best next to cabbage and lettuce. Do not place dill near carrots and tomatoes, as this plant attracts worms. Parsley, on the contrary, goes well with tomatoes, carrots and peppers. Peppermint is a good neighbor for tomatoes and zucchini.

And, of course, you need to add flowers. Plant geraniums with tomatoes, peppers, corn and cabbage. This flower repels almost all pests. Marigolds and marigolds are the best companion plants. They are neutral and go well with all vegetables, fruits and berries.

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Which is correct?

As for planting in open ground, basil loves open sunny areas with fertile, water- and breathable soil. Tomatoes have similar requirements for their place of residence, which is another argument in favor of planting them together. Plant tomatoes in the southern, southwestern or southeastern areas of your garden.

For your information . The distance between the two plants should be such that the tomatoes do not take away light and air from their low-growing neighbors. Usually the standard forty to fifty centimeters is enough for this.

Tomatoes should be planted in the ground in early June, when the weather stabilizes and there is no chance of frost. Basil is planted outside when it gets warmer, usually in May, when daytime temperatures reach at least twenty degrees.

Unlike tomatoes, which can be planted in one place for several seasons, basil requires changing parts of the site every year. Don't forget about this if you want to get a good harvest.

For planting two crops in a greenhouse, many requirements, such as, for example, the required distance between crops, are maintained. But you can plant seedlings in the greenhouse at the beginning of May (approximate dates from the first to the tenth). At the same time, you can add basil to the tomatoes.

The best and worst predecessors

The spice will grow best in the place of crops for the development of which the soil was generously fertilized with minerals:

legumes;
zucchini;
strawberry;
cucumbers;
nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants).

What to plant after basil

The following will grow best after it:

garlic;
onion;
zucchini;
parsley;
pumpkin;
squash;
potato.

How to care?

Both tomatoes and basil love warmth, so before planting them, wait until the average outside temperature is at least fifteen to eighteen degrees.
Monitor watering: the soil should be moist, loose and nutritious.
Also don’t forget about fertilizing. Without adding additional organic matter, you are unlikely to get a high-quality harvest. The calculation is as follows: 100 grams of product are required per square meter. But after 6 weeks, fertilizing is done with universal fertilizers (50 grams per square meter).
Don’t forget to weed the soil and get rid of weeds in a timely manner.

Tomato neighbors in the greenhouse

We have more or less figured out the companions in the garden, and now let’s talk about the neighbors of the tomatoes in the greenhouse. In theory, we all understand that different crops prefer different growing conditions and putting cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants and peppers into one greenhouse is not a good idea, but... In practice, most gardeners have only one greenhouse, or at most two. Therefore, heat-loving vegetables have to get along with each other.

Is it possible to plant cucumbers and tomatoes in the same greenhouse?

Cucumbers and tomatoes have completely different requirements for the greenhouse microclimate, one might say opposite. Tomatoes need dry air, ventilation, high (but not excessive) air temperature, rare but abundant watering. Cucumbers love humidity and heat. If it is possible to grow cucumbers separately, you should take advantage of it.

And yet, many summer residents successfully divide the greenhouse between these two vegetables and do not complain about the harvest. It is best to select two zones in one greenhouse, separating one from the other with dense material (plywood, carbonate, glass film). Then in each zone you can create your own conditions favorable for a particular culture.

Is it possible to plant eggplants next to tomatoes?

Eggplant generally does not like neighbors, and its requirements for environmental conditions are very specific (we talked about this in more detail HERE). It needs more moisture, no draft and plenty of sunlight. In addition, eggplants and tomatoes belong to the same nightshade family, which means that they can be affected by similar pests and diseases, and they “pull” the same substances from the soil.

Only one conclusion can be drawn from this - it is not recommended for eggplants and tomatoes to be neighbors in a greenhouse. Or you will have to again divide the greenhouse into zones, as in the case of cucumbers.

Is it possible to grow peppers and tomatoes in the same greenhouse?

But we had better luck with peppers. Their preferences regarding humidity, air temperature and feeding with tomatoes are almost the same. Even though peppers are also nightshades, these two crops grow surprisingly well in the same greenhouse. In addition, the smell of tomato tops repels aphids, which love to settle on peppers.

The most important thing is not to forget to tie up both peppers and tomatoes, to plant and form bushes in time, because both crops need good lighting to grow and bear fruit.

We wish you success and great harvests!

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How and when to harvest tomatoes and herbs?

The first tomato harvest, depending on the variety, may be as early as July and last until October. By the way, you don’t have to wait until the tomatoes turn red right on the branch: the fruits can ripen on your windowsill.

Advice . Basil should be harvested before flowering, when its leaves still have buds (late July-August).

The leaves need to be picked young, then they are more tender, softer and more fragrant. After this, they can be used as a seasoning for dishes, brewed to prevent diseases, or dried for the winter.

What else can or cannot plant basil next to? Read the answer to this question on our website, as well as the compatibility of basil with cucumbers.

What is the neighbor doing?

One day I noticed how unusual my neighbor’s property looked. She does not have a vegetable garden in the usual sense of the word. All crops are placed chaotically, and flowers and aromatic herbs are planted between the vegetables. This looks quite strange and very unusual. Meanwhile, the neighbor is getting an excellent harvest, especially tomatoes. One can only envy the tomatoes she grew.

Every year, a neighbor plants marigolds and basil in her tomato beds. At first I thought that she simply didn’t have enough space in the garden or that she wanted the beds to look like flower beds. But, as it turned out, the problem is not at all in the appearance of the garden, and certainly not in the lack of space.

How to deal with diseases and pests?

Thanks to a successful neighborhood, basil and tomatoes will save each other on their own. This is the main reason why both plants are planted next to each other.

The only problem may be late blight that occurs on tomatoes . It spreads quickly in high humidity and low air temperatures. You need to fight it with prevention. To do this, use biological drugs.

When picking seedlings or when sowing seeds in separate containers, add Trichodermin to the soil (5 grams per 5 liters of soil), and before planting plants in the greenhouse, water the soil with Gamair and Alirin B (1 tablet per 10 liters of water). This amount of solution is enough for a bed of 10 square meters.

Thus, we are convinced that tomatoes and basil get along well together. Follow simple rules for planting and caring for plants, and you can treat yourself to a delicious and aromatic salad straight from the garden.

Compatibility with tomatoes in the garden and in the greenhouse

Basil is the best neighbor for tomatoes in the garden and in the greenhouse . The spice protects tomatoes from the Colorado potato beetle, powdery mildew, and hornworm, and also improves the taste of the tomato. Both crops require abundant watering and frequent loosening of the soil.

Sow the fragrant herb between the trunks of the tomatoes, keeping a distance of 15-20 cm. When growing basil and tomatoes together in a greenhouse, avoid darkening the spice. To do this, the tomatoes are tied up and their lower branches are removed.

With cucumbers

Their neighborhood is also favorable. Basil protects them from powdery mildew and whiteflies, and cucumber prevents acidification of the soil and shields its neighbor from sunlight, which has a beneficial effect on the growth of the latter. Both crops require intensive soil moisture, which also makes their proximity mutually beneficial.

Important! Basil must be sown between cucumbers, keeping a distance of 10-15 cm.

Greenhouse and soil requirements

Requirements for greenhouse construction depend on the climatic conditions of a particular region and growing purposes. In central regions, when planting greenery early, it is recommended to build a greenhouse made of polycarbonate or glass. Such materials are able to retain heat well and transmit light, so seedlings in such a shelter can withstand even severe frosts.

Manure has a good effect of preserving heat, so when planting in the spring, it is recommended to mix it with the top layer of soil. Gardeners today practice growing basil on shelves, which significantly expands the possibilities for obtaining a larger harvest due to an increase in planting area. Regardless of the methods used, the greenhouse for greenery should be located in a sunny place and have structures that allow the room to be ventilated at any time.

Some people make self-opening windows when the temperature rises above normal, which makes caring for the plantings much easier.

Basil is considered a plant that is quite demanding on the soil. The soil should be moderately loose and not have a high level of acidity. Sandy soil with a rich composition of organic substances is optimal for the plant. Before planting, the soil is pre-prepared by removing the top layer and digging it together with peat and sand. Such work can be carried out both in spring and autumn.

Crop rotation rules

One of the first rules that allows you to always get a rich harvest with a minimum of effort is compliance with crop rotation. It is based on the fact that each plant extracts a unique combination of microelements from the earth. Some need more nitrogen, iron and manganese, while others need more potassium, magnesium and zinc.

Of course, if you plant the same plant on your plot every year, the supply of substances needed to grow it will rapidly deplete. It is not surprising that in two to three years the yield will drop sharply. As experts say in such cases, “monoculture kills the soil.”

To prevent this from happening, you need to change the location of the beds every year. Moreover, it is important to ensure that not only one plant, but also those close to it are not grown in one place. For basil, these are all herbs, such as savory, marjoram, coriander and tarragon - they take approximately the same substances from the ground.

Fact! Growing closely related crops in one area not only depletes the land, but also increases the risk of dangerous infectious diseases.

Experts recommend not returning the crop to its old place for at least three years - only in the fourth year can it be re-grown in its old place. Thanks to this planting, you can grow a really rich harvest.

Favorable neighborhood for basil in one bed

Having understood the importance of crop rotation, it is worth finding out which basil neighbors in the garden may be the best choice. It turns out that this is a very important element of agriculture. Plants must not only absorb various substances from the ground, but also help each other, for example, by beneficially exchanging macro- and microelements, and sometimes even protecting each other from diseases and pests.

So, what to plant basil with in the same bed? This spice has a deep root system, so it is better to grow it together with plants that have a root system located at a shallow depth.

And the choice here is really great:

carrot,
pepper,
legumes,
salad,
corn,
onion,
zucchini,
cucumbers,
celery.

So, for basil, the neighborhood in the garden can be almost anything. This plant is quite unpretentious, and also useful. Why? This should be looked into in more detail.

How to grow tomatoes | Thompson and Morgan

You can't beat the taste of homegrown tomatoes straight from the vine - they're so easy to seed and grow! Simply choose your favorites from the huge range of tomato seeds and tomato plants on offer and follow our instructions for a bountiful, juicy, sun-drenched harvest. Here are some basic tips on how to plant, sow and grow tomato seeds.

How to grow tomatoes from seeds?

Sow tomato seeds in March or April, about 6 to 8 weeks before the last winter frost, or sooner if you are growing tomatoes in a greenhouse. Cover the seeds thinly with good quality seed compost. Fill with 1.5 mm of compost and lightly water with water from a watering can.

If you are only growing a few plants, sow two seeds in a 7.5cm (3in) pot. Keep the compost moist, but be careful not to overwater it, as wet conditions can encourage the development of the disease that causes "damping". and other mold problems. At 21 degrees Celsius, tomato seeds usually germinate in 7 to 14 days. Once germinated, remove the smaller plant.

Pot the tomato seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle. Hold the plants by the leaves, being careful not to touch the stems, and transplant them into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Protect plants from frost, cold winds and drafts, which can kill them.

Which tomato variety should you choose?

If you're still undecided, check out our tomato selection guide to help you choose which tomato varieties to grow.

How much water do tomato plants need?

Tomatoes need plenty of water and feed to produce a good harvest. For best results, water lightly and often. Some gardeners leave several filled watering cans in the greenhouse to keep the tap or barrel water from getting too cold.

Some people claim that watering at the same time every day affects the quality of the crop! Feed your tomatoes with regular liquid food until the first bunch has formed, then alternate with high-potassium food to encourage more flowers and fruit.

How to grow tomatoes in a greenhouse?

Growing tomatoes indoors produces an early harvest, especially if you choose recommended varieties such as 'Sungold', 'Money Maker' or 'Country Taste'. If you prefer tomatoes for making soups and sauces, then the 'Roma VF' tomato is the one , what you need. From February onwards, sow in 7.5cm (3in) pots according to the instructions on the seed packet.

Plant young plants when they are approximately 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) tall and the first stem flowers are just beginning to bloom. If you are planting in a greenhouse border, make sure you dig in plenty of garden compost or well-rotted manure during the winter, and be sure to rake in a general purpose fertilizer before planting.

If you have used tomato borders in the past, it is best to change the soil before growing them again, otherwise soil pests and root diseases may become a problem. Growing tomatoes in pots or grow bags? Remember that they will require a lot more water and care.

Plant tomatoes 45cm (18in) apart, leaving 75cm (30in) between rows, and if planting in a grow bag, limit yourself to two plants per bag. Tomatoes prefer temperatures of 21–24 °C (70–75 °F) and do not do well in temperatures above 27 °C (81 °F) or below 16 °C (61 °F). Make sure you ventilate the greenhouse regularly to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases.

How to grow tomatoes outside?

For best results, choose proven favorites such as Gardener's Delight, Money Maker or Sweet Olive. Alternatively, if you are growing tomatoes in hanging baskets, choose varieties such as 'Cherry Cascade' or 'Tasty Tumbler'.

Wait about 6-8 weeks before the last frost is predicted and sow as directed on the seed packet in 7.5cm (3in) pots. It's time to plant the young vines when they are about 15-20cm (6-8in) tall, the flowers on the first bunch are just beginning to bloom and the risk of frost has passed.

If you are planting in the ground, make sure you dig in plenty of garden compost or manure during the winter and throw in a general purpose fertilizer just before planting. Tomatoes are hungry plants!

Plant tomatoes 45 cm (18 inches) apart, leaving 75 cm (30 inches) between rows. If you are growing them in grow bags, limit the number of plants to two and remember that they will need extra watering and care.

To save space, grow tomatoes outdoors in hanging baskets or upside down. Simply plant a young tomato plant through a hole in the bottom of a bucket or similar hanging container and fill the container with all-purpose compost. Hang the bucket from the bracket and let the plant dangle underneath it.

How to train tomatoes?

How you grow tomatoes depends on whether you choose cordon/indeterminate, semi-determinate, or determinate varieties:

Cordon/indeterminate: The most common tomato. These single-stemmed plants with side shoots removed grow very tall, sometimes reaching 2.5 m.
Semi-determinate: Similar to indeterminate varieties (grown as cordons) but produces shorter plants.
Bush / Determinate: Stops growing earlier than indeterminate varieties, in which the stem ends in a fruit bunch. They are called bush and dwarf and are suitable for hanging baskets. They do not require pruning.

For indeterminate and semi-determinate varieties (cordons), tie the plant to a support as it grows. Pinching side shoots as they develop concentrates the plant's energy on fruiting. When the cordon reaches the top of its support, cut the tip of the main stem two leaves above the top flower truss.

For the best quality fruit, it is best to limit the number of fruit clusters to six per plant. If the vine does not reach the top of the support by late summer, cut off the main top anyway to allow the remaining fruit to ripen.

Determinate varieties (bush/dwarf) require no pruning or training and will happily spread across the ground or around the pot in which they grow. Determinate varieties may stop flower production after a few bunches, but you can encourage continued upward growth by training the topmost side shot.

When should you pick tomatoes?

Start harvesting tomatoes when the fruits are ripe and full color. When frost threatens late in the season, lift any plants with unripe fruit and hang them upside down under a canopy. Tomatoes can be successfully frozen if you find that you have a surplus.

Common Tomato Problems

Like potatoes, tomatoes experience a decline in vigor. Make sure you take the right precautions when growing Image: Shutterstock / Radovan1

Tomato burn

A common problem caused by wet weather, especially in outdoor plants, tomato blight spreads quickly, leaving characteristic brown spots throughout the plant. The rot not only kills the vines, but also rots the fruit. How to stop the loss of strength? Grow blight-resistant tomato varieties or spray your plants with Bordeaux Mixture in early summer.

Problems with fruits

Irregular watering or too much water late in the growth cycle will cause fruiting problems, such as:

Bloom end rot: A dark spot at the base of the fruit, more common if the plant is grown in a grow bag.
Blossom Drop: The flower bud falls off.
Dry Set: Fruit growth stops when the fruit reaches the size of a match head.
Fruit separation

The key to a healthy tomato harvest is regular, even watering delivered to the base of the plant. Too much water too late tends to be a problem in most cases, especially for plants grown in pots and bags.

Too much direct sunlight can also damage your crop. Tomatoes require high light intensity to grow well, but too much can cause spots, burns, or spots on the developing fruit. "Green grass" is a common problem caused by too much sunlight, leaving a hard green patch on ripe fruit on the "shoulder".

If this is a problem, increase the amount of potassium in your plants' feeding regimen and use fleece or shade as cover during the hottest part of the day. Using resistant varieties such as 'Alicante' or 'Craigella' can also help.

Insect pests

Beware of green and white flies because both can spread viruses. As soon as you notice pests, spray the vines with a recommended insecticide. Organic gardeners may prefer to plant calendula varieties such as 'Tomato Growing Secret' nearby, which attract beneficial insects that eat the pests.

Problems with the sheet

Curling leaves. May be caused by aphids sucking the sap out of them, but if no insects are present, the most likely cause is low nighttime temperatures (more noticeable in early summer). In this case, there is nothing to worry about.

Mosaic patterns, stripes, or distorted leaf surfaces. Your tomatoes may have a virus, in which case it is best to remove and destroy them before the problem spreads. Always disinfect tools, shoes and gloves after working with diseased plants.

Yellowing of leaves starts with older leaves and moves upward. The problem may be a magnesium deficiency, which can be easily corrected with a special magnesium feed.

For a visual guide to growing tomatoes, watch this video on How to Grow Tomato Seeds.

Growing tomatoes is a great way to get ingredients for soups, salads, sandwiches and more. If you've never tried it, give it a try - and if you're a seasoned player, what new varieties should you try?

How to store green tomatoes in your garden so they ripen inside in the fall and winter

Notes for this month:

August 2022: Preserved American apples are still available. See your state's harvest availability calendar for more precise dates for upcoming crops.

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Planting Basil to Repel Insects and Protect Against Diseases

Goes great with carrots

Of course, readers are probably interested not only in what they can plant basil next to, but also why. It turns out that this simple herb releases essential oils. They not only make basil a very unenviable prey for many insect pests, but also repel them from other, more susceptible crops.

It will be useful to consider some of them more closely, so that the reader can better understand what will be best for planting basil.

Curious! Basil contains phytoncides, carotene, sugar, as well as vitamins A, C, B and PP.

For example, peppers can be wonderful neighbors. Its root system is poorly buried, so they definitely won’t become competitors. A not too thick crown does not prevent the basil from receiving enough sunlight. In turn, the pepper receives reliable protection from a variety of insects, such as thrips, slugs, greenhouse whiteflies, spider mites and the ubiquitous aphids.