Tomatoes Hate Cucumbers: The Secrets of Companion Planting
Did you know tomatoes and cucumbers aren’t the best neighbors in the garden? Here’s why these popular plants don’t get along and what to plant instead!
Why Tomatoes and Cucumbers Clash
1. Different Water Needs – Cucumbers love consistent moisture, while tomatoes prefer drier soil once established. Overwatering tomatoes to suit cucumbers can cause root rot and diseases.
2. Space and Sunlight Competition – Cucumbers sprawl or climb, often shading tomatoes and limiting the sunlight they need for strong, healthy growth.
3. Disease Risks – Both plants are prone to fungal and bacterial diseases like powdery mildew and wilt, which can spread more easily when planted too close together.
Better Companion Plants
For Tomatoes:
✅ Basil – Improves tomato flavor and repels pests like flies and mosquitoes.
✅ Marigolds – Help deter nematodes and other garden pests.
✅ Carrots – Naturally aerate the soil, improving airflow and water absorption for tomatoes.
For Cucumbers:
✅ Radishes – Repel cucumber beetles, keeping plants pest-free.
✅ Sunflowers – Act as a natural trellis for cucumbers and attract pollinators.
✅ Lettuce – Benefits from cucumber shade, helping to keep soil moist and cool.
Garden smarter—pair plants wisely for a healthier, more productive harvest!