In a tomato and mozzarella salad, basil and tomatoes are ideal partners and complement each other perfectly in terms of taste. It's practical that you can also grow tomatoes together with basil. We will explain to you how this mixed culture works and what advantages it has.
Is basil suitable for mixed cultivation with tomatoes?
Basil isvery suitable to be grown together with tomatoes in a mixed culture, as the two plants have a positive effect on each other.
What are the advantages of growing together?
In general, mixed crops are significantlyhigher-yieldingthan individual crops - both the harvest of basil and tomato plants are therefore higher when they are grown together. Another advantage is that the low-growing basil canovergrow the free ground under the tomatoes, which would otherwise be unused. Probably the biggest advantage of mixed culture is that tomatoes and basil, as good neighbors in the vegetable garden, can protect each other from diseases and pests.
Where can you plant basil and tomatoes together?
There are various ways to do this:
- In the garden bed: It is important to note that basil needs temperatures of at least 15 °C to grow. When it gets hot, the basil at the bottom reduces evaporation.
- In the greenhouse: If you want to harvest all year round, you can also grow basil and tomatoes together in the greenhouse - here too, the herbs are the perfect underplanting for tomatoes.
- In the pot: This mixed culture is ideal if basil and tomatoes are to be planted on the balcony.
How to water correctly?
It is extremely important for both tomatoes and basil to always waterfrom below. This means that neither the delicate leaves of the basil nor the leaves of the tomato plant get wet and the risk of fungi forming due to moisture is minimized. In addition, the basil as an underplant protects the tomatoes from splashing water. In addition, be sure toavoid waterlogging For potted plants, excess irrigation water must always be drained off. Planted basil requires well-drained soil.
Which tomato varieties are suitable for mixed cultivation?
All tomato varieties are suitable for mixed cultivation with basil. Different colors and shapes not only create a colorful picture in the bed, but also ensure a variety of flavors in the kitchen.
What else can you plant with tomatoes and basil?
Tomatoes and basil also go very well withvarious salads. Cucumbers, spinach and eggplants are also ideal planting partners. Other Mediterranean herbs such as oregano and rosemary are well suited for a colorful herb bed.
Tip
Don’t forget to fertilize
For best yields, both basil and the nightshade tomato must be fertilized regularly. You don't have to buy different fertilizers, but you can use one, the best organic, long-term fertilizer (€12.00 on Amazon), which supplies the plants with the nutrients they need.