Companion planting, or polyculture, is the application of the science of planting complementary plants together and avoiding planting those that don’t work well together. There’s a lot behind the idea that some plants make perfect pairs. And some don’t. In selecting the perfect plant pairs you need to look at food, water and sun requirements, but also how the plants grow. In this article, I’ll talk specifically about the importance of understanding companion planting, and then go into more depth about whether you can plant oregano with tomatoes and the pros and cons of doing so. In essence, though, I’ll answer the question “Can you plant oregano with tomatoes?” – as well as “should you plant oregano with tomatoes?” I’ll also give you the pros and cons of growing tomatoes with oregano.
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Why Worry About Companion Plants?
Companion planting isn’t just for herbs, spices, and vegetables. It also pertains to flowers and anything else you grow in the garden. There are many benefits to companion planting. One major benefit is that it’ll help your plants grow and thrive to their full potential. Another is that when you strategically place plants next to each other, they can help one another out. Here are some of the top benefits of companion planting, but for much more detail you’ll want to read my guide to companion planting.
- Boost flavour and colouring in some plants
- Protect other plants from certain pests
- Attract pollinators for the other plants
- Shade regulation
- Soil fertility
- Weed control
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Can you Plant Oregano with Tomatoes?
The short answer is yes. You can plant oregano with tomatoes. It’s a great idea to pair these two plants together – and you can read more of tomato growing secrets here.
However, there are pros and cons to everything, so while oregano and tomatoes pair well together, there are a few things to look out for. First, let’s discuss the benefits.
Pros of Planting Oregano and Tomatoes together
Not only will oregano help you in the kitchen once it’s harvested, but growing this fabulous herb can help while it’s in the garden. Oregano helps plants around it in several ways.
First, oregano has fabulous tiny white flowers which attract bees and other pollinators to your garden, helping to pollinate your plants and help them grow.
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Next, Oregano is great at repelling unwanted pests, such as cabbage moths.
Finally, oregano is a hardy herb to grow and doesn’t need a whole lot of help. You can place it in your garden around vegetables that need similar soil, or you can grow oregano in its own container, leaving it in your garden around the plants you want it to help.
Cons of Planting Oregano and Tomatoes together
There aren’t too many cons to growing oregano and tomatoes together. Oregano is a herb that helps many plants and vegetables in your garden. Oregano, will, for instance, add flavour and colour to the rest of your garden, keeping unwanted pests away and attracting pollinators to help your garden thrive.
The only con with putting tomatoes and oregano together is that you want them to help each other rather than compete. Oregano tends to spread, so you’ll want to make sure you keep it in check so that it doesn’t overwhelm your tomatoes. I’m a huge fan of growing pretty much everything in pots, so keeping them both under control that way is a great way of getting over this.
How close to Plant Oregano and Tomato
You can plant oregano and tomatoes relatively close together. You can put them beside each other if you’d like or put another plant in between them.
You’ll want both the oregano and the tomato to be the same height and face the same way. This will allow them to get similar sunlight, and they won’t try to compete with one another.
FAQs on Planting Tomatoes near Oregano
Got questions about companion planting tomatoes and oregano? Or want to know more about how oregano and tomato grow together and we haven’t answered your questions? Check out our frequently asked questions about pairing oregano and tomatoes below, or ask us yours in the comments.
What can I plant next to oregano?
Oregano is a fabulous companion plant and it can help protect other herb and vegetable plants such as cabbage, cauliflower, strawberries and turnips amongst others. There’s more in my oregano companion planting guide here.
What herbs should I plant next to oregano?
Oregano is versatile and works well when planted next to lavender, thyme, sage and rosemary.
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Can oregano be planted next to peppers?
Yes! The tiny flowers on oregano will attract pollinators which will help your peppers.
Final Words on Planting Oregano with Tomatoes
Can you place oregano with tomatoes? Yes, you can. And you should. Planting oregano next to or near tomatoes should help the tomatoes grow well. Oregano is a great plant to put next to just about any flower, herb, spice, or vegetable. If you want your tomatoes to thrive, placing them near oregano in the garden is an excellent option. In addition, tomatoes and oregano go well together on the plate. So, you can grow both for the same recipe.
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