Each gardener is faced with the question of how to make the most optimal use of his plot for planting vegetables. Basil is a wonderful spice that goes well with tomatoes. Therefore, it is not surprising that many are thinking about whether they can be planted together.
In this article, we will look at how to combine basil and tomatoes on the same bed, what benefits from this and how to care for these plants when grown nearby.
Is it possible to grow near outdoor?
Not only possible, but even necessary! The proximity of these two cultures will be very successful and complementary. Tomatoes contain saponin - a special substance that provides intensive growth and development of nearby plants.
Interesting fact. The saponin released from tomatoes protects the planting from pests, since its chemical composition is dangerous for them. Therefore, you can not be afraid to meet on your site of frogs and worms.
Beneficial effect on tomatoes and basil. First, it also performs a protective function, scaring off pests. Secondly, it frightens off spider mites, which can cause the death of the crop. And finally, basil helps to improve the taste of the fruit.
Can it damage the plants close proximity in open ground?
In principle, if you decide to combine both plants on your plot, then you have nothing to fear. They do not conflict and get along well together. The only problem, judging by the reviews of gardeners, may be uneven growth of plants. So, the bushes of tomatoes, growing, can block the basil access to sunlight. This problem is solved by choosing the right garden area for planting.
The best cultivars for cultivation together and their photos.
Today there are a huge number of varieties of basil, each of which has its own unique characteristics. For planting in open ground with tomatoes, the following types are best suited:
Fragrant
The most fragrant type of basil, something reminiscent of the smell of cloves. Of the varieties should be preferred "Magical Michael" and "Genovese Gigante". They are best friends with tomatoes and give its fruit shades of unique spicy taste.
Cinnamon
Another name for this type of basil is Mexican. Its smell is a bit like cinnamon. The most livable varieties - "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 sharp and specific. Next to the tomatoes we plant a "table" variety of seasoning.
But tomatoes can choose any variety, such as "Nevsky", which will give you a great harvest and grow well in central Russia.
Planting together in one greenhouse
Basil is not for nothing called the best friend of tomatoes. Therefore, it is recommended to plant them in one greenhouse. Basil in the immediate vicinity will give the vegetable a spicy taste and aroma, as well as protect it from all sorts of pests. Tomatoes will also produce a positive effect on basil.
In this way, two cultures coexist in the same greenhouse, which means that you can indulge yourself with a fresh salad throughout the year.
How correct?
As for planting in open field, basil loves open sunny areas with fertile water- and breathable soil. Tomatoes have similar requirements for their place of residence, which is another argument for their joint planting. Plant tomatoes in the southern, southwestern or southeastern parts of your garden.
Dive tomatoes in the ground should be in early June, when the weather stabilizes, and there will be no probability of frosts. Basil on the street is planted when the onset of heat, usually in May, when the daytime temperature reaches at least twenty degrees.
Unlike tomatoes, which can be planted in one place for several seasons, basil requires an annual change of part of the plot. Do not forget about it if you want to get a good harvest.
For planting two crops in a greenhouse, many requirements, such as, for example, the necessary distance between crops is maintained. But it is possible to plant seedlings in the greenhouse already in early May (approximate numbers from the first to the tenth). At the same time, basil can be planted with tomatoes.
How to care?
Both tomatoes and basil love heat, so before planting them, wait for the time when the average temperature outside will be at least fifteen to eighteen degrees.- Watch for watering: the ground should be wet, loose and nutritious.
- Also do not forget about dressing. Without the introduction of additional organic substances is unlikely you can get a quality crop. The calculation is as follows: per square meter requires 100 grams of funds. But after 6 weeks, fertilizers are fed with universal fertilizers (50 grams per square meter).
- Do not forget to weed the land in time and get rid of weeds.
Both tomatoes and basil love heat, so before planting them, wait for the time when the average temperature outside will be at least fifteen to eighteen degrees.How and when to harvest tomatoes and spicy herbs?
The first harvest of tomatoes, depending on their variety, may already be in July and last until October. By the way, it is not necessary to wait until the tomatoes turn red right on the branch: the fruits can ripen on your window sill.
Board. Basil must be harvested before flowering, when there are still buds on its leaves (end of July-August).
Leaves need to be plucked young, then they are softer, softer and more fragrant. After that, they can be used as a seasoning for dishes, brewed for the prevention of diseases or dried for the winter.
How to deal with diseases and pests?
Thanks to a good neighborhood, basil and tomatoes will save each other on their own. This reason can be called the main reason why both plants are planted next to each other.
The only problem may be late blight that occurs on tomatoes.. It quickly spreads at high humidity and low air temperature. You need to fight it with prevention. To do this, use biological products.
When sowing seedlings or sowing seeds in separate containers, apply Trichodermin (5 grams per 5 liters of soil) into the soil, and before planting in the greenhouse, spill the soil with Gamar 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 made sure that tomatoes and basil get along well together. Follow the simple rules of planting and caring for plants, and you can pamper yourself with a delicious and fragrant salad straight from the garden.
