Can You Plant Tomatillos with Tomatoes?

Can You Plant Tomatillos With Tomatoes?

Tomatillos and tomatoes are two of the most popular fruits grown in home gardens, and for good reason. They’re both delicious, versatile, and relatively easy to grow. But can you plant them together?

The short answer is yes, you can plant tomatillos with tomatoes. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that both plants thrive.

In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of planting tomatillos with tomatoes, as well as some tips for success. We’ll also provide a planting guide so that you can get started growing these delicious fruits in your own garden.

Can You Plant Tomatillos With Tomatoes? Yes No
Tomatillos and tomatoes are both members of the nightshade family, so they can be planted together. Tomatillos and tomatoes have similar growing requirements, so they can be planted together. Tomatillos and tomatoes may compete for resources, such as water and nutrients, if planted too close together.
Tomatillos and tomatoes can cross-pollinate, which can result in tomatoes with a slightly different flavor. Tomatillos and tomatoes can be harvested at different times, so they can be planted together to extend the harvest season. Tomatillos and tomatoes may attract the same pests, so they should be monitored closely for signs of infestation.

Similarities and Differences Between Tomatillos and Tomatoes

Tomatillos (Physalis philadelphica) and tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are both members of the nightshade family, and they share many similarities. Both plants are native to the Americas, and they are both grown for their edible fruits. However, there are also some key differences between tomatillos and tomatoes.

Similarities

  • Both tomatillos and tomatoes are herbaceous perennials that are grown as annuals.
  • Both plants produce fleshy, berry-like fruits that are green when immature and red when ripe.
  • Both plants are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
  • Both plants are susceptible to the same pests and diseases.

Differences

  • Tomatillos have a papery husk that surrounds the fruit, while tomatoes do not.
  • Tomatillos have a tart, tangy flavor, while tomatoes have a sweeter flavor.
  • Tomatillos are more commonly used in Mexican cuisine, while tomatoes are more commonly used in other cuisines around the world.

Growing Tomatillos and Tomatoes Together

Tomatillos and tomatoes can be grown together in the same garden, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Tomatillos and tomatoes have different water and nutrient requirements. Tomatillos need more water than tomatoes, and they are more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies.
  • Tomatillos and tomatoes are susceptible to the same pests and diseases. It is important to monitor your plants for pests and diseases and to treat them accordingly.
  • Tomatillos and tomatoes can cross-pollinate. If you are growing heirloom tomatoes, it is important to keep tomatillos and tomatoes separate to avoid cross-pollination.

Overall, tomatillos and tomatoes can be grown together in the same garden, but it is important to be aware of their different needs and to take steps to prevent pests and diseases.

Growing Tomatillos and Tomatoes Together

Tomatillos and tomatoes can be grown together in the same garden, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Tomatillos and tomatoes have different water and nutrient requirements. Tomatillos need more water than tomatoes, and they are more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies.
  • Tomatillos and tomatoes are susceptible to the same pests and diseases. It is important to monitor your plants for pests and diseases and to treat them accordingly.
  • Tomatillos and tomatoes can cross-pollinate. If you are growing heirloom tomatoes, it is important to keep tomatillos and tomatoes separate to avoid cross-pollination.

Planting Tomatillos and Tomatoes Together

When planting tomatillos and tomatoes together, it is important to choose a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. Tomatillos and tomatoes can be planted in the same row, but it is important to space them at least 2 feet apart. Tomatillos should be planted in the ground, while tomatoes can be planted in the ground or in containers.

Caring for Tomatillos and Tomatoes Together

Tomatillos and tomatoes need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Tomatillos need more water than tomatoes, so it is important to check the soil moisture regularly and to water them deeply when necessary. Tomatillos and tomatoes also need regular fertilization. You can use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, or a fertilizer specifically formulated for tomatoes.

Pests and Diseases

Tomatillos and tomatoes are susceptible to the same pests and diseases, including aphids, mites, whiteflies, tomato hornworms, and tomato blight. It is important to monitor your plants for pests and diseases and to treat them accordingly. If you are growing heirloom tomatoes, it is important to keep tomatillos and tomatoes separate to avoid cross-pollination.

Harvesting Tomatillos and Tomatoes

Tomatillos and tomatoes are ready to harvest when they are ripe. Tomatillos are ripe when they are bright green and the husk is starting to split. Tomatoes are ripe when they are red, orange, or yellow. You can harvest tomatillos and tomatoes by cutting them from the vine.

Storing Tomatillos and Tomatoes

Tomatillos and tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze tomatillos and tomatoes for longer storage. To freeze tomatillos, wash them and remove the husks. Cut the tomatillos into quarters and place them in a freezer bag. To freeze tomatoes, wash them and cut them into wedges or slices. Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet and freeze them for several hours. Once the tomatoes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag.

Tomatillos and tomatoes can be grown together in the same garden,

Potential Problems with Growing Tomatillos and Tomatoes Together

There are a few potential problems with growing tomatillos and tomatoes together.

  • Competition for nutrients and water. Tomatillos and tomatoes are both heavy feeders, so they can compete for nutrients and water if they are planted too close together. This can lead to stunted growth and poor yields.
  • Diseases. Tomatillos and tomatoes are susceptible to the same diseases, such as early blight, late blight, and verticillium wilt. If they are planted too close together, the diseases can spread from one plant to the other, making it more difficult to control.
  • Insects. Tomatillos and tomatoes are both attractive to pests, such as aphids, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies. If they are planted too close together, the pests can easily spread from one plant to the other, making it more difficult to control.

Tips for Growing Tomatillos and Tomatoes Together

Despite the potential problems, it is possible to grow tomatillos and tomatoes together successfully. Here are a few tips:

  • Plant them far enough apart. Tomatillos and tomatoes should be planted at least 2 feet apart to give each plant enough space to grow.
  • Rotate your crops. Rotating your crops helps to reduce the spread of diseases and pests. Plant tomatillos and tomatoes in a different location in your garden each year.
  • Prune your plants. Pruning your plants helps to improve air circulation and reduce the spread of diseases and pests. Remove any diseased or damaged leaves from your plants.
  • Use row covers. Row covers can help to protect your plants from pests. Cover your plants with row covers when they are young and vulnerable to pests.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow tomatillos and tomatoes together in your garden.

Tomatillos and tomatoes are both delicious and nutritious vegetables that can be enjoyed fresh or cooked. They are also relatively easy to grow, but it is important to be aware of the potential problems that can occur when growing them together. By following the tips in this article, you can successfully grow tomatillos and tomatoes together in your garden.

Can you plant tomatillos with tomatoes?

Yes, you can plant tomatillos with tomatoes. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when doing so.

  • Tomatillos and tomatoes have different watering and fertilizing needs. Tomatillos need more water than tomatoes, and they should be fertilized with a fertilizer that is higher in potassium.
  • Tomatillos and tomatoes can cross-pollinate, which can result in tomatoes that have a tomatillo-like flavor. If you do not want your tomatoes to cross-pollinate with tomatillos, you should plant them at least 20 feet apart.
  • Tomatillos and tomatoes can attract the same pests, so it is important to monitor both plants for signs of pests and diseases.

What are the benefits of planting tomatillos with tomatoes?

There are a few benefits to planting tomatillos with tomatoes.

  • Tomatillos and tomatoes can help each other to grow. Tomatillos can provide shade for tomatoes, which can help to protect them from the sun. Tomatoes can provide support for tomatillos, which can help to prevent them from falling over.
  • Tomatillos and tomatoes can add variety to your garden. Tomatillos have a unique flavor that can add interest to your tomato dishes.
  • Tomatillos and tomatoes are both relatively easy to grow, so they are a good option for beginner gardeners.

What are the risks of planting tomatillos with tomatoes?

There are a few risks to planting tomatillos with tomatoes.

  • Tomatillos and tomatoes can cross-pollinate, which can result in tomatoes that have a tomatillo-like flavor. If you do not want your tomatoes to cross-pollinate with tomatillos, you should plant them at least 20 feet apart.
  • Tomatillos and tomatoes can attract the same pests, so it is important to monitor both plants for signs of pests and diseases.
  • Tomatillos and tomatoes can have different watering and fertilizing needs, so it is important to make sure that you are providing both plants with the right care.

How do I plant tomatillos with tomatoes?

To plant tomatillos with tomatoes, follow these steps:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
2. Dig a hole for each tomatillo plant that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
3. Add a handful of compost to the bottom of each hole.
4. Gently remove the tomatillos from their pots and place them in the holes.
5. Cover the roots with soil and firm it down around the plants.
6. Water the plants thoroughly.

How do I care for tomatillos with tomatoes?

To care for tomatillos with tomatoes, follow these steps:

  • Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
  • Fertilize the plants with a fertilizer that is high in potassium.
  • Mulch around the plants to help keep the soil moist and to prevent weeds.
  • Monitor the plants for signs of pests and diseases and treat them as needed.
  • Harvest the tomatillos when they are ripe.

What are some common problems with tomatillos and tomatoes?

Some common problems with tomatillos and tomatoes include:

  • Pests: Tomatillos and tomatoes can attract a variety of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms.
  • Diseases: Tomatillos and tomatoes can be susceptible to a variety of diseases, including early blight, late blight, and verticillium wilt.
  • Watering: Tomatillos and tomatoes need regular watering, but they can be susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered.
  • Fertilizing: Tomatillos and tomatoes need a fertilizer that is high in potassium, but they can be susceptible to fertilizer burn if they are overfertilized.

How do I harvest tomatillos?

Tomatillos are ripe when they are firm and have a bright green color. The husk will start to split open when the tomatillo is ripe. To harvest a tomatillo, simply twist the stem and pull the tomatillo off of the plant.

How do I store tomatillos?

Tomatillos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To store tomatillos, simply place them in a paper bag and store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

it is possible to plant tomatillos with tomatoes, but there are some things to keep in mind. Tomatillos and tomatoes are both members of the nightshade family, so they have similar growing requirements. However, tomatillos are more sensitive to cold weather than tomatoes, so it is important to plant them in a warm area. Tomatillos also need more water than tomatoes, so it is important to water them regularly. If you are considering planting tomatillos with tomatoes, be sure to do your research and make sure that you are providing the plants with the conditions they need to thrive.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • Tomatillos and tomatoes are both members of the nightshade family, but they have different growing requirements.
  • Tomatillos are more sensitive to cold weather than tomatoes, so they should be planted in a warm area.
  • Tomatillos need more water than tomatoes, so it is important to water them regularly.
  • If you are considering planting tomatillos with tomatoes, be sure to do your research and make sure that you are providing the plants with the conditions they need to thrive.

Author Profile

Arthur Cook
Arthur Cook
Meet Arthur Cook, the heart and soul behind Plant4Harvest.com. Arthur’s story is deeply rooted in the rich soil of a small American town, where the horizon is wide, and the values of hard work and connection to the land run deep. Born and raised in the quaint town of Elkmont, Alabama, Arthur’s journey in agriculture began in the sprawling fields of his family’s farm, a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee border.

Arthur’s thirst for agricultural knowledge led him to Auburn University, where he majored in Agricultural Science. During his college years, Arthur dedicated his summers to working on local farms, gaining practical experience in modern farming techniques. His academic and real-world experiences combined to give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in American agriculture.

Arthur Cook is more than just a farmer; he is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and a mentor to the next generation of farmers. Through Plant4Harvest.com, he continues to inspire, educate, and engage with a community of individuals who share his love for the land and commitment to preserving it for future generations.