Should You Plant Tomatoes & Cucumbers Together?

Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:34 pm

Tomatoes and cucumbers are very popular among gardeners. And many wonder whether the two vegetables are compatible with each other. This text provides information about the extent to which tomato and cucumber plants fit together.

In the bed

In the garden, in principle, it is possible to plant tomatoes and cucumbers together, but there are advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, in order for both vegetables in a mixed culture to give full yield, increased attention is required. However, separate areas, each with a different planting partner, are better than direct proximity in a bed.

Nutrient supply

Since tomatoes and cucumbers are so-called high-yielding plants, they require a particularly large amount of nutrients and must also be fertilized during cultivation.

• Advantage: joint fertilization possible in the same bed
• Disadvantage: both plants are in constant competition for nutrients
• (Possible) consequence: both plants decline or only one thrives splendidly

Note: Weak growers are more suitable as direct neighbors for strong growers, as they do not require further nutrients.

Pests and diseases

There are hardly any pests that occur equally on both types of vegetables and would therefore argue against planting them together in the garden bed. Only susceptibility to fungal diseases can be a problem. For tomatoes it is late blight, for cucumber plants it is often powdery mildew. Fungal attack can be prevented as follows:

• wide planting distances between neighbors
• keep leaves dry/water directly at the root
• use plant strengtheners
• choose an airy, sunny location
• plant resistant or robust varieties

Note: Be sure to water both vegetable plants only in the soil area and do not wet the leaves if possible.

Water

Both vegetables are fruiting vegetables that require a lot of water for fruiting. They require daily watering and are grateful for a layer of mulch to reduce evaporation.

In the greenhouse

Under glass, the conditions for growing vegetables are somewhat different than outdoors. The microclimate has a greater impact, including on growing cucumber and tomato plants together.

Humidity

One problem in the greenhouse is high humidity. While some vegetables need just that humidity, others tolerate it poorly and may get fungus.

Frequent airing can lower the humidity, but often also drives the heat out of the greenhouse. Therefore, it makes more sense from the outset to plant only vegetables together that have similar requirements for humidity and heat. This is not the case with tomatoes and cucumbers:

• Tomatoes like it dry
• Cucumbers rather moist

Tip: Windows with automatic opening take a lot of work off, as they open by themselves when they get too hot.

Soil fatigue

Due to the often limited space in the greenhouse, vegetable plants are planted closer together. When heavy feeders are planted together, soil fatigue can occur much more quickly and take care of the plants. Frequent fertilization and nutrient supplementation are necessary.

Diseases and pests

One disadvantage of greenhouses is the more rapid spread of pests and diseases due to limited space. In the warm, humid climate of the greenhouse, fungal diseases thrive particularly well. Condensation forming on the leaves, for example, can cause late blight on tomato plants.

Plant separately

If tomato plants and cucumbers are to grow in greenhouses, then this only works well separately:

• two small greenhouses or
• separate areas in a large
• Tomatoes at airier, drier area at door
• Cucumber plants in the back area

Tip: To separate the greenhouse, you can use, for example, a wooden structure covered with greenhouse film

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