The debate as to whether kale can be planted with tomatoes is one that continues to rage on in many home gardening circles, with passionate supporters from both sides making their opinions known.
Kale is a hearty leafy green, that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its popularity as a nutritious dietary staple is on the rise, with many seeking to grow it in their backyard oases. By contrast, tomatoes are one of the longest standing staples of home gardening, and tend to generate a strong following among devoted green thumbs.
When it comes to the discussion of whether kale and tomatoes should be planted together, the two camps tend to have different opinions. Those favoring it often point to the height differential between the two plants, allowing the tomatoes to receive greater sunlight nearer the top of the bed. They also point to the improved shelf life of the crop, particularly for tomatoes, as the kale leaves tend to draw moisture away from the fruit.
However, many traditionalists stick to their guns and resist planting the two together. For one, tomatoes and kale are both prone to various soil-borne disease, such as wilt and blight, which can spread easily from one to the other; thus minimizing risk of crop destruction. They also raise issues about the potential taste of the tomatoes, as the natural bitterness of kale can be imparted onto the fruit, making them less sweet than what is desired.
Therefore, it is important for horticulturists to weigh the pros and cons before settling on the ultimate decision. Kale and tomatoes are, at the end of the day, both vegetables, and share enough similarities for them to benefit from one another. However, by planting them together, gardeners may also risk introducin undesired elements to either plant. Conducting some research into the matter and consulting with experts in the field should be the first step in determining whether planting kale and tomatoes together is the right decision.
Crop Rotation and Soil Nutrition
Another factor to consider when deciding whether to plant kale and tomatoes together is a technique known as crop rotation. This involves changing the crop pattern on the same patch of land each season. The goal of this practice is to eliminate any buildup of pests or soil-borne diseases in the soil, leaving it healthy and nutrient-rich for each subsequent crop.
Crop rotation also helps to optimize soil fertility, because planting the same nutrients-hungry vegetables in the same space each season can deplete the soil’s natural stores of key nutrients. Therefore, planting kale with tomatoes in the same area year after year can be problematic, as both require an abundance of vital macro and micro-nutrients. To maximize crop yield, gardeners should opt for a variety of crops to rotate into the same patch of land each season, thus ensuring that the soil is fully capable of providing each plant with the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Companion Planting
Companion planting is another effective way of optimizing crop yield, and one that gardeners are increasingly using for their vegetable patches. This technique involves planting different vegetables, herbs and flowers close together, with the goal of helping them all thrive together. With companion planting, gardeners are able to manipulate the environment for each plant to their own needs, such as increasing or decreasing their water intake, or improving their pollination rate.
One common example of companion planting is tomatoes and basil. They both benefit from being planted in close proximity to one another, as the basil serves to repel certain pests which can harm the tomatoes, while also providing some natural nutrients for the fruit. In this sense, the debate as to whether kale and tomatoes should be planted together can be seen as part of the companion planting discussion, and is ultimately down to the discretion of each gardener.
Organic Gardening and Kale Replanting
Organic gardening is another horticultural practices that is becoming increasingly popular among modern gardeners. With organic gardening, pollutants or chemicals are not used, and the soil is maintained using natural methods. It also means that the vegetables that are planted are not modified in any way. This makes gardening not only more environmentally friendly, but also healthier.
With this in mind, it is important to recognize that kale can act as a replant, meaning that it is capable of replenishing the soil with vital nutrients so that other vegetables can benefit from the extra nutrients. This is why kale is often considered a valuable addition to an organic garden, as its natural fertilizer capabilities give it the oxygen and nutrients needed to ensure maximum yield for many vegetables.
Crop Mobility and Fungal Diseases
Crop mobility is another factor to consider when discussing the debate of growing kale with tomatoes. Crop mobility refers to the ability to move the crop from one place to another, in order to reduce any risk of disease. Many vegetables have a certain level of crop mobility, allowing them to be gently lifted and transported to another area as needed. Kale, however, can be particularly vulnerable to fungal diseases if left in the same spot for too long; so moving them to another area of the garden can help alleviate the risk of disease.
Tomatoes, however, are not quite as mobile. In order to move them, they must be picked and the roots left in the ground. This can be quite a labor intensive process, and is often something gardeners don’t want to do. Therefore, it is important to consider crop mobility when deciding whether to plant kale and tomatoes in the same patch of land.
Heirloom Varieties and Growing Zones
When it comes to planting kale and tomatoes together, another factor to consider is the specific variety of each vegetable. If an heirloom tomato variety is chosen, it is important to note that the tomato plant will typically require more space than other varieties, as it may have a larger root structure. This can be problematic if the same patch of land is being shared with kale, as there may not be enough space to accommodate both. Therefore, gardeners should opt for a variety of tomato that will happily fit alongside their kale.
It is also important to research the best growing zones for each vegetable. Different climates and soil types suit different plants better than others. Therefore, gardeners should conduct some research to ensure that both kale and tomatoes can thrive in the same climate and soil type. Additionally, some varieties of tomatoes and kale may be better suited to the same area than others, so doing some research can help determine which plants will generate maximum yield in the space in question.
Growing Kale and Tomatoes in Containers
Finally, growing kale and tomatoes in containers can also be a great solution for those wishing to combine the two. Containers can be quite small, meaning that plants can be easily separated and moved as needed. They also have the added benefit of being more easily brought indoors when temperatures start to drop. Therefore, gardening in containers allows more flexibility and control, and is well-suited for those who are wanting to trial a few different plant combinations.
Finding the right balance between the needs of kale and tomatoes can be tricky, but with some careful research, it is possible to create a beautiful and nutritious garden. Whether they should be planted together ultimately comes down to the discretion of each gardener, but understanding the basic facts can go a long way in helping to make the right decision.
