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A question I hear often from new gardeners is “Can you plant lemongrass with tomatoes?” I’ve grown both in raised beds and in large containers on my sunny patio, and the short answer is yes lemongrass and tomatoes grow very well together if you give them enough space and manage their water needs.
The pairing works better than many people expect. Both plants love heat, sun, and rich soil, and lemongrass brings a few bonus benefits that tomatoes quietly appreciate. The only issues I’ve ever seen came from crowding or watering incorrectly.
This guide breaks down exactly how to plant them together successfully, what mistakes to avoid, and how to get the strongest growth from both based on real garden experience.
Why Lemongrass and Tomatoes Grow Well Together
Even though they look very different, lemongrass and tomatoes share several key needs:
- Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)
- Warm weather
- Consistently moist but well‑draining soil
- Space to expand their root systems
In my own beds, lemongrass has never competed aggressively with tomatoes. Instead, the tall grassy clumps act as a natural pest deterrent, thanks to their strong citrusy aroma. It doesn’t solve every tomato pest issue, but it noticeably reduces mosquitoes and can discourage aphids and whiteflies in mild infestations.
Another unexpected bonus: lemongrass grows upright, not sprawling, so it doesn’t shade or smother tomato vines.
What Exactly Materials You’ll Need
- Healthy tomato transplant (any variety)
- Lemongrass plant or stalk division
- Compost or aged manure
- Mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips)
- Garden trowel
- Sturdy stakes or cages for tomatoes
- A sunny planting area or large container (minimum 18–24 inches wide)
Organic gardener tip: Add worm castings for a gentle nutrient boost that both plants love.
How to Plant Lemongrass With Tomatoes (Step-by-Step)
1. Choose the Right Planting Location
Both plants thrive in:
- Full sun
- Warm, sheltered spots
- Soil that drains well and stays evenly moist
Avoid shaded or soggy areas those conditions slow both plants down and invite fungal issues.
2. Prepare the Soil
Tomatoes especially benefit from rich soil.
Mix into the planting area:
- 2–3 inches of compost
- A handful of slow-release organic fertilizer
- Optional: a bit of sand or perlite for extra drainage
In containers, use high-quality potting mix + 20–25% compost.
3. Space Them Properly
Spacing is the key to success.
- Plant lemongrass 12–18 inches away from the tomato’s stem.
- Give more space for large tomato varieties (24 inches if possible).
- Plant lemongrass on the edge of the bed or pot, not directly beside the tomato.
This prevents root overcrowding and keeps airflow strong around the tomato vines.
4. Plant Tomatoes First, Lemongrass Second
Tomatoes settle in quickly, but lemongrass can take a week or two before it starts active growth. Planting tomatoes first helps you position the lemongrass without disturbing the tomato root zone.
5. Water Correctly
This is where beginners sometimes struggle.
- Tomatoes prefer consistently moist soil but hate being waterlogged.
- Lemongrass drinks more water than tomatoes.
The trick: Water deeply but allow the tomato’s side to dry slightly between waterings.
If you’re gardening in containers, water near the lemongrass base more often and avoid soaking the tomato’s crown too frequently.
6. Stake or Cage the Tomato
Strong support prevents the tomato from leaning onto the lemongrass. Good airflow helps prevent fungal issues like blight or powdery mildew.
7. Mulch to Keep Moisture Even
Use 2–3 inches of:
- Straw
- Shredded leaves
- Wood chips
Mulch prevents moisture stress for both plants and keeps soil temperatures stable.
Pro Tips & Best Practices
- Lemongrass can get tall; plant it on the south or west side so it won’t shade tomatoes.
- Trim lemongrass occasionally to keep it from forming overly thick clumps.
- Tomatoes are heavy feeders; lemongrass tolerates richer soil well.
- In small containers, water more frequently lemongrass dries the soil faster than tomatoes alone.
- If you live in a humid climate, spacing is even more important to prevent tomato diseases.
What beginners often miss: Lemongrass can outgrow small containers quickly. Use large pots or raised beds for best results.
FAQ
Does lemongrass help tomatoes grow better?
Indirectly, yes. Lemongrass’s scent helps deter some pests and promotes airflow by staying upright.
Will lemongrass steal nutrients from tomatoes?
Not typically. Lemongrass has a shallow root system compared to tomatoes.
Can they grow together in containers?
Yes, but choose a very large container (18–24 inches minimum).
Does lemongrass repel tomato hornworms?
Not reliably, but it may reduce overall pest pressure around tomatoes.
How far apart should they be?
12–18 inches for small to medium tomato varieties; 18–24 inches for large indeterminate types.
When NOT to Plant Lemongrass With Tomatoes
Avoid pairing them if:
- You only have a small pot (under 16 inches)
- Your soil is heavy clay that stays wet
- You struggle to water consistently
- Your tomatoes already have fungal issues they need extra airflow
In these cases, it’s safer to plant them separately.
Alternative Companions for Tomatoes
If lemongrass doesn’t fit your setup, try these proven companions:
- Basil (my top performer for tomato health)
- Marigolds
- Garlic or chives
- Oregano
- Parsley
These herbs help deter pests and improve airflow around tomato plants.
Conclusion
So, can you plant lemongrass with tomatoes? Yes and in many gardens, it’s a smart pairing. Just give them proper spacing, rich soil, lots of sun, and thoughtful watering. In my own beds and patio planters, lemongrass acts as a vertical accent plant, leaves room for tomato vines to spread, and helps keep minor pests away.
With the right setup, both plants grow vigorously, and you get flavorful tomatoes and fragrant lemongrass all summer long.