Three-ingredient garden bloom: Tomato, basil, and calendula combination
Growing a vibrant, sun-soaked trio of tomatoes, basil, and calendulas (marigolds) in a spacious terracotta pot on your patio or under glass has numerous perks. Here's a simplified guide on how to create this eye-catching and harmonious blend of flavors and colors:
Toss Together Your Essentials
- Grab a cherry tomato plant (e.g. 'Tumbling Tom' or 'Gartenperle'), a handful of calendulas, and a basil plant (6 each)
- Find a 30cm wide pot - larger pots mean happier plants
- Snag some multi-purpose, peat-free compost
- Slow-release fertilizer and water-retaining granules are your secret ingredients for success
Recipe for Combined Growth
- Combine the compost, water-retaining granules, and slow-release fertilizer as per the instructions on the fertilizer pack.
- Add moisture-absorbing granules to the soil mix, ensuring your plants stay well-hydrated without overwatering.
- Give your pot a prime spot before filling it. Large pots can be tough to move when filled with wet compost and plants.
- Purchase a ready-grown tomato plant to save time and hassle. Position it in the center as your star ingredient.
- Sow calendula and purple basil seeds in modules and transplant the seedlings once they sprout, or go for the easy route and buy ready-raised calendula and basil plug plants. Arrange basil around the tomato, with calendula making an attractive outer edging.
- Keep the pot well-watered and give the tomato a dose of liquid tomato feed as soon as it starts flowering.
In a Pinch
If you're short on time but still crave homegrown goodness, consider an automated irrigation system to take the guesswork out of watering. These systems deliver water directly to the roots, often as part of a timer system.
Sun's Out, Tomatoes and Friends Out
Position your pot in a sun-drenched area with at least six hours of daily sunlight, as all three plants thrive in bright conditions.
Maintenance Tips
- Prune the tomato plant to promote airflow and decrease disease risk
- Regularly harvest basil leaves to encourage bushy growth
- Deadhead calendula flowers to extend the blooming period
- Keep a close eye out for pests; occasionally, intervention may be necessary. This combination boasts reduced pest issues due to the benefits of companion planting.
A well-balanced 'lifestyle' might include incorporating a charming pot of tomatoes, basil, and calendulas in your 'home-and-garden', be it on your patio or under glass. To maintain this fashionable 'fashion-and-beauty' element in your garden, nurture your plants with a mix of multi-purpose compost, water-retaining granules, and slow-release fertilizer.
