@1:55 1 Basil @3:25 2 carrots @3:25 3 celery @3:25 4 dill @3:25 5 fennel @4:14 6 cow peas (5+’ away) @4:42 7 radishes (flowers a bonus) @5:24 8 pac choi @5:35 9 parsley @6:15 10 garlic @6:15 11 onions @6:15 12 chives @7:07 13 hairy vetch @8:30 14 crimson clover @9:10 Avoid Black walnut (trunk 50+’ away) @9:47 Avoid Potatoes (keep 10+’ away)

But late-night hunts with a black light are a huge highlight of my summer! 🤣

I've got parsley, Lebanese cucumber, marrow, bell peppers/chillies and celery in and around my tomatoes. No bugs, no weeds. And I play them some Chopin every morning.

"I really have a gift for describing things...." LOL! Funny and informational... that's why we're sticking around on this channel.

Not only do I get good gardening advise from your channel but I can count on a lot of laughs from some of the comments.

I've heard if you want to attract more bees to your garden, you can say "hairy vetch" 5x into your bathroom mirror

Husband walks by while I'm watching, says 'I don't care what your botanical boyfriend there says, you're not growing any hairy vetch' lol

The wasp laying its eggs in the worm is.. terrifying and awesome at the same time 😂

We had a vegetable garden plus rhubarb about 75’ from a black walnut tree. It grew well for many years but gradually declined. I think as the walnut root system expanded, it prevent my plants growing. We created a new garden further away and it thrived! It is many years later now, and I am old! I now container garden. I first used 5 leaky stock tanks. Now I still use them but also use food grade, 18 gallon totes. They work great. I plant a Mai gold in each tote and think it helps. Plant herbs either in with my veggies or place pots of herbs between my totes. Also have a few large pots of marigolds near the totes. Using containers really simplifies gardening for me. I do have help filling my totes. This year each tote is half or a little less of last years potting mix, topped with new potting mix and fertilizer mulch.

I usually plant onions marigolds and Basil in and around my Tomatoes and have good results

"Hey mom, how are things? Yeah, I'm just calling to let you know that I've picked up some hairy vetch for a companion, so that my fruit don't get all moldy and wilt..." *CLICK* "... mom?"

The best companion when I plant tomatoes is a beer in my free hand. Does that count?

Brian, I was so moved and impressed that you shared your experience with your anurism. I hope you are still doing well. God's love and mercy to his children is so amazing. I also wanted to let you know that the telling of your story and the reciprocal comments have encouraged me in my health struggles. Best to you!

My wife collects the flowers of crimson clover, dries them and make tea from them. Supposed to be good for the heart. So far it’s working - physically & emotionally 😀. Unfortunately, they also attract the bunnies and the bunnies will munch on the tomatoes just right before we get ready to pick them. 😡

You can harvest that purple clover! Both the greens and flower are edible. The flowers make delicious teas when dried and combined with other herbs. The greens are best boiled, and you can also use them in salads. They are a natural source of folic acid which is beneficial for memory and skin.

What a find. Studied Horticulture in College then landscape design. Passionate for 40 years about anything growing. You are spot on and thorough in your info and easy to follow. My new favorite channel.

I always throw in some marigolds around the tomato plants as well. I didn't know about hairy vetch!! Thanks

Last year I had lots of marigolds in my tomato garden, one in each bed corner, plus only one basil. Zero horn worms, and I even bought a special flashlight to hunt them at night. Nada. No pests in my tomato garden. I planted several borage plants in my cabbage and kale garden, and one near my tomato beds. Supposedly, it draws wasps, which I did see in my garden. (Of course, honey bees LOVE borage, too.) I planted thyme for scent and beneficial bugs, too... plus two onions. The only problem I had was white cabbage butterflies. I could never find the caterpillars... and I looked hard, even at night with the black light... maybe the wasps ate them! But I think the huge grasshoppers ate my cabbage and kales. I plan using fleece, this time.

I love the cottage tour video. I am 56 years old and have Multiple Sclerosis. One of my biggest fears is tripping over the water hose. This water hose would be a lifesaver for me. I totally love Next Level Gardening. I have learned a massive amount that is helping me greatly with my garden.

Now that I've advanced in growing tomatoes this is my next step. Timely advice! As far as hornworms go invest in a blacklight flashlight. The hornworms will glow at night and you can pluck them and feed them t your chickens in the morning.

Whew, this was timely. I've got seed potatoes ready to go in grow bags, and had every intention of plopping them down right next to the tomatoes. Tyvm!!

You struggling with Hairy Vetch was hilarious! “Grow up…” CLASSIC! 😂

Brian, you are becoming even more funny! (Not getting political, haha.) You give us so much wonderful information, but the humor is great too. Now I know where Noah gets it. Bless your wife in all this too.

Flowers are the best companion plants because the bring in the pollinators. Plus I love flowers and they bring ME into the garden 😍🏡

We’re just coming out of summer in Australia and I’ve still got tomatoes in my garden. I can honestly say I had no pests this season. I planted lots of basil in and around my tomato plants. I didn’t even have to use any organic sprays. Very informative video. Thank you 🍅

I just recently discovered you and starged BINGE watching your videos. I started gardening last year as a way to stay sane during lockdown with mixed results, but I was okay with that because it did keep me sane! Why I didn't think to come to KZfaq I have no idea. but this year I wanted RESULTS and HERE YOU ARE!!!! THIS video is a GAME CHANGER for me. I'm heading out in a few minutes with my cup of coffee to start planting my "salad." I know it's late, but I am planting packs from Armstrong. My goal is to figure it out and maybe a few salads out of the deal so NEXT season I will do better. My tomatoes are in and I over-wintered my bellpeppers without realizing it in-ground. Let's see what happens this year. I also over-wintered two entire TOO HAPPY eggplants, but I never got really mature eggplants so I've pruned it down and got your fertilizer recommendations and we are going to try again this year! Again, if nothing else it's therapy. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE.

So refreshing to see a fact based guide for this. Thank you! ❤️

Unfortunately, hairy vetch is a common weed here in GA zone 7b. An old timer calls it “Hairy Wretch” 😆 The hairy parts are what stick to you, your dog, the neighborhood rabbits and take pieces of the plat everywhere!

I stumbled across this channel a few days ago and have binged watched so many episodes already. This is by far my favorite gardening channel. Thanks so much for all of your helpful information. I tried to grow tomatoes a few years ago and failed miserably. I was very discouraged and stopped gardening all together. I am so excited to start growing again this year. I cant wait to share with you how it goes. Thanks Brian!

I get your point, but in my home town of Yuma, Arizona there were no Lady Bugs close enough to attract by Companion Planting or any other method. And the LBs and Praying Mantises I got my mail were NOT harvested wild, but supplied by Rodale or one of their partners. Very few of the insects I ordered flew away, because I provided them with a superb invironment with lots of food. Ordered bugs worked well for me for over two decades with zero problems.

Brian, french marigold, pot marigold, best companion plants for like, everything! And long tagetes for composting, they have a compound that supresses nematode development.

Hairy vetch climbs and will take over everything. It's hard to get all the seeds. We got a roll of hay one year that had vetch in it. I've fought it ever since. But, my chickens love it. I've been feeding it to them the last couple of weeks .

Geez, I can’t stop laughing about it. Surprisingly there isn’t a Hairy Vetch meme out in the wild! 🤔What a missed opportunity?!?!! Definitely going to visit a friend’s garden just so to say ‘Is that a Hairy Vetch in your garden or are you just happy to see me?’. Hairy Vetch doesn’t get old. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Great video too!

Hi, Brian. I had to wait for the tornadoes and rain to clear out. But, this morning I planted parsley, carrots, and basil in the bed where my tomatoes will go (hopefully next weekend). After seeing this, I think I may go out and dump more of those seeds all over the bed. We're going to get a late cold snap coming in Wednesday and Thursday night. But if all goes well, I can plant my tomato seedlings Friday. Before this video, I also watched your container video. I opted for a 10 gallon flower pot/container for my first try at potatoes. I probably should have planted them already. But if nothing else, I'll be a pro at what not to do, in just a few seasons.😅 Thank you so much for the great info!

Companion planting is an excellent way to assist you with your garden

Brian, you are always very clear with your valuable information and I always enjoy your delivery.

A few years ago I had tomatoes and basil on my deck (along with mint and scallion) and the scent was glorious!!

Nice video. Perhaps a list in the comment section would be helpful.

LOL, loved the zoom meeting commit

You might think I'm crazy but the hummingbird Hawk moth is on its way out and I sacrificed a couple of tomatoes to each hornworm and then I remove them then I relocate them further on down the pasture

Your joy is infectious. You provide clear and evidence-based information that I can use and pass along to others - that makes the gardening world stronger and more sustainable. Thank you. P.S. "Hairy vetch" had me laughing right along with you!

I am naming my next rooster , “Harry Vetch”

I love your honesty and sense of humor. :)

Of course I learned something! I always do. And this time what I learned has also save me a pure headache. The tub I planted with taters is right where the tomatoes are going to be. I will be moving that tub over by the tater bed thank you very much. 🤣 Thanks as always!

This is the type of video that makes me absolutely love your channel Brian. Most of your videos are evidence based - not just anecdotal "because this is how I have done it for 30 years". Such absolute statements are rarely universally accepted across all scenarios. I love finding topics where I can debunk myths related to farming. This is an excellent video - thank you!! - Rick

Awesome information. Thank you so much. I can really use this! It will save a lot of heartache. ❤

I’ve always chuckled at Harry Vetch too, lol!

Dropping a note to say your older material is still extremely relevant and useful.

"I really have a gift for describing things". Lol!😂 you really have a great sense of humor. I listen to your videos and I have learned a lot, so thank you so much for everything. I also just purchased your companion book. Finally!! I'm in my garden right now listening to companion planting videos by you and after I leave, I'm going to run out and get some crimson clover to plant around my two rows of pepper plants. but my basil and my dill and my parsley starts are going in the garden and you were very helpful, so thank you very much and God bless you and your family

I have returned to gardening about a year ago. I believe it was you I watched and had advised planting basil near the tomatoes! So that is what I did Both the tomatoes and basil came up thrived!🍅💚 thank you also for putting an image along with the type of bug! Although I had to pause the video while eating lunch!🥴

I have been impatiently waiting for this one, thanks Brian!! I wrote down everything you mentioned and luckily I have starts of each one so now I can plant accordingly. Thanks a lot for this video!!

Thanks for the ideas and truth. My first 4 years after spending $$$ to prepare my vegetable garden, no problem 😊 this last 3, I wanted to kick everything in the backyard, for the bugs had a feast on my vegetables. Especially the white butterflies. Before I realized those suckers were laying eggs all over my kale and collards, my dumb self thought they where so pretty 🤣🤣I even chaste my dog from catching them 🥺 Milo had since enough to know thay where pretty ugly. I'm on a war path this season. No bugs formed against me shall prosper 🙏

This video was the most instructive video I’ve seen on companion planting for tomato plant health. Thank you from TN.

I use eggplants as a trap crop for flea beetles, they take most of the damage and still end up producing

I'm literally dying of laughter! Hairy Vetch.

I LOST it at 7:34! Laughed so hard I woke my kid up. Also, thank you for the tips!

Thanks! I forgot about Basil-- love it too, for cooking 😊

Yes!! Finally, after searching and searching, I find some good advice about flea beetles. 4 years ago I started having problems with them in my tomato beds. I have no idea where they came from (I'd sure like to know), but they have continued to aggravate me, though somewhat less due to diligent use of an organic spray. I LOVE your channel and have subscribed for years now. Thank you!

35ft from the drop line for the black walnut to avoid Juglone is a good rule of thumb… I have a giant black walnut that I hate… and all my tomatoes, peppers and all grow around 42 ft from where the farthest branch would drop a walnut.

I’ve planted hairy vetch as green manure in the veggie beds and it really does improve the soil (NPK testing). I’m for sure going to try it in the tomato patch as well. Thanks for the informative video.

Great tips! One thing on the thrips, the damage you will see is actually small white dead spots seen on the top of the leaf and combination of white and black(poop) specks underneath the leaf! And while they do tend to be small, if you look at the underside of the leaf long enough you will usually see them move around!

You jumped up another 1K!!

Love seeing the cymbidium in the background. Could you make a video on growing outdoor orchids in your area?

Another great video! I was worried about planting my tomatoes where my radishes currently reside (because they’re growing slowly this year!!) but now it’s a win-win. Thank you!!

Yes, I learned about Harry Vetch 🧙‍♂, and why you want him in your garden. 😄🌿🍅

This year I had some garlic chive seedlings in pots getting ready to plant and I was delighted to find lacewing eggs on them!

Tiny holes with "no hanging chads" - HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! I needed a laugh today :) Interestingly, In my 5 years of gardening in central NC I have not had a single hornworm. Not bragging - just amazed - my main problem is blight which I'm going to try and head off at the pass this year. Thanks so much!

I can't remember if it was in your other companion video but I was going to use the shade created by the tomato to grow herbs and for their pest benefits. Basil also makes an amazing addition to flower gardens and if you let it go to flower, they look great as fillers in bouquets for all my flower gardeners out there ♥️♥️♥️

well my goodness! you are in quite the funny mood today! love the humor with the info!!

Hairy vetch is growing as a weed in my yard, lol. Your videos are very informative, and I will say this carefully: I am considered to be one of the leading experts in the world on the critically endangered dawn redwood, but last year was the first time I had ever planted a garden, and I don't know squat about agriculture! Your videos are helping me to overcome so many of the issues I had last year. Thank you very much for putting these out. They are working!

I plant onions, cucumbers and tomatoes all together into a Mediterranean Salad. Add some feta and Yum

I really learned a lot from your video, thank you. Planting Crimson Clover also has a two-fold since the flowers can be picked not only for medicinal purposes but I understand they make a pretty good jelly.

Hairy vetch lol Thanks for the laugh, needed that today.

This is the way to start the day...learning with a laugh🤣😂Thank you!🌱🌱

Great tips

You always come up with the topics I want to know about!! THANK YOU!!!!❤🧡💛💚💙🎉

Thank you Brian. This is very informative. I will be sending this to my daughter who has hornworms at her house.

Love your videos! I have listed all the plants you suggested and ordered the seeds!

I'm going to be planting my tomatos and tomatillos tomorrow, and flea beetles are a major problem here. I didn't know about them preferring radishes so I will absolutely be planting radishes (my dad wants them anyway), and a few of these other herbs, in my tomato beds as well. thanks for the info!

Awesome video and great info!

Hairy vetch scratch cracked me up‼️ Thank You for all the great info

I am so happy you can’t say hairy vetch with a straight face either 🤣 I planted it as a cover crop last fall along with winter rye mainly because it was hilarious to say. Glad to hear it has some other benefits that are actually related to gardening!

That was awesome. I'm planting all of these! Dill, parsley, and basil are delicious, and apparently beneficial!

I used a small yellow solo cup covered with tanglefoot at the beginning of the season and had almost no pests. I used two suspended in each 14' x 4' planting bed.

Good to know re: stink bugs and flea beetles! Thank you again for the information this channel provides!

You look like you're feeling well. Great video and especially love 6:28!

Planted radishes (Easter Basket mix from Baker Creek) around my cucumber plants last year and pests definitely focused on them instead of the cucs.

I really appreciate this video. You explained the why very well. I also like that you said how or where to plant the companion to benefit the plant. right next to the plant, or 6 feet away makes a big difference! I would like to see this done with companion planting with Squash, too!

Well, adding hairy vetch to my fall planting…if I can stop cracking up 😂

Thank you so much for the informative (and occasionally hilarious) videos. Forty+ years ago when I blindly planted an array of seeds, I was blessed with huge crops of a variety of veggies. I really had no idea what I was doing! In subsequent years, time constraints limited my gardening. Since I've retired, I've gone all-in, researching, planning, and investing a great deal of time and money trying to revive the success I had all those years ago. I believe I've figured out why I've failed with certain crops (thank you). We have quite a bit of nut trees, including black walnuts. Most have been removed (storm damage hastened their demise). So here is my question about spacing tomatoes away from the walnuts: is spacing still a concern if the tomato is in a raised bed? I appreciate your wisdom and advice

Very thorough. Excellent video.

I use peppermint or basil. I’m going to add parsley and chives!

Oh I wish there was a companion plant for the tomato/potato psyllid. I have to plant potatoes super early to avoid these horrors and then spray my tomatoes every two weeks with neem oil. Otherwise these pesky little things will suck the plants to death. Funny, It is said it came to New Zealand from Califormia, yet it doesnt seem to be a problem for you all over there. Great video though.

Here in Texas, I don't have problems with stink bugs, it's the leaf footed bug that are the pests on tomatoes.

Yay! Just in time .

Well a Harry Vetch good morning to you🤓🤓. Thanks for all the good information and the laughs.

Wow...that was an AWESOME VIDEO W SUPER GREAT INFO! Those CRIMSON CLOVERS. & CARROT TOPS are FANTASTIC to feed to PET BUNNIES🐇🐇🐇

I am learning so much from you. But what about Marigolds? I have about 50 Marigold plants started. That’s okay there is always a place to put them!

I HOPE you read my comment.. I was blown away when you mentioned "stink bugs" all my years of living in NJ and now 15 yrs in TN I had never seen nor heard of a stink bug until the last few years.. we have been infested with these bugs in summer and still some floating around the house and you learn quickly how not to kill them such as vacuum them up if in the house if you want to save your vacuum..OMG I am just started my container garden and hopefully your advice will help.. I just might hang garlic from every plant but afraid that will keep the bees away LOL

Oats Buckwheat and Alfalfa supposed to be soil normalization from aerobic tillage. Wheat for compacted and radish lifts the soil