Are Tomatoes Harmful to Blueberry Production?

Soil Requirements

• Plants have certain nutrient requirements when it comes to soil. Soil has a pH measurement that is acidic, alkaline or neutral. Blueberry plants need well-draining, highly acidic soil with a low pH level, ranging from 4.5 to 5.0 to grow. Tomato plants, however, thrive better in a neutral soil, with an average pH measuring 6.5 to 7.0. One factor to consider when it comes to your tomato plants harming your blueberry production is this difference in soil requirements. You can take steps with the placement of plants to ensure you meet the differing needs for each plant.

Placement

• Placement in your garden is an important factor to consider when you plant blueberry plants and tomato plants. Because of the different soil requirements for each plant, you want to plant them at least 4 feet from each other and in a formation where the blueberry plants will receive adequate water drainage. Consider staking the tomato plants elevated and around the border of the garden. Mulch the tomato plants with a small amount of peat moss, which will drain from the soil and leach into the blueberry soil, helping with its acidity. Ensure both plants receive full sunlight in order to achieve optimal fruit and vegetable production.

Plant Diseases

• Tomato plants and blueberry plants are both susceptible to pests. Some common pests that afflict tomato plants include cutworms and hornworms. Blueberry bud mites and scale insects can be a problem for your blueberry plants. Careful cultivation of the soil for both plants will inhibit insect infestations. You can use natural or chemical insecticides to control serious insect problems in the garden.

Varieties

• Choose varieties of plants that are able to tolerate a range of soil requirements. Some blueberry varieties, such as rabbiteye blueberries, are able to tolerate different soils that may not be as acidic, states the North Carolina University Horticulture Department. Some tomato plants can grow in a soils with a pH as low as 5.5, according to the University of Minnesota Extension.