Tomatoes thrive in gardens with the right companions, not just for their growth, but also for their flavor and overall health. Pairing tomatoes with specific plants can boost yields, improve pest resistance, and even enhance the taste of the fruit. Letās explore the art of companion planting and discover which plants work best alongside tomatoes.
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting involves growing two or more different plant species close together to benefit each other. Some plants help with pest control, others enrich the soil, and some even enhance the taste or growth rate of nearby plants. Tomatoes, with their specific needs and vulnerabilities, often do well when paired with the right companions.
Benefits of Companion Planting
Companion plants can boost tomato health in multiple waysļ¼
- Certain companion plants keep common tomato pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, away.
- Some plants enrich the soil, supporting strong tomato growth.
- Companion plants like basil and marigolds attract insects that help control pests.
- Some companions offer shade or windbreaks, protecting tomatoes from extreme weather conditions.
- Companion planting minimizes the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
- Creates a sustainable environment that supports the health of the entire garden, not just tomatoes.
10 Best Companion Plants for Tomatoes
Companion Plant | Benefits for Tomatoes |
Basil | Boosts tomato flavor and repels pests like aphids, mosquitoes, and tomato hornworms. Its aromatic oils confuse and deter harmful insects. |
Marigolds | Repels nematodes, aphids, and other pests. Attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and bees, which help maintain tomato health. |
Garlic & Onions | Prevents tomato diseases with antifungal properties. Repels pests like aphids and spider mites. Enhances flavor and function in the garden. |
Carrots | Carrots grow underground while tomatoes grow tall, so they donāt compete for resources. Loosens soil, improving root growth for tomatoes. |
Nasturtiums | Attracts aphids away from tomatoes and acts as a trap crop. Repels harmful insects with its strong scent. Adds vibrant, edible flowers. |
Borage | Attracts pollinators like bees, boosting fruit production. Leaves provide mulch that keeps soil cool and moist. Enhances tomato flavor. |
Dandelions | Deep roots break up compacted soil, improving drainage and nutrient absorption. Their flowers attract beneficial insects for pest control. |
Parsley | Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on pests. Enhances tomato flavor and provides shade in hot conditions. |
Spinach | Acts as ground cover, suppressing weeds and reducing water evaporation. Shallow roots donāt interfere with tomato roots. Thrives in slightly acidic soil. |
Oregano | Repels pests like aphids, beetles, and mites. Attracts pollinators and predatory insects. Provides fresh herbs for cooking. |

What Plants Should You Not Plant Next to Tomatoes?
While some plants complement tomatoes perfectly, others can have negative effects. Avoid planting the following next to your tomato plants:
Plants to Avoid Next to Tomatoes | Reasons to Avoid Planting |
Cabbage Family (Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli) | Compete for nutrients, potentially stunting each otherās growth due to differing nutrient needs. |
Corn | Both are heavy feeders, requiring a lot of nutrients, which can deplete the soil and affect the growth and yield of both. |
Potatoes | Both belong to the nightshade family, making them susceptible to the same diseases (e.g., blight), increasing the risk of disease spread. |
Fennel | Releases chemicals through its roots that inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including tomatoes. |
Walnut Trees | Produce juglone, a toxic chemical that can hinder tomato growth, leading to wilting or stunted plants. Avoid planting tomatoes within its root zone. |
FAQs
How do I know if my tomato plants need companion plants?
Tomato plants benefit greatly from companion planting if you notice common issues such as pest infestations, poor soil quality, or lack of pollination. If you're struggling with pests like aphids or hornworms, pairing tomatoes with pest-repelling plants like basil or marigolds can help. Additionally, companion plants that enhance soil nutrients or attract beneficial insects can improve overall tomato health and productivity.
Can I plant tomatoes with other vegetables in the same garden bed?
Yes, but careful selection is important. While some vegetables, like carrots and spinach, make great companions for tomatoes, others, such as cabbage or corn, might compete for nutrients. If you plant tomatoes with other vegetables, aim for those with different root structures or growth habits that wonāt compete for the same resources, ensuring both thrive.
Are there any specific pests that companion plants can help control for tomatoes?
Companion plants can help control various pests that commonly affect tomatoes, including aphids, tomato hornworms, whiteflies, and spider mites. For instance, basil repels mosquitoes and aphids, while marigolds deter nematodes. Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, luring aphids away from tomatoes, and borage attracts pollinators that can help keep pest numbers in check.
How can I improve tomato flavor using companion plants?
Certain companion plants, like basil and borage, are known to enhance the flavor of tomatoes. Basil, for example, has a synergistic effect on tomatoesā taste, likely due to the aromatic oils it releases, which enhance the overall profile of the fruit. Additionally, borage is said to improve tomato flavor, making it a great addition to your garden for both its practical and culinary benefits.

Can companion planting reduce the need for chemical pesticides?
Yes, companion planting is an excellent organic strategy for reducing or eliminating the need for chemical pesticides. Many companion plants naturally repel pests or attract beneficial insects that control pest populations. For example, marigolds attract ladybugs, which prey on aphids, and garlic can help prevent fungal diseases. This holistic approach creates a healthier, more balanced garden ecosystem.
How do I space companion plants around my tomato plants?
Space your companion plants according to their size and growth habit to avoid overcrowding. For example, basil can be planted around the base of tomato plants, while taller companions like marigolds or borage should be placed at the edges of the bed or further away to avoid shading the tomatoes. Ensure that the companion plants complement the growth pattern of the tomatoes, allowing both to flourish without competing for sunlight or nutrients.
Can companion planting help improve tomato plant resistance to diseases?
Yes, certain companion plants, such as garlic, onions, and marigolds, can help reduce the likelihood of tomato diseases by repelling pests and preventing fungal infections. Garlic and onions, in particular, have natural antifungal properties that may help protect tomatoes from blight and mildew, while marigolds deter nematodes that can harm tomato roots.
What if I donāt have a lot of space for companion planting?
Even if space is limited, you can still practice effective companion planting by choosing compact, space-efficient companions. For example, basil and parsley are both small, easy-to-grow herbs that thrive alongside tomatoes in small garden beds or containers. Vertical gardening or container planting also provides opportunities for companion planting in smaller spaces, allowing tomatoes and their companions to grow together without competing for resources.