10 Best Companion Plants for Tomatoes to Grow

I used to wonder why my tomato plants struggled while others nearby looked so healthy. It turns out that plants, much like people, do better when they have the right neighbors.

By placing specific friends in the soil next to them, I have seen my garden transform. These ten companions help my tomatoes grow stronger and taste better than ever before.

Basil

Basil is my favorite partner for tomatoes because they are a match made in heaven. Not only do they taste great together on a plate, but growing them side by side actually improves the flavor of the fruit. The strong scent of basil also helps keep annoying flies and mosquitoes away from the vines.

• Improves the flavor of ripening tomatoes.
• Repels pests like thrips and whiteflies.
• Loves the same amount of sun and water.

Marigold

I always plant bright marigolds around the edges of my tomato patch. These cheerful flowers act like a protective shield for the garden. Their roots release a substance that stops tiny worms in the soil from attacking the tomato roots, keeping the plants healthy and strong all season long.

• Prevents harmful nematodes in the soil.
• Attracts bees and other helpful pollinators.
• Deters garden pests with their strong fragrance.

Garlic

Garlic is a silent protector in my garden. I tuck a few cloves into the soil near my tomatoes to keep fungus and blight at bay. Since garlic grows mostly underground and takes up very little space, it never competes with the tomato plants for room to spread out.

• Helps prevent common fungal diseases.
• Discourages aphids and spider mites.
• Occupies very little surface space.

Onion

Onions are fantastic neighbors because their pungent smell confuses bugs that are looking for a tomato snack. I find that planting onions around the base of my taller plants is a great way to use empty space. They are very easy to care for and stay out of the way.

• Masks the scent of tomatoes from pests.
• Does not compete for nutrients or light.
• Perfect for filling in small gaps in the bed.

Chives

I love using chives as a living mulch around my tomatoes. These little herbs are great at improving the overall health of the soil. When they bloom, their purple flowers attract beautiful butterflies and hoverflies, which are great for the garden ecosystem. Plus, they come back every year on their own.

• Attracts beneficial insects to the garden.
• Helps keep the soil moist and cool.
• Known to improve the health of nearby plants.

Carrot

It might seem strange, but carrots and tomatoes are great friends. Carrots grow deep into the earth, which helps break up tough soil so the tomato roots can breathe easier. In return, the tall tomato plants provide much-needed shade for the carrots during the hot afternoon sun.

• Loosens the soil for better root growth.
• Benefits from the shade of tall tomato vines.
• Maximizes the use of vertical and deep space.

Parsley

I always make sure to have some parsley tucked in near my tomato plants. It provides excellent ground cover that helps keep the soil from drying out too quickly. I have noticed that when parsley is nearby, the tomato plants seem to have a much easier time staying hydrated and happy.

• Acts as a natural ground cover to hold moisture.
• Attracts predatory insects that eat tomato pests.
• Very easy to grow in the shade of larger plants.

Spinach

Spinach is a wonderful “filler” plant for the early part of the season. I plant it around the base of young tomatoes while they are still small. By the time the tomatoes grow large and start to cast shade, the spinach is ready to harvest, making the most of my space.

• Makes efficient use of garden space.
• Provides a quick harvest before tomatoes get big.
• Loves the cool shade provided by tomato leaves.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are like a sacrificial lamb for my garden. I plant them because aphids love them even more than they love tomatoes. By drawing the bugs away from my main crop, these beautiful flowering vines keep my tomatoes clean while adding a splash of color to the dirt.

• Acts as a trap crop for aphids and beetles.
• Covers the ground to prevent weeds from growing.
• Edible flowers and leaves are a bonus harvest.

Borage

Borage is a plant I think every tomato grower should have. It has fuzzy leaves and stunning blue flowers that bees absolutely adore. I have found that having borage nearby leads to much better pollination, which means I get a lot more tomatoes to harvest at the end of the year.

• Significantly increases pollination rates.
• Deters the dreaded tomato hornworm.
• Adds valuable minerals back into the soil.

Getting the Most from Your Garden

Learning how to group plants has made my gardening life so much easier. Instead of fighting against nature, I let the plants help each other out. It saves me time on weeding and keeps me from having to use harsh chemicals to deal with bugs.

Simple Tips for Companion Planting

• Always plant your tallest plants on the north side so they do not block the sun.
• Leave enough space between different types of plants for air to move freely.
• Mulch the entire area to keep the soil healthy for all your plant friends.