Companion Plants for Cherry Tomatoes

The Importance of Companion Planting

As a gardener, you know that growing vegetables is not just about planting them and waiting for them to grow. There are many factors to consider, such as soil quality, sunlight, water, and pests. One way to improve your garden's health and productivity is through companion planting.

Companion planting involves growing two or more plant species together to achieve mutual benefits. For example, some plants can attract beneficial insects that help control pests, while others can provide shade or support for other plants. In this blog post, we will focus on the best companion plants for cherry tomatoes.

What are Cherry Tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes are small, round, and sweet-tasting tomatoes that have become increasingly popular among gardeners. They are easy to grow and require little maintenance, making them an excellent choice for beginners. Cherry tomatoes are also great for container gardening, which makes them ideal for people who have limited space.

The Benefits of Companion Planting with Cherry Tomatoes

Companion planting with cherry tomatoes can provide many benefits, including:

- Pest Control: Some companion plants can repel harmful insects and attract beneficial ones that prey on them. This can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and create a healthier garden ecosystem.
- Soil Improvement: Certain plants can improve soil quality by fixing nitrogen, reducing erosion, and suppressing weeds. This can lead to healthier and more productive cherry tomato plants.
- Increased Yield: Companion plants can also enhance cherry tomatoes' growth and yield by providing shade, support, or nutrients. This can result in bigger and tastier tomatoes.

The Best Companion Plants for Cherry Tomatoes

Now that you know the benefits of companion planting, let's look at some of the best companion plants for cherry tomatoes.

1. Basil

Basil is one of the most popular companion plants for cherry tomatoes. It can repel harmful insects like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, while attracting beneficial ones like bees and butterflies. Basil also has a pleasant aroma that can deter pests and add flavor to your tomatoes.

How to Grow Basil with Cherry Tomatoes:

Plant basil seeds between tomato seedlings or around the base of mature cherry tomato plants. Make sure to water them regularly and prune them as needed. You can also use fresh or dried basil leaves to make pest-repelling sprays or teas.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are another popular companion plant for cherry tomatoes. They contain natural pesticides that repel nematodes, root maggots, and other soil-borne pests. Marigolds can also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which prey on aphids and thrips.

How to Grow Marigolds with Cherry Tomatoes:

Plant marigold seeds in between tomato seedlings or around the perimeter of your garden bed. Make sure to choose varieties that are not too tall and have a bushy growth habit. Water them regularly and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

3. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are edible flowers that can add color and flavor to your garden and kitchen. They can also deter pests like aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles, thanks to their strong scent and taste. Nasturtiums can also attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, which help cherry tomatoes set fruit.

How to Grow Nasturtiums with Cherry Tomatoes:

Plant nasturtium seeds around the base of your cherry tomato plants or in containers nearby. Make sure to give them plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. You can also use nasturtium leaves and flowers in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish.

4. Borage

Borage is an herb that has blue, star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. It can attract bees and other beneficial insects that help pollinate cherry tomatoes and control pests like tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. Borage is also a natural source of potassium, calcium, and other minerals that can improve soil fertility.

How to Grow Borage with Cherry Tomatoes:

Plant borage seeds around the perimeter of your garden bed or near your cherry tomato plants. Make sure to space them out at least 12 inches apart and water them regularly. You can also use borage leaves and flowers in teas, salads, or as a garnish.

5. Chives

Chives are a type of onion that has long, slender leaves and purple flowers. They can deter aphids, mites, and thrips from your cherry tomato plants, thanks to their pungent odor. Chives can also attract hoverflies, which feed on aphids and other soft-bodied insects.

How to Grow Chives with Cherry Tomatoes:

Plant chive seeds around the base of your cherry tomato plants or in containers nearby. Make sure to give them plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. You can also use chive leaves and flowers in soups, omelets, or as a garnish.

Other Companion Plants for Cherry Tomatoes

Aside from the ones mentioned above, here are some other companion plants that can benefit cherry tomatoes:

- Calendula: Attracts beneficial insects and repels pests like aphids and whiteflies.
- Dill: Attracts pollinators and predatory insects while repelling spider mites and aphids.
- Garlic: Repels aphids, slugs, and other pests while improving soil fertility.
- Oregano: Repels harmful insects and attracts bees and butterflies.
- Parsley: Attracts hoverflies and predatory wasps that feed on aphids and caterpillars.
- Sage: Repels pests like cabbage moths, carrot flies, and slugs.



Companion planting with cherry tomatoes can provide many benefits for your garden, from pest control to increased yield. By choosing the right companion plants and growing them together, you can create a healthier and more productive ecosystem. So why not try mixing and matching some of the plants mentioned above and see the difference they can make in your garden?

FAQs

1. How close should I plant my companion plants to my cherry tomato plants?

It's best to plant your companion plants within a few feet of your cherry tomato plants. This will allow them to share nutrients and space while still providing the benefits of companion planting.

2. Can I grow these companion plants indoors?

Yes, you can grow most of these companion plants indoors as long as you have enough sunlight, space, and well-draining soil. You can also use grow lights or hydroponics systems to supplement natural light and soil.

3. Do I need to use pesticides if I use companion planting with cherry tomatoes?

No, you don't need to use synthetic pesticides if you use companion planting with cherry tomatoes. However, you may still need to monitor your plants for pests and diseases and use organic or natural methods to control them if necessary.

4. Can I use other types of tomatoes for companion planting?

Yes, you can use other types of tomatoes for companion planting, such as beefsteak, heirloom, or roma tomatoes. The same principles apply, but you may need to adjust the spacing and timing of your plants accordingly.

5. What are some other benefits of companion planting?

Companion planting can provide many benefits beyond pest control and increased yield. For example, it can improve soil structure and fertility, reduce erosion and water runoff, enhance biodiversity and beauty, and create a more sustainable and resilient garden ecosystem.