Companion Planting: The Best Partners for Your Tomato Plants

If you're an avid gardener, you know that companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different crops together to create a mutually beneficial environment. Not only does it help control pests and diseases, but it also increases the yield and improves the quality of your produce. One of the most popular crops for companion planting is tomatoes, which thrive when grown alongside certain plants. In this blog post, we'll explore the best companion plants for tomatoes and how they can help boost your harvest.

The Benefits of Companion Planting for Tomatoes

Before we dive into the plant pairings, let's discuss the benefits of companion planting for tomato plants. There are several advantages to companion planting, such as:

• Improved soil health

• Natural pest control

• Better pollination

• Higher yields

By growing certain plants alongside your tomatoes, you can create an ecosystem that supports their growth and development.

1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Why It Works:

Basil is one of the most popular companion plants for tomatoes. This herb not only repels insects like flies, mosquitoes, and aphids, but it also enhances the flavor of your tomatoes. Basil contains essential oils that help improve the taste and aroma of tomatoes, making them juicier, sweeter, and more flavorful.

How to Plant:

Plant basil around the base of your tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also use basil as a natural pest control by crushing the leaves and sprinkling them around your tomato plants.

2. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Why It Works:

Marigolds are another popular companion plant for tomatoes. These vibrant flowers contain a compound called alpha-terthienyl, which helps repel nematodes that can damage your tomato plants' roots. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies that feed on garden pests.

How to Plant:

Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your tomato bed or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also use marigolds as a border plant to create a natural barrier against pests.

3. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

Why It Works:

Nasturtiums are edible flowers that not only add color to your garden but also help protect your tomato plants from pests. They contain mustard oil, a compound that repels whiteflies, aphids, and cucumber beetles. Nasturtiums also attract beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies that help pollinate your tomato plants.

How to Plant:

Plant nasturtiums around the base of your tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also use nasturtiums as a trap crop by planting them in pots near your tomato plants to lure pests away from your main crop.

4. Borage (Borago officinalis)

Why It Works:

Borage is an herb that attracts bees and other pollinators to your garden, which can help increase the yield of your tomato plants. It also repels pests like hornworms and cabbage worms, thanks to its hairy leaves and stems.

How to Plant:

Plant borage around the perimeter of your tomato bed or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also use borage as a companion plant for strawberries, cucumbers, and squash.

5. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Why It Works:

Chives are another herb that repels pests and enhances the flavor of your tomatoes. They contain sulfur compounds that deter aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. Chives also add a mild onion-like flavor to your tomatoes, making them more savory.

How to Plant:

Plant chives around the base of your tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also use chives as a border plant to create a natural barrier against pests.

6. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Why It Works:

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a flowering plant that attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to your garden. It also contains natural insecticidal properties that repel pests like aphids, whiteflies, and tomato fruit worms.

How to Plant:

Plant calendula around the perimeter of your tomato bed or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also use calendula as a cut flower to brighten up your home.

7. Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Why It Works:

Dill is an herb that repels tomato hornworms, aphids, and spider mites. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that feed on garden pests. Dill is also a great companion plant for cucumbers and squash.

How to Plant:

Plant dill around the base of your tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also use dill as a flavoring for pickles and other dishes.

8. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Why It Works:

Garlic is an herb that contains natural insecticidal properties that repel pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. It also has antifungal properties that help prevent diseases like blight and early blight.

How to Plant:

Plant garlic around the perimeter of your tomato bed or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also use garlic as a flavoring for sauces and other dishes.

9. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Why It Works:

Parsley is an herb that attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps that feed on garden pests. It also adds a fresh, herbal flavor to your tomatoes.

How to Plant:

Plant parsley around the base of your tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also use parsley as a garnish or flavoring for sauces and soups.

10. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Why It Works:

Sage is an herb that repels pests like cabbage moths, carrot flies, and slugs. It also has antifungal properties that help prevent plant diseases.

How to Plant:

Plant sage around the perimeter of your tomato bed or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also use sage as a flavoring for poultry and other dishes.

11. Mint (Mentha spp.)

Why It Works:

Mint is an herb that repels pests like ants, aphids, and flea beetles. It also attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and predatory wasps that feed on garden pests.

How to Plant:

Plant mint around the base of your tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also use mint as a flavoring for teas and other beverages.

12. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Why It Works:

Oregano is an herb that repels pests like aphids, spider mites, and cucumber beetles. It also adds a spicy, herbal flavor to your tomatoes.

How to Plant:

Plant oregano around the perimeter of your tomato bed or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also use oregano as a flavoring for pizza and other dishes.

13. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Why It Works:

Rosemary is an herb that repels pests like cabbage moths, carrot flies, and bean beetles. It also has antifungal properties that help prevent plant diseases.

How to Plant:

Plant rosemary around the base of your tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also use rosemary as a flavoring for roasted vegetables and meats.

14. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Why It Works:

Thyme is an herb that repels pests like whiteflies, cabbage worms, and spider mites. It also adds a savory, herbal flavor to your tomatoes.

How to Plant:

Plant thyme around the perimeter of your tomato bed or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also use thyme as a flavoring for soups and stews.

15. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)

Why It Works:

Sunflowers are a flowering plant that attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that feed on garden pests. They also provide shade for your tomato plants during hot summer days.

How to Plant:

Plant sunflowers around the perimeter of your tomato bed or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 12-24 inches to allow for proper growth. You can also harvest the sunflower seeds for a tasty snack.


Companion planting is a great way to improve the health and productivity of your tomato plants. By planting the right companion plants, you can create a natural ecosystem that supports your crops' growth and development. Whether you're looking to control pests, improve soil health, or boost yields, there's a companion plant out there for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best companion plants for tomatoes?

Some of the best companion plants for tomatoes include basil, marigolds, nasturtiums, borage, chives, calendula, dill, garlic, parsley, sage, mint, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sunflowers.

2. How do I plant companion plants with my tomatoes?

Plant companion plants around the base of your tomato plants or in between rows. Make sure to space them out every 6-12 inches to allow for proper growth.

3. Can I plant tomatoes with other vegetables?

Yes, tomatoes can be planted with other vegetables like peppers, eggplants, and cucumbers.

4. How do companion plants help tomatoes?

Companion plants help tomatoes by repelling pests, improving soil health, attracting beneficial insects, and enhancing flavor.

5. Are all herbs good companion plants for tomatoes?

No, not all herbs are good companion plants for tomatoes. Some herbs may compete with your tomato plants for nutrients or water, so it's important to choose the right ones.