Planting Basil with Tomatoes: A Match Made in Heaven

Are you looking for a way to enhance the flavor of your tomato dishes? Or maybe you're just interested in growing fresh herbs at home? Either way, planting basil with tomatoes is a perfect solution. Not only do these two plants complement each other perfectly, but they also make great companions in the garden. In this blog post, we'll show you how to plant basil with tomatoes, and provide you with some tips on how to care for these plants throughout the growing season.

Why Plant Basil with Tomatoes?

Basil and tomatoes are a classic combination in Italian cuisine, and for good reason. Basil adds a sweet, slightly spicy flavor that complements the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly. Besides their culinary compatibility, there are several reasons why planting basil with tomatoes makes sense:

• Pest control – Basil has natural insect-repelling properties that can keep pesky bugs away from your tomato plants.

• Pollination – Bees are attracted to the flowers on both basil and tomato plants, which can increase pollination and lead to a better harvest.

• Space-saving – Growing basil alongside your tomato plants can be a space-saving solution, as both plants have similar light and water requirements.

How to Plant Basil with Tomatoes

Now that you know why planting basil with tomatoes makes sense, let's take a look at how to do it.

1. Choose the right variety of basil – There are many different types of basil, but not all of them are suitable for planting with tomatoes. Look for varieties that are compatible with tomatoes, such as Genovese, Sweet basil, and Thai basil.

2. Choose the right location – Basil and tomatoes both need plenty of sunlight, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Make sure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.

3. Plant the tomatoes first – Tomatoes are larger plants than basil, so plant them first and give them plenty of space to grow. Leave enough room around each tomato plant for air circulation and to accommodate the size of the mature plant.

4. Plant the basil – Once you've planted your tomatoes, it's time to add the basil. Plant the basil seedlings around the base of each tomato plant, leaving about 6-8 inches of space between each basil plant.

5. Water regularly – Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Basil and tomatoes both like consistent moisture, so make sure to water them regularly, especially during hot weather.

Caring for Your Basil and Tomato Plants

Once you've planted your basil and tomato plants, it's important to care for them properly in order to get the best results. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Fertilize regularly – Both basil and tomatoes benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season.

• Prune as needed – Basil and tomato plants both benefit from pruning. Pinch off the tips of the basil plants once they reach about six inches tall to encourage bushy growth. For tomato plants, remove any suckers that form in the crotch between the main stem and a branch.

• Mulch to conserve moisture – Adding a layer of mulch around your plants can help retain moisture in the soil, which is especially important during hot weather.

Harvesting Your Basil and Tomatoes

One of the great things about planting basil with tomatoes is that you'll have a bountiful harvest of both herbs and vegetables to enjoy. Here are some tips on how to harvest your basil and tomatoes:

• Basil – Harvest the leaves when they're young and tender, before the plant s to flower. Pinch off the leaves at the stem, leaving a few sets of leaves at the bottom of the plant to encourage new growth.

• Tomatoes – Harvest when the fruit is fully ripe but still firm. Gently twist the tomato off the vine or use a pair of scissors to cut it off. Don't pull the fruit off the vine as this can damage the plant.

FAQs about Planting Basil with Tomatoes

1. Can I plant basil with any type of tomato?

Some varieties of basil are more compatible with certain types of tomatoes than others. It's best to choose basil varieties that are known to be good companions for tomatoes, such as Genovese, Sweet basil, and Thai basil.

2. Should I plant my basil and tomatoes in separate containers?

While it's possible to plant basil and tomatoes in separate containers, it's generally easier and more space-efficient to plant them together. Just make sure to give each plant enough room to grow.

3. How often do I need to water my basil and tomato plants?

Both basil and tomato plants like consistent moisture, so it's important to water them regularly. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.

4. Do I need to add fertilizer to my basil and tomato plants?

Yes, both basil and tomato plants benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season.

5. Can I use basil leaves that have turned brown?

No, it's best to remove any brown or wilted leaves from your basil plants. These leaves can harbor disease and pests, and won't taste as good as fresh leaves.



Planting basil with tomatoes is a great way to enhance the flavor of your tomato dishes, while also enjoying the benefits of growing fresh herbs at home. By following these tips for planting and caring for your basil and tomato plants, you'll be well on your way to a bountiful harvest of both herbs and vegetables.