Tomatoes are a garden favorite, but did you know the right neighbors can make them even better? Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique where certain plants help each other thrive. When it comes to tomatoes, strategic companions can boost flavor, growth, and even disease resistance.
Skip the chemicals and let nature do the work. These 9 plants are the ultimate tomato sidekicks you’ll want growing nearby.
Basil
Basil doesn’t just enhance your pasta—it helps your tomatoes grow stronger and taste better. It naturally repels insects like aphids and hornworms. Plus, the two love the same sun and water conditions.
Marigolds
These cheerful flowers act like a tomato bodyguard. Their strong scent keeps nematodes, whiteflies, and other pests away. Plant them as a colorful border around your tomato beds.
Borage
This blue-blooming herb attracts pollinators and deters tomato hornworms. It also improves soil health by adding trace minerals. Borage self-seeds easily, so it’ll return each season.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums work as a trap crop, luring aphids and whiteflies away from your tomatoes. They also sprawl beautifully and can be eaten in salads. Grow them around the base of your plants for full-circle benefits.
Chives
Chives repel aphids and fungal diseases while taking up little space. Their mild onion scent is offensive to many pests. Bonus: their purple blooms attract bees and beneficial insects.
Calendula
Often called “pot marigold,” calendula draws in pollinators and predatory insects like ladybugs. It helps balance the tomato ecosystem naturally. The petals are also edible and beautiful in salads.
Carrots
Carrots can grow in the shallow spaces between tomato plants without competing for resources. They help keep the soil loose and aerated. Their foliage also offers a bit of ground-level protection.
Lettuce
Lettuce grows quickly in the shade beneath tomato plants. It suppresses weeds and acts as a living mulch to retain soil moisture. This combo maximizes garden space and productivity.
Parsley
Parsley attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, which feed on aphids. It won’t crowd out tomatoes and grows well in partial shade. Harvest it regularly for both culinary and companion benefits.
With the right companions, your tomato plants can truly thrive. These helpful herbs, flowers, and veggies not only supercharge your harvest but also make your garden more beautiful and balanced.
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