9 Plants That Make Your Tomatoes Taste Even Better

If you’re growing tomatoes, you probably want the juiciest, most flavorful harvest possible. One of the easiest ways to enhance taste and performance? Plant the right companions nearby.

These 9 plants not only support tomato health—they may actually improve how your tomatoes taste by enriching the soil, deterring pests, or improving growing conditions.

Basil

This classic combo isn't just for caprese salads—it’s a power duo in the garden too. Basil repels tomato pests like hornworms and aphids, while its aromatic oils may boost tomato flavor.

Garlic

Garlic helps keep fungal diseases and aphids away, creating healthier plants that can focus on fruit quality. Plus, its strong scent confuses pests targeting tomatoes.

Chives

These mild alliums repel aphids and improve pollinator activity when in bloom. Growing chives nearby may subtly influence the taste and aroma of tomato fruit.

Borage

This edible flower attracts pollinators and adds trace minerals to the soil, which can help improve tomato flavor and vigor. Bonus: it repels tomato hornworms naturally.

Marigolds

These cheerful blooms don’t just look pretty—they help reduce root-knot nematodes and ward off harmful insects. Healthier roots lead to more robust, tastier tomatoes.

Parsley

Low-growing parsley attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybugs that protect tomatoes from pests. A calmer, less stressed tomato plant produces better-tasting fruit.

Lemon Balm

Its citrusy scent helps mask tomato plants from pests. Some gardeners also believe it enhances the brightness and acidity of tomato flavor when grown nearby.

Thyme

This low-growing herb suppresses weeds and protects soil moisture, reducing stress on tomato plants. Its aromatic oils may also benefit neighboring fruit quality.

Nasturtiums

These trailing flowers act as a trap crop, drawing aphids and beetles away from tomatoes. They also attract pollinators and are completely edible, making your garden more productive and flavorful overall.

Want better tomatoes without extra effort? Add a few of these powerful companions around your tomato patch and enjoy a tastier, healthier harvest. Flavor starts in the soil—so let these natural allies do their work.