Companion planting emerges as a shining star in the vibrant gardening world, offering a harmonious way to nurture our beloved crops. Among these, tomatoes stand tall as a favorite amongst gardeners, their juicy fruits symbolizing the pinnacle of homegrown delight. But what indeed elevates the tomato garden to new heights? The secret lies in selecting the perfect companions – a practice known as “tomato companion plants.” This method isn’t just about filling space; it’s a strategic dance where each plant plays a vital role in supporting the health and vigor of our precious tomatoes.
Choosing the right companions for your tomatoes isn’t merely a suggestion; it’s a horticultural imperative—the success of your tomato crop hinges upon this careful selection. You can create an ecosystem teeming with vitality and abundance by strategically pairing plants that complement each other’s growth habits, nutrient needs, and pest resistance. It’s akin to assembling a dream team, where each member brings their unique talents to the table, ultimately leading to a bountiful harvest. So, let’s delve into the world of tomato companion plants and uncover the secrets to a thriving garden oasis.
Best Companion Plants for Tomatoes
1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum): The Flavorful Guardian
This aromatic herb, beloved in Mediterranean cuisine, offers more than just culinary delight. Its potent fragrance acts as a natural repellent against common tomato pests like aphids, whiteflies, and mosquitoes. Basil also attracts beneficial pollinators, such as bees and hoverflies, boosting tomato yield. And while not directly influencing tomato flavor, the proximity of basil may subtly enhance the overall taste experience.
Spacing: Plant basil 12-18 inches away from tomato plants to allow adequate airflow and growth.
Insider’s Secret: Pinch off basil flowers to encourage bushier growth and a continuous supply of fresh leaves.
2. Borage (Borago officinalis): The Starry Benefactor
This stunning flower with its vibrant blue blossoms is more than just a pretty face. It acts as a natural deterrent against the dreaded tomato hornworm, while attracting beneficial insects like predatory wasps and bees. Borage also enhances soil health by contributing trace minerals and organic matter, creating an ideal environment for vigorous tomato growth and potentially richer flavor.
Spacing: Plant borage 18-24 inches away from tomato plants to provide ample space for both to flourish.
Gardener’s Pro Tip: Allow some borage to flower to attract pollinators, but remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
3. Peas (Pisum sativum): The Nourishing Neighbor
This cool-season legume isn’t just a tasty addition to your plate; it’s a powerhouse in the garden. Peas naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen, a vital nutrient for robust tomato growth. They also improve soil structure and aeration, promoting healthy tomato roots and overall plant vigor. While not directly affecting tomato flavor, peas play a crucial role in their health and resilience, leading to better yields and disease resistance.
Spacing: Plant peas 2-3 inches apart, providing support for climbing varieties if necessary.
Grower’s Hack: Sow pea seeds early in the season, ideally before your tomatoes, to maximize their nitrogen-fixing benefits.
RELATED: Companion Plants For Peas
4. Marigold (Tagetes): The Golden Guardian
These vibrant flowers are not only a feast for the eyes but also a formidable protector for your tomatoes. Marigolds are known to deter a wide range of pests, including nematodes, whiteflies, and even some soil-borne pathogens. Their bright blooms also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which further help to control unwanted pests. Additionally, marigolds are thought to release a substance that suppresses certain types of weeds, adding another layer of protection for your tomato plants.
Spacing: Plant marigolds 12-18 inches away from tomato plants to ensure proper airflow and growth.
Insider’s Secret: Deadhead (remove) spent marigold flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and maximize their pest-repelling benefits.
5. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum): The Sacrificial Hero
These cheerful, edible flowers are a trap crop for aphids, luring them away from your precious tomatoes. As aphids prefer nasturtiums, they’ll often congregate on these plants, making it easier to control them without harming your tomato crop. Nasturtiums also attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, whose larvae feast on aphids. Additionally, their sprawling growth habit can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
Spacing: Plant nasturtiums 10-12 inches away from tomato plants to give them room to spread.
Gardener’s Pro Tip: Plant a variety of nasturtium colors to create a visually appealing and pest-deterring border around your tomato patch.
RELATED: Companion Plants For Nasturtiums
6. Sage (Salvia officinalis): The Aromatic Armor
This fragrant herb, celebrated for its culinary and medicinal uses, is also a powerful ally in the tomato patch. Sage emits a strong aroma that deters common tomato pests like cabbage moths, carrot flies, and some beetles. Additionally, its attractive flowers can lure beneficial insects like pollinators and predatory wasps. While not directly affecting tomato flavor, sage contributes to a healthier garden ecosystem, promoting vigorous growth and resilience in tomato plants.
Spacing: Plant sage 18-24 inches away from tomato plants to ensure adequate airflow and growth.
Insider’s Secret: Harvest sage leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth and a continuous supply of fresh herbs.
7. Oregano (Origanum vulgare): The Spicy Shield
This flavorful herb, a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, packs a punch in the garden too. Oregano’s pungent aroma repels aphids, spider mites, and even ants, protecting your tomato plants from these persistent pests. Like many herbs, oregano also attracts beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies, boosting pollination and promoting a balanced ecosystem.
Spacing: Plant oregano 12-18 inches away from tomato plants to allow adequate space for both to thrive.
Gardener’s Pro Tip: Prune oregano regularly to prevent it from becoming leggy and to promote bushier growth.
8. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): The Beneficial Beacon
This versatile herb is not only a culinary staple but also a valuable asset in the garden. Parsley attracts a variety of beneficial insects, including ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps, which prey on common tomato pests like aphids and caterpillars. Parsley also contributes to soil health by adding organic matter and attracting earthworms, which aerate the soil and improve drainage.
Spacing: Plant parsley 8-10 inches away from tomato plants to give both adequate space.
Grower’s Hack: Interplant parsley with tomatoes to create a dense ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.
9. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): The Aromatic Armor
This delicate yet flavorful herb offers more than just a culinary garnish for your dishes. Chives emit a subtle onion-like aroma that deters common tomato pests like aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. They also possess antifungal properties, helping to protect tomato plants from certain diseases. And their attractive flowers bring in pollinators, contributing to a thriving garden ecosystem.
Spacing: Plant chives 6-12 inches away from tomato plants to ensure proper airflow and growth.
Insider’s Secret: Divide chive clumps every few years to maintain their vigor and pest-repelling power.
10. Radish (Raphanus sativus): The Speedy Soil Improver
These fast-growing root vegetables are more than just a crunchy snack. Radishes act as a trap crop, attracting pests like cucumber beetles and root maggots away from your tomatoes. Their rapid growth also helps to break up compacted soil, improving aeration and drainage for tomato roots. Plus, you’ll enjoy an early harvest of radishes while your tomatoes are still maturing.
Spacing: Plant radish seeds 2 inches apart in rows, keeping the rows at least 6 inches from tomato plants.
Gardener’s Pro Tip: Succession plant radishes every few weeks for a continuous supply and ongoing pest control.
11. Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum): The Beneficial Beacon
This aromatic herb, loved for its distinctive flavor, also brings numerous benefits to the tomato patch. Cilantro attracts a wide range of beneficial insects, including ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which help to control common tomato pests like aphids and caterpillars. Its roots also improve soil structure and add organic matter, fostering a healthy environment for tomato plants.
Spacing: Plant cilantro 6-8 inches away from tomato plants to give both adequate space.
Grower’s Hack: Trim cilantro flower stalks to prolong its life and encourage a continuous supply of fresh leaves.
Read About: Radish Companion Plants
12. Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum): The Nitrogen-Rich Nourisher
This vibrant cover crop does more than paint your garden with a splash of red. Crimson clover is a legume, which means it has the remarkable ability to fix nitrogen from the air and deposit it into the soil. This natural fertilizer is a boon for hungry tomato plants, promoting vigorous growth and abundant fruit production. Crimson clover also attracts beneficial insects, like bees and ladybugs, which help to pollinate flowers and control pests.
Spacing: Scatter crimson clover seeds evenly around your tomato plants, ensuring they have enough space to grow without competing with roots.
Grower’s Hack: Cut back crimson clover before it flowers and incorporate it into the soil as green manure, further enriching the soil for your tomatoes.
13. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): The Fragrant Protector
This beloved herb, prized for its calming fragrance and culinary uses, is also a powerful ally in the tomato patch. Lavender’s strong scent repels common tomato pests like aphids, moths, and fleas. Its beautiful flowers also attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, boosting tomato yield.
Spacing: Plant lavender 12-18 inches away from tomato plants to ensure proper airflow and growth.
Insider’s Secret: Prune lavender regularly to encourage bushier growth and a continuous supply of fragrant blooms.
14. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): The Towering Guardian
These majestic flowers are not just a source of beauty and edible seeds; they also provide valuable benefits to tomato plants. Sunflowers attract beneficial insects that prey on common tomato pests, while their tall stalks offer shade and wind protection, creating a favorable microclimate for tomatoes.
Spacing: Plant sunflowers at the edge of tomato rows, spacing them 12-18 inches apart and at least 18 inches from tomato plants to avoid shading issues.
Gardener’s Pro Tip: Choose dwarf sunflower varieties if space is limited, as they won’t overshadow your tomato plants.
15. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans): The Colorful Companion
These cheerful flowers are more than just a pretty addition to your garden. Zinnias attract a wide range of beneficial insects, including ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which help to control common tomato pests like aphids and caterpillars. Their bright blooms also add a pop of color and vibrancy to the tomato patch.
Spacing: Plant zinnias 6-12 inches away from tomato plants to allow both to thrive.
Insider’s Secret: Deadhead (remove) spent zinnia flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and maximize their pest-attracting benefits.
RELATED: Sunflowers Companion Plants
16. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis): The Perennial Protector
This perennial vegetable is not just a delicious spring treat; it’s also a valuable companion for tomatoes. Asparagus roots secrete a substance that repels harmful nematodes, microscopic worms that can damage tomato roots. In turn, tomatoes release a compound called solanine, which deters asparagus beetles, a common pest for this vegetable. This mutually beneficial relationship makes asparagus an ideal companion for long-term tomato growing.
Spacing: Plant asparagus crowns or seeds 18-24 inches away from tomato plants to provide ample space for both to mature.
Grower’s Hack: Interplant asparagus and tomatoes in alternate rows to maximize their pest-repelling benefits.
17. Onion (Allium cepa): The Pungent Defender
This kitchen staple is a versatile weapon in the garden. Onions emit a strong sulfurous odor that repels a host of pests, including aphids, carrot flies, and cabbage worms. They also possess antifungal properties, helping to protect tomato plants from soil-borne diseases.
Spacing: Plant onion sets or seeds 4-6 inches apart, keeping them 12 inches away from tomato plants.
Insider’s Secret: Choose varieties of onions with strong aromas, like red onions or shallots, for maximum pest-repelling power.
18. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima): The Beneficial Groundcover
This low-growing, fragrant flower is more than just a pretty face. Sweet alyssum acts as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and helping to retain soil moisture, which is crucial for healthy tomato growth. It also attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which prey on common tomato pests.
Spacing: Plant sweet alyssum seeds or seedlings around tomato plants, spacing them 6-8 inches apart.
Gardener’s Pro Tip: Allow sweet alyssum to self-seed for a continuous display of flowers and ongoing pest control.
19. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus): The Pollinator Magnet
These vibrant, daisy-like flowers are a beacon for pollinators like bees and butterflies, essential for good tomato fruit set. Their tall, airy stems also create a visual barrier that can help confuse flying pests, making it harder for them to locate your tomato plants.
Spacing: Plant cosmos 12-18 inches away from tomato plants to give them room to grow and bloom.
Insider’s Secret: Choose a variety of cosmos colors to attract a wider range of pollinators and create a visually stunning display in your garden.
20. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): The Herbal Healer
This hardy perennial herb isn’t just a staple in natural medicine; it’s also a boon for your tomato plants. Yarrow attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on common tomato pests like aphids. Its deep roots help aerate the soil and bring up nutrients, making them more accessible to shallow-rooted tomatoes. Additionally, yarrow is thought to have antifungal properties, offering some protection against soil-borne diseases.
Spacing: Plant yarrow 18-24 inches away from tomato plants to give both ample space to grow.
Gardener’s Pro Tip: Cut back yarrow flowers regularly to encourage bushier growth and a continuous supply of pest-deterring foliage.
21. Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris): The Colorful Cover Crop
This leafy green vegetable isn’t just a nutritious addition to your salads; it’s also a valuable companion for tomatoes. Chard’s broad leaves act as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and helping to retain soil moisture, which is crucial for healthy tomato growth. Its deep roots can also help to break up compacted soil and improve drainage. Plus, the vibrant colors of chard leaves add a touch of beauty to your tomato patch.
Spacing: Plant chard 12-18 inches away from tomato plants to avoid overcrowding.
Insider’s Secret: Harvest chard leaves regularly to promote continuous growth and prevent the plant from bolting (producing flowers and seeds).
22. Dill (Anethum graveolens): The Aromatic Attractor
This delicate, feathery herb isn’t just a culinary herb for pickling and fish dishes; it’s also a magnet for beneficial insects. Dill attracts ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which are all natural predators of common tomato pests. It’s also believed that dill can improve the flavor of nearby tomatoes, although this is anecdotal.
Spacing: Plant dill 12-18 inches away from tomato plants to avoid overcrowding.
Grower’s Hack: Allow some dill plants to flower and go to seed. This will attract even more beneficial insects and ensure a continuous supply of dill for your garden next year.
23. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus): The Cool-Headed Supporter
This refreshing vegetable is not just a summer salad staple; it’s also a surprisingly helpful companion for tomatoes. Cucumbers provide ground cover and shade, helping to regulate soil temperature and moisture levels, which is crucial for healthy tomato growth. They can also act as a decoy, attracting pests away from your prized tomatoes.
Spacing: Plant cucumber seedlings 12-18 inches away from tomato plants and provide a trellis or other support to prevent sprawling.
Insider’s Secret: Choose vining cucumber varieties that can climb alongside tomato plants, maximizing space and shade in your garden.
24. Mint (Mentha spp., in Containers): The Potent Pest Repellent
This fragrant herb is a powerful ally in the fight against common tomato pests like aphids, ants, and whiteflies. Its strong scent acts as a natural deterrent, keeping these pests at bay. Growing mint in containers prevents it from spreading invasively while still allowing its pest-repelling benefits to protect your tomatoes.
Spacing: Place mint containers 12-18 inches away from tomato plants to avoid competition for nutrients and water.
Gardener’s Pro Tip: Choose a mint variety with a strong aroma, like peppermint or spearmint, for maximum pest-repelling power.
25. Catnip (Nepeta cataria): The Feline Friend and Pest Foe
This feline favorite isn’t just a plaything for cats; it’s also a valuable companion plant for tomatoes. Catnip’s pungent aroma repels aphids, beetles, and squash bugs, protecting your tomato plants from these pesky invaders. It also attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and parasitic wasps, which further help to control unwanted pests.
Spacing: Plant catnip 12-18 inches away from tomato plants to allow both to thrive.
Grower’s Hack: Plant catnip in several locations around your garden to create a wider zone of pest protection.
26. Marjoram (Origanum majorana): The Flavor Enhancer
This aromatic herb, often used in Mediterranean cuisine, is a tasty companion for tomatoes. Not only does marjoram attract beneficial insects like bees and predatory wasps, but some gardeners believe it can also enhance the flavor of nearby tomatoes, adding a subtle sweetness and depth.
Spacing: Plant marjoram 12-18 inches away from tomato plants to ensure proper airflow and growth.
Insider’s Secret: Harvest marjoram leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth and a continuous supply of fresh herbs.
27. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma): The Pollinator Paradise
This vibrant, nectar-rich flower is a favorite among pollinators like bees and butterflies. By attracting these beneficial insects to your garden, bee balm can help boost tomato pollination and yield. Its tall, showy blooms also add a splash of color and beauty to your tomato patch.
Spacing: Plant bee balm 18-24 inches away from tomato plants to provide ample space for both to flourish.
Gardener’s Pro Tip: Choose a bee balm variety that’s resistant to powdery mildew, a common fungal disease that can affect this plant.
28. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): The Vibrant Healer
These vibrant, daisy-like flowers, also known as coneflowers, are more than just a beautiful addition to your garden. Echinacea attracts a wide range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for good tomato fruit set. Additionally, echinacea is believed to have beneficial effects on soil health, potentially improving nutrient availability and suppressing some harmful pathogens.
Spacing: Plant echinacea 18-24 inches away from tomato plants to provide ample space for both to flourish.
Insider’s Secret: Leave some spent echinacea flowers on the plant over winter to provide food for birds and add visual interest to your garden.
29. Calendula (Calendula officinalis): The Cheerful Protector
These bright, cheerful flowers, sometimes called pot marigolds, are a multi-faceted companion for tomatoes. Calendula attracts a wide range of beneficial insects, including hoverflies, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps, which prey on common tomato pests. Their roots also release substances that can suppress harmful nematodes in the soil. Plus, calendula’s vibrant blooms add a cheerful touch to any garden.
Spacing: Plant calendula 12-18 inches away from tomato plants to ensure proper airflow and growth.
Gardener’s Pro Tip: Harvest calendula flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and maximize their pest-attracting benefits.
30. Carrot (Daucus carota): The Underground Aerator
This familiar root vegetable is more than just a tasty snack; it’s a valuable companion for your tomatoes. As carrots grow, their roots help to aerate the soil and break up compacted areas, improving drainage and nutrient availability for tomato roots. Some gardeners also believe that carrots can help repel pests like aphids and root-knot nematodes, although this is anecdotal.
Spacing: Plant carrot seeds 2-3 inches apart in rows, keeping the rows at least 12 inches from tomato plants.
Grower’s Hack: Plant carrots in succession every few weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the growing season and ongoing soil improvement.
RELATED: Carrots Companion Plants
31. Garlic (Allium sativum): The Pungent Protector
This culinary staple is a powerhouse in the garden, warding off a host of pests that commonly trouble tomatoes. The pungent aroma of garlic repels aphids, spider mites, and even some fungal diseases. Some gardeners also believe that garlic can improve the flavor of nearby tomatoes, adding a subtle depth and complexity.
Spacing: Plant garlic cloves around tomato plants, spacing them about 6 inches apart.
Gardener’s Pro Tip: Interplant garlic with tomatoes in the fall for pest protection throughout the growing season.
32. Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris): The Generous Giver
These climbing legumes are not just a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals; they’re also a generous contributor to your tomato patch. Beans have the remarkable ability to fix nitrogen from the air and deposit it into the soil, enriching it with this essential nutrient that tomatoes crave. Beans also provide shade and support for tomato plants, creating a microclimate that can help regulate soil temperature and moisture.
Spacing: Plant beans 4-6 inches apart from tomato plants, providing a trellis or other support for climbing varieties.
Insider’s Secret: Choose bush bean varieties if space is limited, as they don’t require additional support and won’t compete with tomatoes for sunlight.
Plants to Avoid with Tomatoes
Celery: Celery can help repel certain pests, but it requires different soil conditions than tomatoes, so they may not be the best companions regarding soil compatibility.
Dandelion Greens: Dandelion greens may compete with tomatoes for resources and are not typically planted as companion plants.
Chickweed: Chickweed can act as a living mulch and attract beneficial insects, but it competes with tomatoes for nutrients and water.
Brassicas: Brassicas, like cabbage and broccoli, are not typically recommended as companion plants for tomatoes as they have different soil and nutrient requirements.
Potatoes: Potatoes are not recommended as companion plants for tomatoes because they can attract similar pests and diseases.
Corn: Corn is not typically recommended as a companion plant for tomatoes as it can compete for nutrients and may provide too much shade.
Fennel inhibits certain plants’ growth, so it’s not recommended as a tomato companion.
Conclusion on Tomato Companion Plants
In wrapping up, planting companions alongside tomatoes brings advantages to your vegetable garden. You can improve soil health, reduce pests, and boost your overall tomato harvest by picking the right plants based on science-backed knowledge, like those used in organic and polyculture gardening. Using living mulches as part of this approach helps keep the soil healthy and thriving. With a science-based approach and organic gardening practices, adding companion plants to your tomato patch boosts growth. It helps create a sustainable and thriving garden environment.