15 Best Companion Plants for Tomatoes to Boost Your Harvest

The sweet taste of homegrown tomatoes – there’s nothing quite like it. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, tomatoes are a staple in many a garden. But did you know that the secret to a bountiful tomato harvest lies not just in the variety of tomato you plant, but in the company it keeps? That’s right, companion planting is a powerful tool in the garden, and when it comes to tomatoes, the right companions can make all the difference.

By strategically planting certain herbs, flowers, and vegetables alongside your tomato plants, you can boost yields, deter pests, and even add a splash of color to your garden bed. In this article, we’ll explore the best companion plants for tomatoes and show you how to create a thriving and beautiful garden that will be the envy of all your neighbors.

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Basil

Basil is one of the most popular companion plants for tomatoes. Its aromatic leaves can enhance the flavor of tomatoes while repelling pests like aphids and flies. Planting basil alongside tomatoes can also improve their growth. Additionally, both plants thrive in similar conditions, making them an ideal pairing for garden beds.

Marigolds

Marigolds are bright and cheerful flowers that not only beautify the garden but also protect tomato plants. They release a compound that repels nematodes and other harmful insects. Additionally, the vibrant color can attract beneficial pollinators, making them a great companion for ensuring good yield from tomato plants.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful companion plant for tomatoes due to its potent scent that deters various pests such as aphids and spider mites. Planting garlic around tomato plants can create a protective barrier and promote healthier growth. Furthermore, both plants have similar water and sunlight needs, making them easy to grow together.

Onions

Onions act as natural pest repellents when planted near tomatoes. Their strong odor can keep pests like whiteflies and aphids at bay. Onions and tomatoes also benefit from being planted near each other due to their different nutrient requirements, which helps maximize the use of available soil nutrients.

Carrots

Carrots and tomatoes make for good garden buddies, as they do not compete for nutrients and can use the same space effectively. Carrots help to aerate the soil with their root systems, which can benefit the tomatoes. Furthermore, the contrasting heights of these plants can create layers in the garden bed, maximizing sunlight exposure for both.

Pepper

Peppers are excellent companion plants for tomatoes, as they share similar growing conditions and can thrive side by side. Both plants are susceptible to the same pests, so they create a symbiotic relationship where they can help distract pests from each other. Additionally, the vibrancy of peppers can add visual interest to a tomato garden.

Borage

Borage is an herb that can greatly benefit tomato plants by attracting pollinators and repelling pests like the tomato hornworm. It also enriches the soil with its deep roots, bringing up nutrients that can benefit nearby plants. Borage’s beautiful blue flowers can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a garden bed.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are not only edible but also serve as effective trap crops for aphids, drawing them away from tomato plants. Their bright flowers can add a burst of color to the garden and are known to deter pests like whiteflies. Additionally, nasturtiums can provide ground cover, which helps retain soil moisture for tomatoes.

Thyme

Thyme is a low-growing herb that pairs well with tomatoes. It can help suppress weeds and minimize soil erosion while improving the overall health of the soil. Thyme also attracts beneficial insects and serves as a natural pest repellent, making it a valuable companion in a tomato garden.

Oregano

Oregano is a vigorous herb that helps improve soil quality and attracts pollinators, which can significantly benefit tomatoes. Its scent acts as a natural repellent against common tomato pests like aphids and spider mites. Oregano thrives in similar conditions to tomatoes, making it an easy addition to companion planting efforts.

Spinach

Spinach makes an excellent companion for tomatoes due to its quick-growing nature. It can be planted early in the season and harvested before the tomatoes reach their full size, maximizing space usage. Additionally, spinach can provide shade for young tomato plants, helping to keep them cool during the hot summer months.

Radishes

Planting radishes with tomatoes can be beneficial as they grow quickly and can be harvested before the tomatoes need more space. Radishes can also help break up the soil, improving aeration and drainage for tomato roots. Furthermore, they can deter pests like cucumber beetles, thereby benefiting the overall health of the tomato plant.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers can adapt well when grown alongside tomatoes, benefiting from the vertical space tomatoes create. They can help shade the soil around tomato plants, reducing temperature extremes. Additionally, both plants thrive in similar warm conditions, making them a great pairing in the vegetable garden.

Parsley

Parsley is a fragrant herb that can attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on common tomato pests. It’s also known to enhance the growth and flavor of tomatoes when planted nearby. Additionally, parsley can be harvested throughout the growing season, providing fresh additions to your kitchen.

Zucchini

Zucchini can be an excellent companion to tomatoes, as it grows quickly and provides ground cover, suppressing weeds that could compete for nutrients. Both plants enjoy the warmth of the summer sun and benefit from similar watering needs. The larger zucchini leaves also create shade, which can help regulate soil temperature around tomato plants.