Tomatoes are a staple for many gardeners, but you may not know that they actually do better when planted with certain other plants. These are called tomato companion plants, and it’s important to learn what they are.

Companion planting is when you put plants together in a way that helps them out. It can keep away pests, help the soil, and make your veggies taste even better.
Gardeners with years of experience figured out which plants make tomatoes grow better by keeping away pests and diseases.
Read on to learn exactly which 21 herbs, flowers, and root vegetables make the best tomato companion plants so that you can have the best harvest:
Table of Contents
1. Calendula
Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is are one of the best tomato companion plants. Its bright flowers attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which aid in pollination.
Moreover, calendula has a reputation for repelling certain tomato pests, such as aphids and nematodes. The fallen petals also enrich the soil, providing additional nutrients for your tomatoes.
2. Chives
Botanical Name: Allium schoenoprasum\
Chives are a great companion for tomatoes because they help deter pests like aphids and beetles. The strong scent of chives can mask the aroma of tomato plants, making it harder for pests to locate them.
Additionally, chives are a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in the same conditions as tomatoes, making them an easy addition to your garden.
3. Black-Eyed Peas
Botanical Name: Vigna unguiculata
Black-eyed peas, like other legumes, have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which tomatoes can benefit from. This process improves soil fertility, promoting healthier and more productive tomato plants.
Furthermore, black-eyed peas can act as a ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture.
4. Radishes
Botanical Name: Raphanus sativus
Radishes can be a beneficial companion for tomatoes. They are known to deter pests like aphids and beetles, which can cause significant damage to tomato plants.
Radishes also grow quickly and can be harvested before the tomatoes need more space, making them an efficient use of garden space.
5. Sage
Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis
Sage is a great companion for tomatoes. Its strong scent can deter pests like the cabbage moth and carrot fly.
Additionally, sage is a perennial plant that can provide a consistent source of ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture.
6. French Marigolds
Botanical Name: Tagetes patula
French marigolds are one of the most popular tomato companion plants. They are known to repel harmful nematodes and other pests, protecting your tomatoes from damage.
The vibrant flowers of French marigolds also attract beneficial insects, promoting pollination and biodiversity in your garden.
7. Nasturtiums
Botanical Name: Tropaeolum majus
Nasturtiums are a fantastic companion for tomatoes. They are known to deter a range of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs.
Plus, nasturtiums' bright, beautiful flowers attract pollinators, enhancing the overall health and productivity of your garden.
8. Cilantro
Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
Cilantro can be a beneficial companion for tomatoes. It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which prey on harmful pests.
Additionally, cilantro's strong scent can deter pests and mask the aroma of tomato plants, making it harder for pests to locate them.
9. Oregano
Botanical Name: Origanum vulgare
Oregano is another excellent companion for tomatoes. Its strong aroma can deter many pests that are harmful to tomatoes. Plus, oregano is a perennial plant that can provide ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture.
The herb also enhances the flavor of tomatoes, making it a win-win addition to your garden.
10. Parsley
Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispum
Parsley can be a great companion for tomatoes. It attracts beneficial insects that prey on common tomato pests, like the tomato hornworm.
Additionally, parsley's dense growth can help to keep the soil cool and moist, which tomatoes appreciate.
11. Crimson Clover
Botanical Name: Trifolium incarnatum
Crimson clover is a fantastic companion for tomatoes. It's a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it can improve soil fertility and benefit tomato growth.
Plus, its bright red flowers attract pollinators, which can improve tomato yield.
12. Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula
Lavender and tomatoes are a good match. Lavender's strong scent can deter pests that often plague tomatoes, like aphids and whiteflies.
Plus, its beautiful purple flowers can add a pop of color to your tomato garden.
13. Sunflowers
Botanical Name: Helianthus
Sunflowers can provide valuable support for tomato plants, acting as natural stakes for their vining companions.
They also attract pollinators and can help to improve soil quality by drawing up nutrients from deep in the ground.
14. Zinnias
Botanical Name: Zinnia elegans
Zinnias are another great companion for tomatoes. They attract ladybugs and other beneficial insects that prey on common tomato pests.
Plus, their vibrant flowers can make your tomato garden even more visually appealing.
15. Asparagus
Botanical Name: Asparagus officinalis
Asparagus and tomatoes have a mutually beneficial relationship. Tomatoes can repel asparagus beetles, a common pest, while asparagus can deter nematodes that often affect tomatoes.
16. Basil
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Basil is a classic companion for tomatoes, both in the garden and in the kitchen.
It can repel pests like aphids and hornworms, and some gardeners believe it even improves the flavor of tomatoes.
17. Borage
Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
Borage is a beneficial companion for tomatoes. It attracts beneficial insects and pollinators, and its deep roots can help to improve soil structure.
Plus, it's said to improve the flavor and growth of tomatoes.
18. Carrots
Botanical Name: Daucus carota
Carrots and tomatoes are a good match in the garden. Carrots can help to loosen the soil, making it easier for tomato roots to grow.
Plus, they can be harvested before the tomatoes get too large, preventing competition for space.
19. Garlic
Botanical Name: Allium sativum
Garlic can help to deter pests that often plague tomatoes, like spider mites and aphids.
Plus, it's believed to improve the flavor of tomatoes when planted nearby.
20. Sweet Alyssum
Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima
Sweet alyssum is a great companion for tomatoes. It attracts beneficial insects, like hoverflies, whose larvae feed on aphids.
Plus, its dense growth can help to suppress weeds.
21. Thyme
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
Thyme is a beneficial companion for tomatoes. It can deter pests like cabbage worms and whiteflies, and its small, low-growing habit won't compete with tomatoes for space.
Plus, it's said to enhance the flavor of tomatoes.
Leave a Reply