10 Companion Plants That Love Tomatoes

I’ve spoken about quite a few plants and their companions, but have yet to make a post about tomatoes. They should’ve been the first plant on the list to talk about companion planting, given how common they are in vegetable gardens. Companion planting can boost tomato health, deter pests, and enhance yields. By choosing the right tomato companion plants, you can create a garden brimming with fruits and veggies. These plants are good to go for any type of tomato, including from beefsteak to cherry tomatoes, because a tomato is a tomato! Let’s take a look at 10 plants that pair wonderfully with tomatoes, including some beautiful tomato companion flowers, to maximize growth and flavor.

This post is all about tomato companion plants.

Table of Contents

Basil

The aroma alone is enough reason to plant basil in your garden. But to give you even more reasons besides plopping some leaves in a simmering tomato sauce, it’s a classic tomato companion plant that repels pests like aphids and whiteflies with its aromatic leaves. Just like the medley that happens in your sauce pot, the same happens out in the garden. Bail may also enhance tomato flavor when grown nearby. Plant basil a few inches from tomato stems to attract pollinators like bees, boosting fruit set. When the plant start to bolt (meaning conditions are no longer ideal, ie it could be too hot), basil gets really cute little flowers that range in color, depending on the variety. Currently, I’m growing sweet basil, Genovese basil, and lettuce basil. There are all different kinds so play around and experiment to find the types you’d like to grow!

tomato companion plants — tomato plants with basil plant in the foreground

Marigolds

This flower is the perfect border plant. Line the border of your garden with marigolds to benefit the whole garden, and not just tomatoes. Marigolds are a top tomato companion flower, known for repelling nematodes and pests like tomato hornworms with their strong scent. They come in all sorts of colors – they range from orange to yellow and red, cream, pink, and some may even change colors – just to name a few colors. Plant marigolds around tomato beds or intersperse them for a colorful, protective barrier.

cherry tomato companion plants — red and gold marigolds

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums, another excellent tomato companion flower, act as a trap crop, luring aphids and whiteflies away from tomatoes. Their bright, edible flowers attract pollinators and predatory insects, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem. Plant them at the edges of tomato beds to create a living shield. Nasturtiums work well with all tomato varieties. There are two different kinds of nasturtiums – trailing or climbing and bush. They’re also edible flowers that have a peppery, mustard-like taste. Use them in salads to add some color or you can pickle their seedpods and use them like you would capers.

How To Prepare Garden Beds For Planting — nasturtium

Borage

Borage is a stellar tomato companion flower that attracts bees and other pollinators, improving tomato pollination and yield. The bees just love them so much, which is why I enjoy growing them. Its star-shaped blue flowers deter pests like tomato hornworms, while its deep roots loosen soil, benefiting tomato roots. Scatter borage near tomatoes for a natural boost.

Garlic

Part of the allium family, you’ll discover that many plants in this genus are friends to so many other plants because of their smell. Garlic’s pungent aroma repels pests like spider mites and aphids, making it a great tomato companion plant. Planting garlic bulbs around tomato plants creates a natural pest barrier, reducing the need for chemical sprays. This plant also enhances soil health as it grows, benefiting both standard and cherry tomato companion plants. Harvest garlic bulbs in late summer for a dual-purpose crop.

Onions

Onions, like garlic, are effective tomato companion plants due to their ability to deter pests such as aphids and slugs with their strong smell. Their shallow roots don’t compete heavily with tomatoes, allowing both to thrive. Plant onions in rows between tomato plants for pest protection and efficient space use, ideal for cherry tomato companion plants in compact gardens.

Parsley

Not only does parsley benefit tomato plants and the garden, but it really supports butterflies which is why I particularly LOVE the grow it. In the picture, you can see a little yellow globe on one of the leaves. That’s the egg of a black swallowtail butterfly. It’s so fun to watch them grow from a little, tiny egg into a caterpillar and the parsley supports them until they become a butterfly. Parsley attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, which feed on tomato pests such as aphids and caterpillars that are not so friendly. As a tomato companion plant, its low-growing foliage acts as a living mulch, retaining soil moisture and suppressing weeds. Plant parsley near tomato bases to support healthy growth.

Vegetable Garden Tips And Tricks — parsley with black swallowtail egg

Chives

Chives, with their mild onion-like scent, repel pests like aphids and Japanese beetles, making them a valuable companions. Their purple flowers attract pollinators, enhancing tomato fruit production. Plant chives in clusters around tomatoes for a protective and decorative effect.

Amaranth

Amaranth attracts beneficial insects like ground beetles, which prey on tomato pests. They have long legs and big mandibles which make them great predators. As a tall plant, it provides light shade, reducing heat stress for tomatoes in hot climates. Its vibrant seed heads are a gorgeous addition to the garden. Plant amaranth sparingly to avoid overshadowing tomatoes.

Cosmos

Cosmos draws in pollinators like bees and butterflies, boosting tomato yields. Their airy structure allows good air circulation, reducing fungal risks for tomatoes. Plant cosmos near tomato beds for a pop of color and ecological benefits.

Tips for Successful Companion Planting with Tomatoes

To make the most of these companions, implement the following tips for a successful crop:

Space Strategically: Plant taller companions like amaranth or cosmos on the north side to avoid shading tomatoes.
Rotate Crops: Avoid planting tomatoes and their companions in the same spot yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Monitor Soil Needs: Ensure companions have similar water and nutrient needs to avoid competition.
Mix Flowers and Herbs: Combine tomato companion flowers like marigolds with herbs like basil for both aesthetic and functional benefits.

Conclusion

Companion planting with tomatoes creates a healthier, more productive garden by leveraging the strengths of plants like basil, marigolds, and borage. These companions deter pests, attract pollinators, and improve soil health, benefiting both standard and cherry tomato companion plants. By thoughtfully integrating these 10 companions, you’ll enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest and a vibrant garden. Happy planting!

This post was all about tomato companion plants.