Tomatoes Need a Wingman: The Best Tomato Companion Plants

We all love a juicy tomato fresh from the garden. Did you know that there are certain plants that can help your tomato plants thrive even more?

Let me introduce you to a little something called companion planting. What is companion planting, you ask? For starters, here’s a blog post about what companion planting is and how to make your plants BFFs! In a nutshell, it’s when you plant certain plants next to each other in order to help them grow better. It’s like the ultimate buddy system for your garden!

By pairing up tomato plants with complementary species, you can create a garden that’s not only gorgeous but also healthy and productive. So, what are the best companion plants for tomatoes? Let’s take a look.

Basil

Tomatoes and basil are like the Lennon and McCartney of the herb world. They just work together. Basil repels harmful bugs like aphids, spider mites, and hornworms, while also improving the flavor of the tomatoes. Plus, it’s easy to grow and adds a pop of green to your garden.

Some of my favorite basil varieties are Lemon Basil and Cardinal Basil from Baker Creek Seeds and Lime Basil from Burpee.

Marigolds

These cheery flowers do more than just brighten up your garden. Marigolds repel nematodes, a type of worm that can attack tomatoes’ roots. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help your tomatoes develop into beautiful, plump fruits. This year, I grew all my plants including flowers from seeds! The strawberry blonde marigolds from Burpee have been a wonderful addition to my garden.

Borage

Borage is a bit of a wildcard when it comes to companion planting. It’s not as well known as some of the other options, but it’s definitely worth considering. Borage has beautiful blue flowers and attracts pollinators like crazy. Plus, it’s high in potassium, which is great for tomatoes.

Garlic

Garlic doesn’t just keep vampires away; it also repels pests like aphids and spider mites. It has antifungal properties, which can help prevent diseases like blight. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the smell of fresh garlic? You can purchase garlic bulbs or cloves from your local garden center and plant them around your garden. Alternatively, you can make a garlic spray by blending one cup of minced garlic with a gallon of water and spraying it directly onto the affected plants. Garlic is an effective natural pest deterrent that is easy to use and sustainable for the environment.

Nasturtiums

These pretty flowers not only look great in the garden, but they’re also edible. You can add them to salads or use them as a garnish. Plus, they act as a trap crop, meaning they attract pests away from the tomatoes. They repel aphids and whiteflies so they are one of the best tomato companion plants for your garden.

These gorgeous flowers not only taste great, but they also make for a stunning addition to any bouquet. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced gardener, because growing these beauties from seed is a breeze. Simply plant them in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and watch them thrive! Ready to give it a try? Check out this link to the specific Nasturtium variety that I planted from Baker Creek Seeds.

Curious about what other flowers are edible? Check out my blog post about 7 edible flowers to plant in your garden for some other inspiration!

Lavender

Lavender is another fragrant plant that make the perfect tomato companion. It attracts bees and other beneficial insects to your garden while repelling annoying pests like moths and fleas. Plus, it smells heavenly and can be used to add a relaxing scent to your bedroom.

Lavender helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes, making them sweeter and aromatic. Plant it near your tomatoes for an added bonus! When choosing a variety of lavender for planting, you’ll want to make sure that it is suitable for your climate and soil type. Some varieties do better in colder climates while others prefer warmer temperatures.

Echinacea

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is not only pretty to look at, it also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to your garden. Plus, its roots help loosen up compacted soil, which can be good news for your tomatoes’ roots. It also has medicinal properties that have been used in herbal remedies for centuries.

Added benefit – it’s easy to grow and maintain! When planting echinacea, make sure to give the plants plenty of space and water them deeply once a week. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the season encourages new blooms and helps keep the plants healthy.

Thyme and Oregano

Thyme and oregano are two herbs that make great tomato companions. Not only do they add flavor to your dishes, but they also help repel pests like tomato hornworms and aphids. They’re easy to grow and will happily coexist with your tomato plants.

Beans

Beans are another great companion plant for your tomatoes. They help add nitrogen to the soil, which can be great news for your tomatoes’ growth. Plus, their tall vines can provide a little shade for your tomatoes during the hot summer months.

Calendula

Calendula is another pretty plant that can help attract beneficial insects to your garden. The bright, cheerful flowers act as a landing pad for bees, butterflies, and other helpful insects. Plus, their petals are edible and can be used to add a pop of color to your summer salads. Make sure to check out the blog post about edible flowers!

Cucumber and Squash

Last but not least, we have cucumber and squash plants. Not only do they look pretty snuggled up next to your tomato plants, they also help provide a little shade during the hottest parts of the summer. An added benefit is that their vining habits can help keep weeds at bay and their big leaves can help prevent soil evaporation.

Well, there you have it folks! The best plants to keep your tomatoes company. As you can see, not only do these companion plants help your tomato plants grow better, they add beauty and flavor to your garden as well. Won’t you feel like a regular Martha Stewart as you pluck off fresh herbs and flowers to add to your meals? So, what are you waiting for? Get planting and let the companion gardening begin!

Chime in the comments section with any tomato companion plants you’ve incorporated in your garden!