Growing tomatoes successfully involves more than just watering and fertilizing. Companion planting, a gardening technique that pairs specific plants to create mutually beneficial relationships, can significantly boost the health, growth, and yield of your tomatoes. By choosing the right companion plants, you can deter pests, improve soil conditions, and maximize garden space. Here’s a detailed guide to the 9 best companion plants to grow with tomatoes and how they can benefit your garden.
1. Basil
Basil is one of the most popular companion plants for tomatoes. Its aromatic leaves not only enhance the flavor of tomatoes but also act as a natural pest deterrent. Basil is particularly effective against whiteflies, aphids, and mosquitoes.
The natural oils in basil emit a scent that confuses and repels pests. Additionally, its presence may enhance the sweetness of tomatoes.
Planting tips:
- Plant basil around the base of your tomato plants, leaving enough space for air circulation.
- Harvest basil leaves frequently to encourage bushier growth and avoid overcrowding your tomato plants.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are a vibrant addition to any garden and are particularly valuable as a companion plant for tomatoes. They repel nematodes, aphids, and other harmful insects while attracting pollinators.
Marigold roots release chemical compounds that suppress nematodes, microscopic pests that attack tomato roots. Their bright flowers also invite beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs.
Tips for use:
- Plant marigolds along the borders of your tomato garden to create a pest-repelling barrier.
- Replant marigolds annually, as they are usually grown as annual flowers.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a natural fungicide and insect repellent, making it an excellent companion plant for tomatoes. Its strong aroma deters spider mites, aphids, and even rabbits.
Garlic contains sulfur compounds that combat fungal infections and improve overall plant health.
Planting advice:
- Interplant garlic cloves among your tomato plants in early spring.
- Allow garlic to grow until harvest, which can coincide with the end of the tomato growing season.
4. Carrots
Carrots are a space-efficient companion for tomatoes. Their roots grow deep into the soil, breaking up compacted earth and allowing better water and nutrient absorption for tomato plants.
Carrots do not compete for sunlight or surface nutrients, making them ideal for interplanting with tomatoes.
Pro tips:
- Plant carrots alongside tomatoes after the tomato seedlings have been established to prevent root disturbance.
- Thin carrot seedlings to ensure adequate space for both plants to thrive.
5. Onions
Carrots are a space-efficient companion for tomatoes. Their roots grow deep into the soil, breaking up compacted earth and allowing better water and nutrient absorption for tomato plants.
Why they pair well: Carrots do not compete for sunlight or surface nutrients, making them ideal for interplanting with tomatoes.
Pro tips:
- Plant carrots alongside tomatoes after the tomato seedlings have been established to prevent root disturbance.
- Thin carrot seedlings to ensure adequate space for both plants to thrive.
5. Onions
Onions are part of the allium family, which is known for its pest-repelling properties. Onions can deter aphids, slugs, and even cabbage worms from your tomato plants.
Onions emit a strong scent that masks the aroma of tomatoes, confusing pests and keeping them at bay.
Planting guide:
- Grow onions in between tomato rows to maximize garden space and pest protection.
- Use onion greens in your kitchen while allowing the bulbs to mature in the soil.
6. Parsley
Parsley attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and ladybugs, which feed on tomato pests like aphids and caterpillars. It also adds greenery to your garden and serves as a versatile herb for cooking.
Parsley encourages natural pest control by supporting predator insects. In addition, this herb also boost soil health by acting as a ground cover and retaining moisture.
Planting tips:
- Use parsley as an edging plant around tomato beds.
- Trim parsley regularly to prevent it from overshadowing young tomato plants.
7. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are colorful flowers that act as trap crops, luring pests like aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs away from your tomatoes. Their peppery leaves and flowers are also edible, making them a multifunctional addition to your garden.
Nasturtiums secrete a natural compound that repels many harmful insects while attracting pests away from tomatoes.
Growing advice:
- Plant nasturtiums around the perimeter of your tomato garden.
- Harvest the leaves and flowers for use in salads and garnishes.
8. Lettuce
Lettuce thrives in the shade provided by tall tomato plants and has a shallow root system that doesn’t compete with tomatoes for nutrients. This pairing maximizes the use of garden space and helps maintain soil moisture.
- Lettuce grows quickly, allowing multiple harvests throughout the tomato growing season. It also acts as a living mulch, reducing evaporation and suppressing weeds.
Tips:
- Plant lettuce in rows or clusters around tomato plants.
- Harvest outer leaves regularly to promote continuous growth.
9. Borage
Borage is an often-overlooked but highly beneficial companion plant for tomatoes. It attracts pollinators and predatory insects while improving the soil with trace minerals.
Borage is believed to enhance the flavor and growth of tomatoes. Its flowers also attract bees, which are crucial for pollination.
Planting instructions:
- Plant borage near your tomato beds but leave space for its sprawling growth.
- Allow borage to self-seed for a sustainable garden addition year after year.
Companion planting is an organic gardening technique that can significantly enhance the growth and health of tomato plants. One of the primary benefits is effective pest management. By planting companion plants alongside tomatoes, you can naturally repel harmful insects, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. For instance, plants like basil and marigolds are known for their insect-repelling properties, helping to protect tomatoes from common pests such as aphids and whiteflies.
In addition to pest control, companion planting promotes improved soil health. Plants like carrots and borage are excellent choices for enriching the soil around tomato plants. These companions help ensure better nutrient availability by adding organic matter and improving soil structure, which supports healthier tomato growth.
Another benefit of companion planting is efficient use of space, particularly in small garden areas. By interplanting tomatoes with crops like lettuce and parsley, you can maximize your garden’s potential. This method of companion planting helps you grow multiple crops in the same space, making the most of your available garden area while reducing the likelihood of overcrowding.
Companion planting also has a positive impact on tomato growth and yield. Certain plants, such as basil and borage, are known to enhance the flavor and increase the overall yield of tomatoes. Basil, for example, can improve the taste of tomatoes by enhancing their aromatic oils, while borage attracts beneficial insects that support tomato plant health.
Finally, companion planting offers natural disease prevention. Plants like garlic and marigolds act as natural barriers against fungal infections and soil-borne diseases that can threaten tomatoes. Garlic, with its antifungal properties, helps prevent diseases such as blight, while marigolds are known to deter nematodes, a common soil pest.
By strategically choosing the right companion plants, gardeners can create a thriving, healthier, and more productive tomato garden, all while minimizing the need for chemical interventions.