This post is about companion plants for tomatoes.
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Companion planting can feel impossible when you are planning out your garden. These are some of the absolute best companion plants for tomatoes.
Not only did we share the best, but we also shared plants you need to avoid putting next to your tomatoes. Additionally, the best part of this list is all the plants that keep the pests away.
This post is about companion plants for tomatoes.
Best Companion Plants For Tomatoes
1. Marigold
Marigold is a great companion plant overall because of how low maintenance it is! If you need a low maintenance plant that thrives in heat while repelling some pests, marigold is the perfect option!
2. Carrots
Tomatoes and carrots pair well together for a number of reasons. Tomatoes generally offer some shade to carrots which can be needed. Carrots also aerate the soil which assists with tomatoes access to nutrients and water.
4. Peppers
Tomatoes and peppers both fall under the nightshade family, so their growing requirements are similar. Using peppers as your companion plant for tomatoes helps optimize soil conditions and they attract the same pollinators.
5. Asparagus
Tomatoes and asparagus pair well together, and they both offer benefits to each other. Asparagus repels nematodes which can negatively impact tomatoes. Since these are mutually beneficial to each other, I can't recommend pairing them enough!
6. Bush Beans
Bush beans are beneficial for the soil. Since tomatoes are such heavy feeders, pairing them next to bush beans is perfect because they increase air circulation.
7. Lettuce
Lettuce offers a number of benefits to tomatoes. Whether you are worried about weed control or enough shade for your tomatoes, lettuce has you covered. Pairing these two together will also keep the soil moist.
Worst Companion Plants For Tomatoes
8. Fennel
Fennel is generally not a good companion plant for many different types of plants. Because fennel releases certain biochemicals, it can inhibit your tomatoes development and growth.
9. Brussel Sprouts
Tomatoes and brussels sprouts are both heavy feeders, so planting them by each other will make them compete for nutrients. This can lead to both not developing the way they need to.
Looking for something else?
10. Eggplant
Eggplants are in the same family as tomatoes, and all nightshade plants susceptible to the same diseases and pests. It's best to keep your tomatoes next to other plants that don't bring the same pests around.
11. Strawberries
Strawberries aren't the worst companion plant for tomatoes, but you could have some issues. Both tomatoes and strawberries commonly get verticillium wilt, and it spreads quickly from plant to plant. I avoid pairing these two together.
12. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is another heavy feeder that won't allow your tomatoes reach it's full growth potential. You will want to stay away from all the heavy feeders because tomatoes already are the heavy feeder. You will want to skip cabbage and broccoli for the same reasons too.
13. Corn
Because corn and tomatoes attract the same pests, they should not be paired together. On top of that, they are both heavy feeders which will create competition that is not needed for tomatoes.
Companion Plants For Tomatoes: To Keep Pests Away
14. Parsley
Parsley is great options to grow with your tomatoes, and they attract great insects. They also attract insects that kills hornworms as well. Cilantro is also great herbs to plant with your tomatoes to avoid the bad pests!
15. Garlic
Since garlic has such a strong odor, it helps keep away many tomato pests. They deter spider mites which is common for tomatoes. On top of deterring pests away, garlic can also enhance the tomato flavor.
16. Basil
If you are looking for a plant that will keep numerous pests away, basil is a great option for you! Rosemary, oregano, and sage also offer the same benefits as basil and will keep those pests away! I prefer basil because it helps with the growth, but any of these work well!
17. Onion
Similar to garlic, onions have a strong odor that naturally keeps pests away that can harm your tomatoes. Onions can also improve the soil health which will help overall with the tomatoes growth.
Finding the right companion plant for your garden doesn't have to be time consuming. We shared all of our knowledge, so you can choose the best options for your garden!
We wanted to make sure to include some extra information that you might not see when looking this information up. Make sure to check out the companion plants for tomatoes that keep pests away. If you are planning out your whole garden, check this companion plants post about strawberries!
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