Explore 14 Tomato Companion Plants for a Bumper Harvest

Author: Saiqa Najeeb
Last Updated On: June 27, 2023

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Are you a tomato lover looking to take your gardening game to the next level? Well, we’ve got some juicy news for you! Did you know planting the right tomato companion plants can do wonders for your garden?

Not only can it boost growth and increase yield, but it can also provide natural pest control and improve the flavour of your tomatoes. In this article, we’ll spill the beans on the top tomato companion plants that will turn your garden into a bountiful oasis of flavour and nutrition.

This guide will provide all the information you need to grow healthy and abundant tomato plants. So, let’s dive in!

Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting has been used for centuries by gardeners worldwide. It involves planting different crops together that complement each other. For tomatoes, companion planting offers several benefits not achievable with a monoculture.

Deters pests and diseases
Improves soil quality
Increases yield
Provides natural pest control
Reduces the need for pesticides
Enhances biodiversity
Creates a more attractive garden

Flower Companions

Companion planting with flowers can benefit tomato plants, such as deterring pests, improving soil quality, and increasing yield. Here are some of the flower companions that work great as tomato companion plants:

1 Calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes because it attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, lady beetles, and lacewings. These insects can help control pests that can damage tomato plants. Calendula also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect tomato plants from diseases.

Planting Tips:

Plant calendula in the same bed as tomatoes in early spring.
Plant calendula every 12-18 inches around tomato plants.
Deadhead spent calendula flowers to encourage blooming and continued insect attraction.

2 Sunflower

Sunflowers can provide shade for tomato plants during the hottest part of the day, which can help prevent sunscald and reduce water loss. Sunflowers also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can increase fruit production in tomato plants.

Planting Tips:

Plant sunflowers on the south or west side of tomato plants.
Allow enough space between sunflowers and tomatoes for proper air circulation.

3 French Marigold

French marigolds are one of the most popular companion plants for tomatoes due to their ability to repel harmful nematodes and tomato hornworms. French marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which can help control pests that can harm tomato plants.

Planting Tips:

Plant French marigolds around the perimeter of tomato plants.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and nematode-repellent properties.

Vegetable Companions

Here are some of the vegetable companions that work well with tomato plants:

4 Radish

Radishes make good companion plants for tomatoes because they can help repel pests such as cucumber beetles and squash bugs. They also help break up soil for tomato roots and can be planted as a cover crop to protect the soil from erosion.

Planting tips:

Sow radish seeds directly in the ground around the base of tomato plants.
Plant radishes in early spring or late summer to avoid the hottest temperatures.
Make sure to space radish plants 2-5 inches apart for proper growth.

5 Garlic

Garlic is a natural insect repellent due to the presence of sulfur compounds. and is one of the best tomato companion plants. It can help keep pests such as aphids, spider mites, and tomato hornworms away from tomato plants. Garlic also has antifungal properties and can help several tomato diseases.

Planting tips:

Plant garlic bulbs in the fall, several weeks before the first frost.
Plant garlic in well-draining soil and an area with full sun.
Space garlic cloves 6-8 inches apart and plant them 2-3 inches deep in the soil.

6 Carrots

Carrots can help improve the soil structure around tomato plants with their long taproots, which can help break up compacted soil. They also help attract beneficial flies and parasitic wasps, which can help control pests like aphids and whiteflies.

Planting tips:

Plant carrot seeds directly in the ground around tomato plants 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost.
Make sure to choose carrots with a shorter growing season to avoid competing with the tomato plants for nutrients.

7 Onions

Due to their strong odour, onions can help repel pests such as aphids, tomato hornworms, and spider mites.They can also improve soil health by adding organic matter and nutrients.

Planting tips:

Plant onion sets in early spring or late summer, several weeks before the first frost.
Plant onions in well-draining soil and in an area that gets full sun.
Space onion sets 2-3 inches apart and plants 1-2 inches deep in the soil.

Herb Companions

Here are some of the herb companions that work well as tomato companion plants:

8 Sage

Sage is a good companion plant for tomatoes because it can help repel pests such as moths and fleas. It also has antimicrobial properties and can help prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

Planting tips:

Plant sage in well-draining soil and in an area that gets full sun.
Space sage plants 18-24 inches apart for proper growth.
Sage is a perennial herb that will come back year after year if well-maintained.

9 Chives

Chives are a great companion plant for tomatoes because they can repel pests like aphids and spider mites. Chives also have sulphur compounds that can help protect tomato plants from fungal diseases.

Planting Tips:

Plant chives near the base of tomato plants.
Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade.

10 Parsley

Parsley is a natural insect repellent and can help keep pests such as aphids and spider mites away from tomato plants.It also has high levels of nitrogen, which can help improve soil health and promote healthy growth in tomatoes.

Planting tips:

Sow Parsley from early Spring to early Summer.
Plant parsley seeds in well-draining soil and an area with full sun or partial shade.

11 Oregano

Oregano has antifungal properties and can help prevent diseases such as powdery mildew in tomato plants. It also attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help pollinate tomato flowers.

Planting tips:

Plant oregano in well-draining soil and in an area that gets full sun.
Make sure to space oregano plants 12-18 inches apart for proper growth.
Oregano is a perennial herb that will come back year after year if well-maintained.

12 Lavender

Lavender is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes because it repels pests like moths, fleas, and mosquitoes. Lavender also has antifungal properties that can help protect tomato plants from diseases.

Planting Tips:

Plant lavender in the same bed as tomato plants in the Spring.
Choose a location for lavender that receives full sun.

13 Basil

Basil can help repel pests such as aphids and spider mites due to its strong odour.

It also has high levels of potassium, which can help improve fruit production in tomato plants.

Planting tips:

Plant basil in well-draining soil and in an area that gets full sun.
Sow the basil plants in late spring or early summer.

13 Mint

Mint can help repel pests such as mosquitos, flies and spiders from tomato plants. It also has antimicrobial properties and can help prevent fungal diseases like blight.

Planting tips:

Ensure to contain mint plants in a pot or separate garden area, as they can quickly spread and become invasive.
Plant mint in the spring or fall after frost.

So, there you have it!

You don’t have to settle for lacklustre tomato plants anymore. By harnessing the power of companion planting, you can supercharge your garden and reap the rewards of a thriving crop.

With the help of right tomato companion plants, you can naturally ward off pests, enrich the soil, and encourage healthy growth in your tomato plants. Plus, you’ll enjoy the added benefit of a beautiful and diverse garden.