If you’re growing tomatoes, whether in containers, raised beds, greenhouses, allotments, or gardens, you’ll know that these juicy gems need a little TLC to thrive. But did you know that the plants you grow alongside your tomatoes can make a world of difference?
Companion planting is a natural, eco-friendly way to boost your tomato harvest, deter pests, and improve soil health. Let’s dive into the best companion plants for tomatoes and how they can help you grow a bumper crop.
If you have researched how to grow tomatoes for beginners then you may not have come across this but companion planting is a key skill if you want to know how to grow tomatoes successfully.
Why Companion Planting Works
Companion planting is like matchmaking for your garden. By pairing tomatoes with the right plants, you can create a harmonious environment where each plant supports the other. Some companions repel pests, others attract beneficial insects, and a few even improve the flavour of your tomatoes. It’s a win-win for your garden and the planet.
Best Companion Plants for Tomatoes
Here are 8 of the top plants to grow alongside your tomatoes, along with how they can help. They work whether you are growing tomatoes from seed or buying your tomato plants at the garden centre.
1) Basil: The Flavour Enhancer
Basil isn’t just a kitchen staple; it’s a tomato’s best friend. This fragrant herb is said to improve the flavour of tomatoes when grown nearby. Plus, it repels pests like whiteflies and aphids, which love to feast on tomato plants.
How to grow basil as a companion plants
Plant basil around the base of your tomato plants or in nearby containers. This is especially good for those who have problems with growing tomatoes in a greenhouse as it thrives in warm, sunny spots, so it’s perfect for greenhouses or sunny garden beds.
2) Marigolds: The Pest Deterrent
Marigolds are the superheroes of the companion planting world. Their strong scent repels harmful nematodes, aphids, and even whiteflies. They also attract pollinators like bees, which can help with tomato flower pollination.
How to grow Marigolds as companion plants
Plant marigolds around the edges of your tomato patch or in pots nearby. They’re easy to grow and add a splash of colour to your garden.
3) Garlic: The Natural Fungicide
Why it works: Garlic is a powerhouse when it comes to pest control. It repels red spider mites, aphids, and even rabbits. It also has antifungal properties, which can help prevent diseases like blight.
How to grow garlic as a companion plant
Plant garlic cloves around your tomato plants or in nearby pots. It’s a great option for allotments and gardens.
4) Nasturtiums: The Trap Crop
Nasturtiums are like a decoy for pests. Aphids and whiteflies are drawn to them, leaving your tomatoes alone. They also attract predatory insects like ladybirds, which feast on pests.
How to grow nasturtiums as companion plants
Grow nasturtiums in containers or let them sprawl around the base of your tomato plants. There is the added advantage that they will shade the soil around the plant reducing water evaporation too. They’re low-maintenance and thrive in poor soil.
5) Carrots: The Soil Aerator
Carrots have deep roots that help aerate the soil, improving drainage and nutrient uptake for your tomatoes. They also occupy space below ground, leaving the above-ground space for your tomatoes to spread out.
How to grow carrots as a companion plant
Sow carrot seeds between your tomato plants. They’re ideal for raised beds and allotments. Note of caution, you will have to take care not to disturb the leaves of your carrots as you tend your tomatoes otherwise you will attract the voracious carrot fly.
6) Borage: The Pollinator Magnet
Borage is a fantastic companion for tomatoes. Its bright blue flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for tomato fruit set. It also deters tomato hornworms.
How to grow borage as a companion plant
Plant borage near your tomatoes in gardens or allotments. It self-seeds easily, so you’ll have it year after year.
7) Lettuce: The Space Saver
Lettuce has shallow roots, so it doesn’t compete with tomatoes for nutrients. It also acts as a living mulch, keeping the soil cool and moist.
How to grow lettuce as a companion plant
Plant lettuce around the base of your tomato plants. It’s perfect for container gardening or small spaces.
8) Chives: The All-Rounder
Chives repel aphids and improve the flavour of tomatoes. They also have antifungal properties, which can help prevent diseases.
How to grow chives as companion plants
Plant chives in pots or around the base of your tomato plants. They’re easy to grow and require little maintenance.
Plants to Avoid Near Tomatoes
While companion planting can work wonders, some plants are best kept away from tomatoes.
Avoid planting:
1) Brassicas (e.g., cabbage, broccoli)
They compete for nutrients and can stunt tomato growth.
2) Potatoes
They’re in the same family as tomatoes and are susceptible to the same diseases, like blight.
3) Fennel
It releases chemicals that can inhibit tomato growth.
Companion Planting in Different Growing Environments
Whether you’re growing tomatoes in pots, garden planters, greenhouses, allotments, or gardens, companion planting can be adapted to suit your space.
Container Gardening
If you’re growing tomatoes in pots, choose compact companions like basil, chives, or lettuce. Use larger containers to accommodate both plants, ensuring they have enough space to grow.
Greenhouse Growing
Greenhouses are perfect for companion planting because they create a controlled environment. Basil, marigolds, and garlic thrive in the warm, humid conditions of a greenhouse and will help keep pests at bay.
Allotments
Allotments offer plenty of space for companion planting. Try planting rows of carrots, nasturtiums, or borage between your tomato plants. This not only boosts your harvest but also makes your allotment look beautiful.
Garden Beds
In garden beds, you have the freedom to experiment with different companions. Plant marigolds around the edges, basil and chives near the base, and borage or nasturtiums in between. This creates a diverse, pest-resistant ecosystem.
Final Catch all Gardening Tips for Tomato Planting
1) Plan ahead - decide which companions to grow before planting your tomatoes. The tomato growing season in the UK is only from May to October (core July to September) so it is important to make the most of it and not let pests take hold.
2) Choose the right position in the garden or Tomato planter and supports as unsupported plants will sustain damage that allows disease to take hold or weakens them so that they can't survive pest attacks. Check out this blog to help you decide on the Best Planter for Tomatoes
2) Rotate crops - avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot year after year to prevent soil-borne diseases.
3) Monitor pests - even with companion planting, keep an eye out for pests and take action if needed.
4) Water wisely - ensure all plants have adequate water, especially in containers or greenhouses.
Companion planting is a simple, natural way to boost your tomato harvest and create a healthier garden. By choosing the right companions, you can deter pests, improve soil health, and even enhance the flavour of your tomatoes. Whether you’re growing in containers, greenhouses, allotments, or gardens, there’s a companion plant that’s perfect for your setup. So, get planting and watch your tomatoes thrive!
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