Best Companion Plants to Grow with Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden crops for a reason—they’re delicious, versatile, and relatively easy to grow. But your tomato plants can do even better with the right companions. Companion planting is a natural way to support plant health, repel pests, and make the most of your garden space.

Here are some of the best companion plants to grow alongside your tomatoes, and how each one helps your garden thrive.

Basil

This classic herb isn’t just perfect in your tomato sauce—it’s great in the garden too. Basil repels tomato hornworms, aphids, and whiteflies, while potentially improving tomato flavor and growth.

Tip: Plant basil close to your tomatoes, but give each plant room to breathe for good airflow.

Marigolds

Marigolds are beloved for their vibrant blooms, but they’re also tough on pests. They deter nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with their pungent scent.

Why it works: Marigolds release natural compounds that discourage many soil-borne and airborne pests.

Chives

Chives are a small-space hero in the tomato bed. They help deter aphids and spider mites, and their mild onion scent can confuse pests that are searching for tomatoes.

Bonus: Their purple flowers attract pollinators and are edible, too!

Sage

Sage is a fragrant herb that deters many common garden pests, including cabbage moths and flea beetles. Its strong scent also acts as a natural mask to keep tomato pests away.

Tip: Keep sage on the perimeter of your tomato bed, as it prefers slightly drier soil than tomatoes do.

Lavender

Lavender attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while repelling moths, fleas, and some types of beetles. It also adds a touch of beauty and fragrance to your tomato patch.

Planting note: Like sage, lavender prefers drier, well-drained soil. Plant it nearby, rather than directly in the same bed.

Parsley

Parsley attracts hoverflies and predatory wasps—two natural enemies of tomato-damaging pests. It’s also a compact, leafy herb that doesn’t compete heavily for space.

Garden trick: Let some parsley flower to bring in more beneficial insects.

Peppers

Tomatoes and peppers are both members of the nightshade family and grow well together under similar conditions. They don’t compete for nutrients and can help shade each other’s roots.

Tip: Watch for shared pests (like aphids) and space them well to promote airflow.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Tomatoes

Not all neighbors are good neighbors! Keep these plants away from your tomatoes:

Corn – Attracts tomato fruitworms.

Potatoes – Share diseases like blight.

Cabbage family – Compete for nutrients.

Fennel – Can inhibit tomato growth.

 

Growing tomatoes alongside the right herbs and vegetables not only saves space but also makes your garden more resilient and productive. Whether you're after bigger harvests, fewer pests, or just a more vibrant garden, companion planting is a smart and natural strategy.

What are your favorite plants to grow with tomatoes? Share your garden combos or photos—we’d love to see what you’re growing!