What to Plant with Tomatoes (And What Not to Plant)

Growing tomatoes is a joy for any gardener. Their vibrant red color and juicy textures make them a classic ingredient in so many savory dishes, and there’s nothing quite like the taste of a fresh, homegrown tomato. But to maximize their growth and yield, it’s crucial to consider what to plant with your tomatoes. This concept, known as companion planting, is all about selecting the right plants that will support your tomatoes by enhancing their growth, repelling pests, and improving the soil.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Before diving into specific plants, it’s important to understand why companion planting is so effective. Tomatoes are heavy feeders, meaning they require a lot of nutrients from the soil. They’re also prone to various pests and diseases, which can quickly turn your thriving garden into a struggling one. Companion planting helps mitigate these challenges by creating a more balanced and sustainable ecosystem in your garden. The right plants can help with everything from pest control to nutrient enhancement, making your job as a gardener much easier.

One of the most significant benefits of companion planting is pest management. Some plants naturally repel insects that would otherwise feast on your tomatoes, while others attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. Additionally, certain companion plants can improve the health of your tomatoes by enhancing soil quality, providing necessary nutrients, and even helping to prevent soil erosion. This holistic approach to gardening is not only beneficial for your plants but also promotes a healthier, more sustainable garden overall.

What to Plant with Tomatoes

When considering what to plant with tomatoes, a few standout options come to mind. These plants not only complement tomatoes but also provide various benefits that can help ensure a bountiful harvest.

Basil

Basil is often the first plant that comes to mind when thinking about what to plant with tomatoes, and for good reason. This aromatic herb does more than just enhance the flavor of your tomatoes (although it certainly does that too). Basil helps repel a variety of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms, which are common nuisances in tomato gardens. The strong scent of basil is believed to confuse and deter these pests, keeping your tomato plants safe and healthy.

Additionally, basil can improve the growth and flavor of your tomatoes. Many gardeners swear by the combination, noting that tomatoes grown alongside basil are often more vigorous and taste better. Whether this is due to some secret chemical interaction or simply the magic of nature, one thing is clear: basil and tomatoes are a match made in garden heaven.

Marigolds

Another excellent option is marigolds. These bright, cheerful flowers do more than just add a pop of color to your garden. Marigolds are known for their ability to repel a variety of pests, including nematodes, which can wreak havoc on tomato roots. The roots of marigolds release a substance that is toxic to nematodes, effectively protecting your tomatoes from these underground pests.

Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which feed on aphids and other pests that can harm your tomato plants. By planting marigolds around your tomatoes, you create a natural barrier that helps protect your plants while adding beauty to your garden.

Carrots

Carrots are another great companion for tomatoes, particularly when it comes to improving soil structure. As they grow, carrots help aerate the soil, making it easier for tomato roots to spread and access nutrients. This can lead to stronger, healthier tomato plants with better yields.

While some gardeners worry that planting root vegetables like carrots too close to tomatoes might lead to competition for nutrients, this isn’t usually a problem as long as you give each plant enough space. The benefits of improved soil structure often outweigh any potential drawbacks, making carrots a great companion plant for tomatoes.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful companion plant for tomatoes, offering both pest control and disease prevention benefits. The strong odor of garlic repels a variety of insects, including aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles, which are known to target tomatoes. Beyond its pest-repelling properties, garlic also has natural antifungal properties, which can help prevent diseases like late blight—a common issue in tomato plants.

Planting garlic near your tomatoes can lead to a more resilient garden with fewer pests and healthier plants. Plus, as an added bonus, you’ll have fresh garlic to harvest along with your tomatoes!

Combining Companions for Maximum Benefit

One of the great things about companion planting is that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one or two companion plants. By strategically combining different plants, you can create a garden that supports itself, with each plant contributing to the overall health and productivity of the garden.

For example, you might plant basil, marigolds, and carrots together with your tomatoes. The basil will help repel pests and improve the flavor of your tomatoes, while the marigolds protect against nematodes and attract beneficial insects. Meanwhile, the carrots will improve soil structure, allowing your tomato roots to spread and access nutrients more easily. Together, these plants create a mini-ecosystem that helps your tomatoes thrive.

What to Avoid Planting with Tomatoes

While companion planting can be incredibly beneficial, it’s also important to be aware of plants that don’t get along with tomatoes. Certain plants can compete with tomatoes for nutrients, attract pests, or even stunt their growth.

One of the most common plants to avoid planting with tomatoes is potatoes. Both tomatoes and potatoes are members of the nightshade family, which means they are susceptible to the same diseases, including blight. Planting them together can increase the risk of disease spreading between the two crops, potentially ruining your entire harvest.

Fennel is another plant to avoid planting with tomatoes. It can inhibit the growth of tomato plants, leading to smaller, less productive plants. Instead, fennel should be planted away from your tomato garden, where it won’t interfere with their growth.