Tomatoes are a staple in home gardens, and when paired with the right companion plants, they can thrive like never before. Companion planting is an age-old technique that enhances growth, deters pests, and even improves the flavor of your tomatoes. With 2025 just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan for a more successful tomato harvest by learning about companion plants for tomatoes.

Over the many summers I’ve tested my tomato plants, I’ve found that basil and marigolds have been my best defenses against aphids and other pests. But through trial and error, I’ve discovered that there are many other tomato companion plants that offer a range of benefits. Each season is an opportunity to refine what works best, and this guide will help you make the most of your tomato crop.

Here are the 10 best companion plants for tomatoes and the specific benefits they offer:

1. Basil

Basil and tomatoes are a match made in heaven—both on the plate and in the garden. Basil helps repel common tomato pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms. Plus, some gardeners swear that basil improves the flavor of your tomatoes.

Benefits:

• Repels aphids and whiteflies
• Enhances tomato flavor
• Attracts beneficial pollinators

2. Marigolds

These bright flowers are more than just decorative—they are a powerhouse in pest control. Marigolds release a substance that repels harmful nematodes (microscopic worms that damage plant roots) and a variety of insect pests.

Benefits:

• Repels nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies
• Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies

3. Garlic

Garlic emits a strong scent that confuses and repels pests such as spider mites and aphids. When planted near tomatoes, garlic also helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases like blight.

Benefits:

• Repels spider mites and aphids
• Helps prevent fungal diseases
• Enhances soil health

4. Borage

This beautiful flowering herb attracts pollinators and beneficial insects like bees and wasps, which help increase pollination and control pests. Borage is also said to improve the flavor of tomatoes and encourage plant growth.

https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/borage-gm173610877-8159057?searchscope=image%2Cfilm

Benefits:

• Attracts pollinators
• Repels tomato hornworms
• Improves flavor and growth

5. Carrots

Carrots make great neighbors for tomatoes because they loosen up the soil with their roots, allowing better water and nutrient penetration for tomato plants. Carrots also don’t compete much with tomatoes for space or nutrients.

Benefits:

• Aerates the soil
• Does not compete for nutrients
• Makes efficient use of garden space

6. Parsley

Parsley is another herb that grows well alongside tomatoes, offering protection from pests like tomato hornworms and aphids. Parsley’s flowers also attract hoverflies, which are natural predators to many tomato pests.

Benefits:

• Repels tomato hornworms
• Attracts hoverflies and other beneficial insects
• Adds greenery to the garden

7. Lettuce

Lettuce is a cool-weather crop that can grow well in the shade provided by tomato plants. Growing lettuce near tomatoes helps maximize garden space and reduces weed growth, as the lettuce covers the soil surface.

Benefits:

• Provides ground cover to reduce weeds
• Conserves soil moisture
• Makes efficient use of shaded garden areas

8. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are an excellent trap crop, meaning they attract aphids, whiteflies, and other harmful insects away from your tomato plants. Their bright flowers also attract pollinators to the garden. And, they’re edible on salads!

Benefits:

• Acts as a trap crop for aphids and whiteflies
• Attracts pollinators
• Adds vibrant color to the garden

9. Chives

Chives are known to repel pests such as aphids, Japanese beetles, and even certain fungal infections. Their mild oniony scent helps protect tomato plants from these common threats. Additionally, chives can improve the flavor of tomatoes.

Benefits:

• Repels aphids, Japanese beetles, and fungal infections
• Enhances tomato flavor
• Attracts beneficial insects

10. Cilantro

Cilantro is a wonderful addition to the tomato patch. Its strong scent helps repel aphids and spider mites, and it attracts predatory insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that feed on garden pests.

Benefits:

• Repels aphids and spider mites
• Attracts beneficial predatory insects
• Adds diversity to your garden

Boost Your Tomato Harvest in 2025 with Companion Plants for Tomatoes

By planting these tomato companion plants alongside your tomatoes, you’ll create a thriving, self-sustaining garden ecosystem that maximizes yield, deters pests, and improves soil health. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, these strategies will set you up for an abundant tomato harvest in 2025.

Want more tips on growing amazing tomatoes? Download our free Companion Planting Chart and check out our complete guide to growing tomatoes. Our guide is packed with helpful information on improving your tomato harvest, including pest control, soil care, and even some delicious tomato-based recipes!

Happy gardening!