What to Plant with Tomatoes? Best Companion Plants

Growing plants is a complex process that calls for both thorough preparation and the ability to respond quickly to newly emerging needs. Tomatoes, one of the most favored plant groups present in vegetable gardens, grow especially well when they are accompanied by other members of flora. Working together, they complement each other’s growing process and make your garden live longer.  

Learn more about what a companion plant is, why it might be beneficial to plant tomatoes next to other species, and what grows well with tomatoes as a rule. Explore professional tips and harvest your veggies to the fullest.

What Do Companion Plants Mean?

Companion planting involves intentionally growing different plants in close proximity with the aim of developing a well-balanced ecosystem and promoting each other’s health and productivity. When cultivated together, companion plants can be helpful, for they provide various benefits to each other and ensure that this "partnership" might be successful. These usually include attracting pollinators, nourishing soil with the necessary elements, repelling pests, providing structural support, and more.

The Benefits of Companion Plants

Companion planting may offer various benefits for both tomatoes and their companions as well. What to plant next to tomatoes usually depends on the conditions and specific needs of a gardener. Nevertheless, the first thing to consider in terms of what is good to plant with tomatoes is the main advantages that define companion planting as an appropriate solution for your particular case. 

While certain companion plants release natural scents that repel common tomato pests like aphids, nematodes, and hornworms, other instances of greenery can attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory wasps for them to pollinate and protect tomatoes. 

By the way, tomatoes initially do not require pollination, for they are seen as self-fertile plants. However, if pollination occurs, your garden may produce a richer, more fruitful tomato harvest. 

Besides, some companion plants, like legumes, are able to transport nitrogen from the air into the soil and, hence, enrich it with this essential nutrient. As for the soil, though, deep-rooted plants can help break up compacted soil, improve drainage, and prevent erosion, too. But the questions remain as follows: What to plant near tomatoes? What can you grow with tomatoes and make your vegetable garden a lush place?

What Are Good Companion Plants for Tomatoes?

When one is concerned about what plants grow well with tomatoes and what tomatoes can be planted with in general, it is important to thoroughly explore the information and experiences of other plant lovers. Thus, you may not fail but create an appropriate atmosphere for tomatoes to grow and get the most out of these planting sessions. 

Basil

What plants go well with tomatoes all the time? Wherever you find tomatoes and basil together, be it a vegetable patch or even a plate in a fancy restaurant, they always complement each other. But when we refer to basil as a companion plant, it may enhance the flavor of the fruit and deter pests like aphids, mosquitoes, and flies.

Marigolds

When planted near tomatoes, marigolds as vibrant flowers serve as perfect attractors and, thus, efficient protectors of their companion plants. Marigolds emit a scent that repels nematodes, beetles, and other harmful insects, which helps to protect tomato plants from infestations in advance.

Nasturtiums

If you wonder “What can I plant with tomatoes?”, nasturtiums might be an optimal solution, for they act as a natural deterrent for pests like aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs, by attracting them away from tomatoes. Besides, their peppery leaves and flowers protect soil from direct sunlight and, thus, prevent it from drying out and other external issues. 

Chives

What herbs can you plant with tomatoes? Chives are probably one of the most popular options gardeners pick up among other plants. Chives contain compounds that repel aphids and other pests while they may also attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, which prey on aphids in turn.

Borage

This unusual herb is exactly what you can plant near tomatoes to promote the health and flavor of your tomatoes. It successfully attracts pollinators such as bees and provides necessary elements to the soil, namely trace minerals, B vitamins, beta-carotene, calcium, choline, and more.

Thyme

What should I plant with tomatoes? Thyme is a definitive answer. Those who are into cooking know that thyme is a fragrant herb that can complement dishes when used properly. Nevertheless, it can be used in the vegetable garden as well, as thyme releases oils that deter tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.

Beans

What you can plant next to tomatoes in addition to the above-mentioned instances are beans. Tomatoes are known to be heavy feeders, which means that they require a lot of nutrients taken from the soil. However, to avoid soil exhaustion, one may grow beans, for they enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefit neighboring tomato plants, and improve overall soil fertility.

Carrots

Another plant to be grown next to tomatoes is carrots. In general, they help loosen soil with their deep roots and make it easier for tomatoes to access nutrients and water. Additionally, the dense foliage of carrot plants can shade the soil and, therefore, reduce weed growth. What vegetables grow well with tomatoes and can be eaten, too, then? These are carrots and they will always be. 

Asparagus 

Asparagus is what grows well next to tomatoes all the time, this is why tomatoes and asparagus make a perfect collaboration ever. Asparagus releases a chemical that suppresses nematodes, while solanine, a substance released by tomatoes, deters asparagus bugs. Thus, planting asparagus and tomatoes together is always beneficial. 

Garlic

Planted near tomatoes, garlic may deter aphids, spider mites, and other pests, thanks to its strong scent, which some people may not always like as well. Besides, this kind of companion planting usually prevents soil-borne diseases and enhances the flavor of both crops.

AI Plant Finder – Plant Tomatoes with Ease

Planting tomatoes may be complicated, especially for those who are just starting their gardening journey. What should I plant with tomatoes? When is it time to prune? What fertilizers are the best? There may arise dozens of questions, and finding the right answer is a time-consumer procedure.

So as to make your experience easier and more pleasant, a group of plant enthusiasts, committed developers, and environmental scientists released AI Plant Finder, an innovative application designed for gardeners who urgently need assistance right away. But what exactly can the AI Plant Finder offer? 

Plant and Disease Identification: With AI-powered technology, the app can swiftly identify plants and diagnose plant diseases by taking or importing a photo right in the app. Just one snap is enough for the AI Plant Finder application to know what plant it is in the picture and present relevant information regarding this plant species.  

Water Calculator: Maintaining optimal hydration for your plants is crucial for their health. The water calculator feature assists you in determining the precise watering needs of your tomatoes and other garden plants based on factors such as weather conditions, pot type, and plant variety.

Plant Exploration: One of the main features that attracts users is the extensive database of more than 400,000 plant species. Not sure what to plant between tomatoes? One can discover new plant varieties and expand their gardening horizons with the app’s database, for it provides valuable insights and recommendations, including toxicity level and plant care requirements.

Care Reminders: For you not to miss a crucial gardening task, such as a watering session, pruning, or the like, the app introduced the Care Reminders feature. The app ensures that you stay on track with essential tasks and enhances the health and vitality of your plants. Set up reminders for each plant in your plant gallery and receive alerts when it is time to proceed with your gardening routine.

Companion planting is a beneficial process with the use of which plant enthusiasts can create a thriving and harmonious garden ecosystem. Tomatoes usually need companions for them to grow in cooperation and establish literally fruitful relationships. With proper care and a thoroughly prepared approach, one can successfully cultivate their tomatoes and get a rich harvest each year.