Companion Planting for Tomatoes
Companion Planting is when two plants are planted together for the benefit of one or both of the plants. For example,
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Tomato and Basil are natural companions in the kitchen and garden. Basil repels hummingbird moths, which lay tomato hornworms. Some believe that basil improves the yield and the flavor of the tomatoes.
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Borage is another plant that acts as a powerful hornworm repellent. This cucumber-flavored herb produces bright blue, star-shaped flowers that help to attract bees and pest-killing wasps.
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Marigolds also help naturally deter moths that lay hornworms. Its strong-smelling essential oils repel a variety of insect pests, including the hawk moth (aka hummingbird moth) that lays hornworm eggs.
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Chives are an herb and are part of the onion family. They attract pollinators and resist pests. They naturally repel aphids, and mites that will damage the growth of the tomatoes. When chives flower, they attract bumblebees, which help with the pollination of tomato flowers.
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Garlic, lettuce, nasturtiums, parsley, oregano, cilantro and thyme are also great companion plants for tomatoes.
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Asparagus is also a great companion and the tomato actually helps the asparagus.
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Calendula emits a musky fragrance that repels hornworms. The bright orange and yellow flowers are edible and work well in salads. They also help repel, aphids, flea beetles, and nematodes. These flowers are really pretty too!
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Sage is a fragrant herb with a strong scent that repels slugs and spider mites. Their blooms attract pollinators including butterflies and bumblebees. Sage needs drier soil than tomatoes, so plant in pots and place them around your garden.
Keep Away From Tomatoes
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There are a few things that you should not plant near a tomato plant. Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi should not be planted near tomatoes as they will compete for nutrients with your tomato plant. Fennel, dill, potatoes and eggplant should not be planted near tomatoes.
