Tomatoes Companion Plants
Companion planting pairs tomatoes with neighbors that may confuse pests, draw in pollinators and beneficial insects, or make better use of the space and light in your bed. Gardeners have relied on these traditional pairings for generations, and many are supported by Cooperative Extension guidance on diversity and interplanting. Keep in mind that results vary with your climate, soil, and pest pressure, so treat these as helpful starting points rather than guarantees.
Good companions for Tomatoes
| Plant | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Basil | Its strong scent may help mask tomatoes from some pests, and its flowers draw in pollinators. |
| Marigold | A classic border plant thought to deter certain soil pests and attract beneficial insects. |
| Borage | Blue flowers pull in bees and other pollinators that improve fruit set nearby. |
| Nasturtium | Often planted as a trap crop to lure aphids away from tomato foliage. |
| Carrots | A low-growing root crop that shares the bed without competing for the same overhead space. |
| Lettuce | Tucks into the shade of taller tomato plants and uses ground space early in the season. |
| Onions and garlic | Their pungent aroma is traditionally used to discourage a range of foraging pests. |
| Parsley | When allowed to flower, it attracts predatory insects that feed on common garden pests. |
Keep Tomatoes away from
| Plant | Why to separate them |
|---|---|
| Cabbage family (broccoli, kale, cabbage) | Heavy feeders that compete with tomatoes for the same soil nutrients and space. |
| Fennel | Can inhibit the growth of many nearby vegetables, so give it its own spot. |
| Potatoes | A close relative that shares diseases and pests, raising the risk of spread. |
| Corn | Both are tall, hungry crops that compete for light and nutrients, and they share a damaging worm pest. |
| Black walnut | Its roots release a compound that can stunt or kill tomato plants growing nearby. |
| Mature dill | Young dill is fine, but once it bolts it is thought to slow tomato growth. |
Tips
Set tomatoes where they get full sun and tuck shorter companions like lettuce or basil along the shaded edges so nothing crowds the main plants. Rotate tomatoes and their potato relatives to a different part of the garden each year to reduce lingering soil diseases. Companion planting is a traditional practice and outcomes differ from garden to garden, so try a few pairings, take notes, and keep what works for you.
← All companion planting guides
Companion planting is a traditional practice; results vary with your climate, soil, and garden. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.