You may have heard the term companion plants or companion planting but what exactly does that mean and what are companion plants for tomatoes in your vegetable garden? What about plants to avoid planting near tomatoes? We have the answers to all of your “how to” gardening questions here.

What are Companion Plants?

Companion plants are plants that help each other out in your garden. Whether it’s improving the health and harvest of nearby plants, helping provide support, shade, or even act as natural pest repellent – there are plenty of ways companion planting can be beneficial.

You can specifically use companion planting methods as a natural biological pest control or use with targeted efforts to improve yields during harvest. If you’re starting from seed I highly recommend using Etsy to buy your vegetable garden seeds.

Plants that do not act as companion plants may overuse a certain mineral that a nearby plant needs, or shade a sun loving plant which results in a lack of yield.

What plants are good Companion Plants for Tomatoes?

Tomatoes are one of the most bountiful producers in a garden so boosting its production and growth by natural means such as companion planting is an easy win!

Plant the following plants next to your tomatoes – all of which make good companion plants for tomatoes!

Vegetables for Companion Planting:

• Asparagus

• Beans 

• Garlic

• Leeks

• Celery

• Carrots

• Eggplant 

• Okra

Herbs for Companion Planting:

• Basil

• Oregano

• Parsley

• Borage

• Coriander

• Chives

• Mustard

• Fenugreek

• Mint

• Sage

• Thyme

Flowers for Companion Planting:

• Bee Balm

• Marigold

• Allium

• Geraniums

• Petunias

• Nasturtium

What plants should I avoid planting near tomatoes?

There are some plants that just don’t do well near tomatoes. I recommend either planting these plants in a container garden or placing them somewhere else in your garden. 

• Fennel

• Chili peppers

• Peas

• Potatoes

• Beetroot

• Rosemary

Planting non-compatible plants near tomatoes can decrease harvest yield, increase pests and disease, and hamper the strength of your tomato plants. With a few minor arrangements you can easily help maximize your vegetable garden’s effectiveness!

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Even MORE Tips for Growing Tomatoes!

Although you can see even MORE tips for growing tomatoes here, below are a few recommendations to start you off!

1. Use good quality seeds to start with!

2. Use natural fertilizers to feed your tomato plants as they grow!

3. Determine how you want to grow your tomatoes – via hydroponics or in dirt!

4. Create a sturdy tomato cage system for your plants to help support them.

5. Follow these simple tips to avoid pests and diseases.

6. If all else fails, you can still use rotten tomatoes from your garden!

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