
Are you looking for the right plant to pair alongside your tomatoes? Well, lucky for you, this article has all the answers you’re looking for.
Today, we’ll be going over 9 of the most popular and effective companion plants for tomatoes and understanding why they work so well. Let’s get right into it, shall we?
9 Companion Plants For Tomatoes

9 – Marigolds

I’m sure most of you probably expected marigolds to be on the list. I mean they are the perfect companion plants for…well…every plant out there…?
Their strong scent naturally repels insects and pests from the crop. Tomatoes especially have this problem of attracting some very nasty creatures that may eat away at the root or damage the fruit that’s in development.
Pairing marigolds with tomatoes in the garden can prove to be quite beneficial to the tomato plant’s health and longevity in the long run.
8 – Asparagus

Although the pairing of tomatoes and asparagus isn’t conventional, this combination can be a good one.
Since both plants grow in a different fashion (asparagus vertically and tomatoes in vines/bushes), they can allow for more free soil space in the garden where you can plant more crops if you wish.
7 – Borage

Borage and tomato can be a highly effective combination. These attract pollinators (hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies) like nothing else and aid in the pollination of tomatoes which is beneficial for fruit production.
Borages also ward off insects and pests that might harm the tomato plants, further contributing to their health and longevity.
6 – Sunflowers

The pairing of sunflowers with tomatoes can be a potentially beneficial one. Since sunflowers attract good insects like lacewings and ladybugs, they can keep the tomato plant free from pest infestations and attacks.
Also, during the daytime when direct sunlight may scorch the tomato plants, sunflowers can grow large enough to provide them with shade.
5 – Calendula

Like the sunflowers, calendulas too attract good insects that are beneficial to your garden’s ecosystem. Lacewings and hoverflies will actively fight off tomato pests and the rest of the pest control is done by the strong scent of calendulas themselves.
They can also add to the visual appeal of the garden with their bright yellow and orange blooms that complement the bushy growth of tomatoes.
4 – Cosmos

Growing cosmos alongside tomatoes offers great advantages. Although their effect is much milder compared to other companion plants, cosmos too repel pests and attract good insects that contribute to a better garden ecosystem.
Tomato plants thrive in the presence of the cosmos because the pollinators they attract can simultaneously improve the pollination of tomato flowers, resulting in better fruit.
3 – Bee Balms

The combination of tomatoes and bee balms in a garden can be a powerful one.
The bee balms draw in pollinators which help pollinate the tomato flowers and they also direct friendly insects like ladybugs and lacewings to prey on pests that could damage the tomato plant.
2 – Peppermint

Although peppermint doesn’t actively attract any beneficial insects that would protect the tomato plant, its strong aroma is often what keeps pests and malicious insects at bay.
As long as peppermint stays near your tomato plant, you won’t need chemical pesticides as much.
1 – Sage

Sage offers amazing benefits when grown alongside tomatoes.
Their aroma and strong repellent properties keep away pests and insects from the surrounding plants while attracting pollinators that contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem.
You can never go wrong with planting sage in your home or outside garden; this plant just won’t fail you.
Final Words
With just a little thought and planning, you can grow plants alongside your tomatoes that will benefit them in one way or the other.
Just ensure that the companion plants do not overpower your tomato plant or create unnecessary competition in the soil for important resources and nutrients.
The companion plant is only there to complement and contribute its strength to the other’s benefit.