Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden plants—and one of the easiest to pair with helpful neighbors. 🌱
When planted alongside the right companions, tomatoes can grow healthier, face fewer pests, and sometimes even taste better.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What companion planting means (in simple terms)
- The best companion plants for tomatoes
- A few plants to keep away from tomatoes
- Easy layout ideas for small gardens, containers, and raised beds
Quick Summary:
The best companion plants for tomatoes include basil, marigolds, onions, carrots, and lettuce. These plants can help deter pests, improve soil health, and make better use of space.
What Is Companion Planting (Quick Refresher)
Companion planting means growing certain plants near each other because they benefit one another—by repelling pests, improving soil conditions, or making better use of space and sunlight.
If you’re new to this idea, check out:
Gardening Terms Explained: A Beginner-Friendly Guide
🌿 Best Companion Plants for Tomatoes
Photo: Chicago Cameraslinger
🌿 Basil
(Side note, I have two dogs and one I named basil!)
Why it’s great:
- Helps repel pests like aphids and hornworms
- Many gardeners swear it improves tomato flavor
- Thrives in similar sun and watering conditions
How to plant it:
Plant basil 8–12 inches from tomato stems, or tuck basil around the base in containers.
🌼 Marigolds
Why they’re great:
- Deter pests like nematodes and beetles
- Add bright color to your garden
- Attract beneficial insects (like bees! We love bees!)
How to plant them:
Plant marigolds around the edges of tomato beds or containers.
🧅 Onions & Garlic
Why they’re great:
- Help repel aphids and spider mites
- Take up little space
- Don’t compete heavily for nutrients
How to plant them:
Plant onions or garlic in rows beside tomatoes or between plants in raised beds.
🥕 Carrots
Why they’re great:
- Grow underground, so they don’t compete for sunlight
- Help loosen soil as they grow
- Make great use of space between tomato plants
How to plant them:
Direct sow carrots between tomato rows early in the season.
👉🏻 My favorite unique carrot varieties
🥬 Lettuce & Spinach
Why they’re great:
- Grow quickly and enjoy partial shade
- Tomatoes provide shade as they grow taller
- Perfect for early harvests before tomatoes fill in
How to plant them:
Plant greens early in the season between young tomato plants.
🚫 Plants to Avoid Near Tomatoes
Some plants compete for nutrients or attract pests that tomatoes don’t love:
- ❌ Potatoes (same family, share diseases)
- ❌ Corn (attracts tomato fruitworms)
- ❌ Fennel (inhibits growth of nearby plants)
- ❌ Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage can compete for nutrients)
🌱 Simple Layout Ideas (Containers, Raised Beds, In-Ground)
Containers:
Tomato + basil + marigold in one large pot
Raised beds:
Tomatoes in the center, basil and onions around edges
In-ground rows:
Tomatoes in rows with carrots and lettuce planted between
🌻 Final Thoughts
Companion planting doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with one or two good neighbors for your tomatoes and see what works best in your garden. Gardening is part science, part experimenting—and part learning as you go.
Want help planning what to plant next?
Check out How to Choose the Right Plants for Your Garden
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About the author
Hi, I’m Natasha, the person behind The Rooted Grower.
I’m a gardener in progress, a plant parent, and a builder of tools to make gardening easier for beginners, like myself.
I created The Rooted Grower because I wanted a space where learning to garden feels supportive instead of intimidating. I’m learning alongside you, sharing what works, what doesn’t, and what I wish I had known sooner. My goal is to turn confusing moments into “oh, that makes sense” moments and to help you feel confident enough to keep going.
Last updated: [February 9th, 2026]
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