11 Best Companion Plants for Tomatoes 

Companion planting is a simple, natural way to improve your tomato plants’ health and productivity without relying on chemicals.

The right plant pairings can deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and even enhance soil quality.

For example, French marigolds help protect tomato roots from nematodes, while nasturtiums act as a trap crop, drawing aphids and whiteflies away.

Basil repels spider mites and thrips while complementing your tomatoes in the kitchen.

In this article, we’ll cover the 11 best companion plants for tomatoes, their specific benefits, and how to use them effectively in your garden.

Whether you're looking to reduce pests, attract pollinators, or maximize your tomato yield, these plants will help you get the most out of your crop.

If you’re looking to take your tomato gardening even further, check out our other guides on:

• How to Plant Tomatoes for Stronger Roots and a Bigger Harvest
• 8 Expert Tips for Growing Tomatoes Successfully

1. French Marigolds

If you want a simple way to keep your tomato plants safe from pests, French marigolds are one of the best options.

These bright flowers do more than add color—they act as a natural shield, protecting your tomatoes from harmful insects and soil problems.

How Marigolds Protect Your Tomatoes from Nematodes

One of the biggest hidden threats to tomato plants is root-knot nematodes—tiny worms that attack roots, causing weak growth and lower yields.

Once they’re in your soil, they’re tough to get rid of. That’s where marigolds come in.

Marigold roots release natural compounds that stop nematodes from spreading. If you've had nematode problems in the past, plant marigolds a few weeks before your tomatoes to build up protection.

You can even mix marigold plants into the soil at the end of the season to keep nematode numbers down for next year.

Keeping Aphids and Hornworms Away

Aphids and tomato hornworms are two of the most common pests that attack tomato plants.

Luckily, marigolds help with that, too. Their strong scent confuses insects, making it harder for them to find your tomatoes.

To get the most protection, plant marigolds around your tomato beds or mix them in between your tomato plants.

You can also grow them in pots and place them near your tomatoes if you have limited garden space.

With their ability to guard your plants, keep harmful insects away, and add beauty to your garden, marigolds are an easy and effective companion for your tomatoes.

2. Nasturtiums 

If you’re always battling aphids and whiteflies on your tomato plants, nasturtiums can help.

Unlike other companion plants that repel insects, nasturtiums attract them—keeping pests away from your tomatoes and making them easier to manage.

How Nasturtiums Work as a Trap Crop

Aphids, whiteflies, and flea beetles love nasturtiums. Instead of feasting on your tomatoes, they gather on nasturtium leaves, which means you can deal with them before they spread.

To use nasturtiums effectively, plant them around the edges of your tomato garden or at the base of trellised tomato plants. This way, pests will target the nasturtiums first, leaving your tomatoes alone.

Attracting Pollinators and Beneficial Insects

Nasturtiums don’t just trap pests—they also bring in helpful insects like bees and hoverflies. Hoverflies are especially useful because their larvae feed on aphids, reducing the number of pests naturally.

Plus, nasturtiums work as a natural ground cover, helping to:

• Improve air circulation around your tomato plants.
• Keep the soil cool and hold in moisture.
• Block weeds from taking over your garden.

Managing Pest-Infested Nasturtiums

Since nasturtiums attract pests, you’ll need to keep an eye on them. If you notice a large infestation, trim off the worst-affected leaves or use a strong spray of water to knock aphids off.

This way, the nasturtiums will keep protecting your tomatoes without becoming overrun themselves.

3. Cilantro 

You probably know cilantro as a go-to herb for fresh, zesty flavor—but did you know it also helps protect your tomato plants?

When you let cilantro bloom, it attracts beneficial insects that take care of some of the worst tomato pests for you.

How Cilantro Helps Control Tomato Hornworms

Tomato hornworms are sneaky. These big, green caterpillars blend in with your plants, and by the time you spot them, they’ve already chewed through a good portion of your tomato leaves.

But there’s good news—cilantro attracts parasitic wasps, one of hornworms’ biggest natural enemies.

These tiny, non-stinging wasps lay their eggs inside hornworm larvae.

As the wasp larvae grow, they feed on the hornworm from the inside out—effectively eliminating the problem before it gets out of control. All you have to do is let some of your cilantro plants flower, and nature will do the rest.

Keeping Colorado Potato Beetles Away

If you’re growing potatoes near your tomatoes, cilantro is even more useful. Colorado potato beetles attack both crops, but cilantro helps repel them.

By planting cilantro around your tomato and potato plants, you create a natural barrier that keeps these destructive pests in check.

How to Grow Cilantro for Maximum Benefit

To get the most out of cilantro in your tomato garden, plant it between tomato rows or along the edges of your garden bed. Since cilantro prefers cooler temperatures, it grows best in early spring or fall.

If you live in a warm climate, plant cilantro in partial shade to keep it from bolting too quickly.

And while regular harvesting keeps cilantro producing longer, be sure to let some plants flower—that’s what brings in the pest-fighting insects.

4. Oregano 

Oregano isn’t just a must-have in your kitchen—it’s also a great companion for your tomato plants.

This fragrant herb attracts beneficial insects while keeping harmful pests away, making it a low-maintenance way to support a healthier garden.

Attracting Green Lacewings – The Ultimate Aphid Predator

If aphids keep attacking your tomatoes, planting oregano nearby can help.

Oregano flowers attract green lacewings, whose larvae (sometimes called “aphid lions”) love feasting on aphids, whiteflies, and other soft-bodied pests.

Since aphids multiply fast, having natural predators like lacewings around helps keep their population under control—without you having to lift a finger.

Creating a Safe Haven for Ladybugs and Other Beneficial Insects

Ladybugs are another powerful ally in your fight against garden pests, and oregano gives them a perfect place to settle in.

Its bushy growth provides shelter, encouraging ladybugs to stick around and feed on aphids, hornworm eggs, and other common tomato pests.

To make the most of this, plant oregano in small clusters around your tomato plants or grow it in pots nearby.

If you’re short on space, oregano is a great herb to tuck into corners of your garden without taking up much room.

Boosting Tomato Flavor and Growth

Some gardeners swear that oregano improves the taste of nearby tomatoes. While this isn’t scientifically proven, it’s possible that the aromatic oils released by oregano help enhance tomato flavor.

Even if it doesn’t directly change the taste, oregano is still a valuable companion—it repels pests, attracts beneficial insects, and requires very little maintenance.

How to Grow Oregano with Tomatoes

Oregano thrives in drier soil than tomatoes, so if you’re growing them together, consider keeping oregano in a separate container.

This way, you can water your tomatoes as needed without overwatering the oregano.

For maximum pest control, let some oregano plants flower during the growing season. Trimming them regularly encourages bushier growth while still keeping them effective at attracting beneficial insects.

With its natural pest-fighting abilities and easy-care nature, oregano is one of the best herbs to grow alongside your tomatoes.

5. Parsley

You might think of parsley as just a garnish, but in your tomato garden, it does so much more.

This simple herb attracts helpful insects, improves soil health, and even keeps certain pests away—all while giving you a fresh, flavorful ingredient for your kitchen.

Attracting Ladybugs to Control Aphids and Hornworms

Aphids can take over your tomato plants in no time, sucking out nutrients and spreading diseases.

Hornworms, on the other hand, are large caterpillars that can strip a tomato plant of its leaves overnight. That’s where parsley comes in.

When you let parsley flower, it attracts ladybugs—one of the best natural predators of aphids and hornworm eggs.

Parsley as a Living Mulch

Another great thing about parsley is how it helps regulate the soil around your tomato plants. Its dense, low-growing leaves act like a living mulch, keeping the soil cool, holding in moisture, and stopping weeds from taking over.

Since tomatoes thrive in evenly moist soil, having parsley nearby can make watering easier and keep your plants healthier.

How to Grow Parsley with Tomatoes

For the best results, plant parsley at the base of your tomato plants or along the edges of your garden beds.

If you live in a hot climate, parsley benefits from a little afternoon shade, so placing it under taller tomato plants works perfectly.

To keep parsley producing fresh leaves, trim it often. If you want to attract more ladybugs, though, let a few plants bloom and go to seed. This way, you get both fresh herbs and a natural pest-control system for your tomatoes.

6. Basil 

Basil and tomatoes don’t just pair well in the kitchen—they make the perfect partners in the garden, too. This fragrant herb helps keep pests away, improves plant health, and may even enhance the flavor of your tomatoes.

Keeping Aphids, Spider Mites, and Thrips Away

Tomato plants attract all kinds of tiny pests, but basil helps keep them in check.

Its strong scent naturally repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips—three common insects that can damage your tomato leaves and slow down growth.

By planting basil around your tomatoes, you create a protective barrier that helps prevent infestations before they start.

Some gardeners even say basil keeps mosquitoes away, making it a great addition to your outdoor space.

Does Basil Really Improve Tomato Flavor?

You may have heard that basil makes tomatoes taste better. While there’s no scientific proof, many gardeners swear by it.

The theory is that basil’s aromatic oils influence the nearby tomatoes, giving them a richer, more intense flavor.

Even if the flavor boost is up for debate, basil definitely helps your tomato plants grow better by repelling pests and attracting pollinators—both of which lead to healthier, more productive plants.

How to Grow Basil with Tomatoes

Basil thrives in the same warm, sunny conditions as tomatoes, making them an easy pair to grow together. To get the most benefits:

• Plant basil around the base of your tomato plants or in between rows.
• Space them about 12 inches apart to allow for good airflow.
• Harvest basil leaves regularly to encourage new growth and keep the plants bushy.

If you want to maximize basil’s pest-repelling powers, let a few plants flower later in the season. This attracts pollinators like bees and hoverflies, which can also help increase your tomato yields.

With its ability to fight pests, attract pollinators, and possibly boost tomato flavor, basil is a must-have in any tomato garden.

7. Sage

Sage is a highly aromatic herb that serves as an effective pest deterrent when planted near tomatoes.

Its strong scent confuses and repels common garden pests, helping to keep your tomato plants healthier with fewer insect issues.

Repelling Slugs, Flea Beetles, and Spider Mites

One of sage’s greatest benefits is its ability to keep slugs away from tomato plants.

Slugs thrive in moist conditions and often target young tomato seedlings, chewing through tender leaves and stems.

The pungent smell of sage acts as a natural barrier, making the area around your tomatoes less inviting to these pests.

In addition to slugs, sage helps deter flea beetles and spider mites, two common tomato pests that feed on leaves and weaken plant growth.

Flea beetles create tiny holes in tomato leaves, while spider mites suck sap from the plant, causing discoloration and stunted growth.

Growing Sage Near Tomatoes

While sage is an excellent pest deterrent, it thrives in drier soil conditions than tomatoes.

Because tomatoes need consistent moisture, the best way to incorporate sage as a companion plant is to grow it in pots nearby.

This allows you to benefit from its pest-repelling properties without affecting soil moisture balance.

Placing potted sage near your tomato plants ensures that the scent still confuses and deters pests, while giving you full control over the herb’s watering needs.

Regularly pruning sage enhances its aroma, making it even more effective at keeping unwanted insects away.

With its natural ability to repel slugs, flea beetles, and spider mites, sage is a low-maintenance companion that helps protect your tomatoes while adding a valuable culinary herb to your garden.

8. Garlic & Onions

Garlic and onions are among the most powerful natural insect repellents you can plant near tomatoes.

Their strong odor acts as a natural defense, deterring a variety of pests that could otherwise damage your tomato crop.

However, they come with one important consideration—in some cases, they may attract thrips, a tiny insect that can harm tomato plants.

How Garlic and Onions Protect Tomatoes

Both garlic and onions produce sulfur compounds that help repel moths, cabbage loopers, and root maggots—pests that can damage the leaves, stems, and roots of tomato plants.

If these insects have been an issue in your garden, growing garlic and onions nearby can create an additional layer of protection.

Additionally, garlic has been shown to reduce fungal diseases, such as early blight and powdery mildew.

The antimicrobial properties of garlic can help limit the spread of fungal spores in humid conditions, keeping your tomato plants healthier throughout the season.

The Thrips Problem – Why Placement Matters

While garlic and onions repel many harmful pests, they also attract thrips, small insects that pierce tomato leaves and suck out their juices.

A thrip infestation can lead to distorted leaves, slowed growth, and increased disease transmission.

Because of this, it’s important to consider your garden’s pest situation before planting garlic and onions near tomatoes.

If thrips are a known issue in your area, it may be best to keep garlic and onions in a separate part of the garden, away from your tomato plants.

How to Use Garlic and Onions Effectively

If you decide to plant garlic or onions near your tomatoes, space them along the outer edges of the tomato bed rather than directly next to the plants.

This allows you to get the benefits of pest control while minimizing the risk of thrips.

Another option is to use garlic spray as a natural pesticide. Blending garlic with water and spraying it on tomato leaves repels aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies while discouraging fungal infections.

This way, you can still get the benefits of garlic without planting it too close to your tomatoes.

9. Sunflowers & Zinnias 

Sunflowers and zinnias are more than just vibrant additions to your garden—they play an essential role in improving tomato pollination and helping control insect pests naturally.

Bringing in Pollinators for Better Tomato Yields

Unlike some vegetables, tomatoes are self-pollinating, meaning they don’t require bees to set fruit.

However, natural pollinators like bees and butterflies help improve pollen movement between flowers, leading to higher yields and better-quality tomatoes.

Sunflowers and zinnias are excellent at attracting pollinators because of their large, pollen-rich blooms.

By planting them near your tomatoes, you encourage more pollinator activity in your garden, increasing the chances of better fruit set.

For maximum benefits, place sunflowers and zinnias near the edges of your tomato beds or in a nearby pollinator garden. This will draw pollinators toward your tomatoes without creating too much shade.

Attracting Birds to Reduce Harmful Insects

In addition to pollinators, sunflowers also help attract insect-eating birds. Birds like finches, chickadees, and sparrows are natural predators of caterpillars, beetles, and other tomato pests.

Once sunflowers begin producing seeds, they draw in birds that also feed on insects, helping keep pest populations under control.

This makes sunflowers a great dual-purpose companion plant, supporting both pollination and natural pest control.

If you’re growing sunflowers near tomatoes, opt for dwarf or bushy sunflower varieties to prevent excessive shading. Zinnias, which are smaller in size, can be planted closer to tomato beds without competing for sunlight.

10. Sweet Alyssum 

If you’re growing tomatoes in containers or small garden spaces, sweet alyssum is one of the best companion plants to include.

This low-growing flower not only adds beauty and fragrance to your garden but also attracts beneficial insects that help control common tomato pests.

Luring Parasitic Wasps to Control Aphids

One of the biggest advantages of planting sweet alyssum near tomatoes is its ability to attract parasitic wasps—tiny, non-stinging wasps that feed on aphids and whiteflies.

These wasps lay their eggs inside aphids, preventing infestations before they spread.

Since aphids are one of the most persistent tomato pests, keeping sweet alyssum nearby provides a natural and continuous defense against them.

Unlike some other companion plants that only repel pests, alyssum actively reduces aphid populations by supporting their natural predators.

An Ideal Ground Cover for Retaining Soil Moisture

Sweet alyssum’s dense, trailing growth makes it an excellent living mulch for container tomatoes or raised beds. By spreading across the soil surface, it helps:

• Retain moisture in the soil, preventing it from drying out too quickly.
• Suppress weeds that could compete with tomatoes for nutrients.
• Keep the soil cool, reducing stress on tomato roots during hot weather.

Because it grows low to the ground, sweet alyssum doesn’t compete for sunlight, making it a great choice for interplanting around the base of tomato plants.

How to Grow Sweet Alyssum with Tomatoes

For the best results, plant sweet alyssum in containers alongside tomatoes or at the edges of garden beds where it can naturally trail. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, so it adapts well to different planting conditions.

To encourage continuous blooms throughout the season, trim alyssum occasionally to prevent it from getting too leggy. This will ensure a steady supply of flowers to attract beneficial insects for pest control.

With its pest-reducing properties, moisture-retaining benefits, and suitability for container gardening, sweet alyssum is one of the best companion plants for maintaining healthy, productive tomato plants.

11. Thyme

Thyme is a powerhouse companion plant for tomatoes, offering pest control, soil benefits, and a boost to beneficial insect populations.

Its strong fragrance repels common tomato pests, while its tiny flowers attract pollinators and predatory insects that help keep your garden balanced.

Repelling Ants, Aphids, Armyworms, and More

One of thyme’s greatest advantages is its ability to deter a wide range of garden pests.

Its scent is known to repel aphids, armyworms, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, wireworms, and even ants, all of which can cause significant damage to tomato plants.

Ants, in particular, are a problem in many gardens because they protect aphids, farming them for their honeydew secretions.

By planting thyme near your tomatoes, you make the area less attractive to ants, indirectly reducing aphid populations as well.

Attracting Beneficial Insects for Natural Pest Control

In addition to deterring pests, thyme attracts predatory insects like parasitic wasps and lacewings, which feed on aphids, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied pests.

When thyme blooms, its tiny flowers serve as a nectar source for these beneficial insects, encouraging them to stay in your garden.

How to Grow Thyme with Tomatoes

Thyme thrives in well-drained soil and drier conditions, making it an ideal choice for container gardening.

Because tomatoes prefer consistent moisture, planting thyme in a separate pot near your tomatoes ensures it gets the dry conditions it needs without interfering with tomato growth.

If planting directly in garden beds, keep thyme at the edges of the tomato patch to allow for easy harvesting while still benefiting from its pest-repelling and pollinator-attracting properties.

5 Plants to Avoid Planting Near Tomatoes

While many plants make excellent companions for tomatoes, some should be kept at a distance due to their tendency to compete for nutrients, attract pests, or spread disease.

Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Kale)

Tomatoes and brassicas don’t make good neighbors because they compete for the same nutrients. Both crops are heavy feeders, particularly in nitrogen, which can lead to stunted growth and lower yields if planted too closely together.

Additionally, brassicas attract pests like cabbage loopers and flea beetles, which can spread to nearby tomato plants. If you grow brassicas, it’s best to plant them in a separate bed away from your tomatoes.

Corn (A Magnet for Tomato Pests)

Corn and tomatoes should not be grown together because they attract many of the same pests, particularly the tomato fruitworm (also known as the corn earworm). This pest can quickly spread between corn and tomato plants, increasing the chances of infestations.

Both crops are also heavy feeders, meaning they can deplete the soil of essential nutrients if planted too closely together.

Dill (A Risk to Tomato Growth)

Young dill plants can be beneficial to tomatoes because they attract pollinators and predatory insects, but once dill matures, it releases compounds that stunt tomato growth.

If you want to grow dill, plant it far from your tomato bed or keep it in a separate container to avoid any negative effects.

Fennel (Harmful to Most Plants, Including Tomatoes)

Fennel is notorious for being a poor companion for nearly all garden vegetables, including tomatoes.

It releases chemicals into the soil that inhibit the growth of nearby plants, making it one of the worst choices to plant near tomatoes.

If you want to grow fennel, keep it in a separate part of the garden where it won’t affect other crops.

Walnut Trees (A Major Growth Inhibitor)

If you’re gardening near trees, be cautious of planting tomatoes near black walnut trees.

These trees produce a chemical called juglone, which is toxic to tomatoes and can cause wilting, yellowing, and eventual plant death.

If your garden is close to walnut trees, plant tomatoes in raised beds or containers to prevent root contact with juglone-contaminated soil.

While companion planting can enhance tomato growth and health, it’s equally important to avoid plants that compete for nutrients, attract pests, or release harmful chemicals.

By keeping tomatoes away from brassicas, corn, dill, fennel, and walnut trees, you give them the best chance to grow strong, healthy, and pest-free.

Spacing and Layout Strategies

Companion planting is most effective when plants are arranged correctly to maximize benefits and minimize competition.

Proper spacing ensures that tomatoes and their companion plants grow without crowding, receive adequate sunlight, and allow for proper air circulation to prevent disease.

Where to Plant Pest-Repelling Companion Plants

To protect tomatoes from pests, companion plants with strong insect-repelling properties—such as marigolds, garlic, onions, and thyme—should be placed around the perimeter of your tomato bed.

This forms a natural barrier against harmful insects before they reach your tomatoes.

If using trap crops like nasturtiums, plant them slightly away from tomatoes so that pests are lured toward the nasturtiums and not onto your main crop.

This placement allows you to monitor and manage pest populations easily.

Best Placement for Pollinator-Attracting Plants

Plants that boost pollination, such as sunflowers, zinnias, and sweet alyssum, should be positioned near tomato beds but not so close that they shade the tomato plants.

A good rule of thumb is to plant taller flowers on the northern side of your garden to prevent them from blocking sunlight.

For small-space gardens, planting these flowers in containers near tomatoes can still provide pollination benefits without taking up valuable growing space.

Companion Plants for Soil Health & Moisture Retention

If you’re looking to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, plant parsley, basil, or sweet alyssum at the base of tomato plants.

These low-growing companions act as a living mulch, keeping the soil cool and reducing evaporation while preventing weeds from competing for nutrients.

For container gardens, small herbs like oregano and thyme can be planted in the same pot as tomatoes, provided there is enough space for proper airflow.

This setup is especially useful for balconies or patio gardens where space is limited.

Common Companion Planting Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

While companion planting offers many benefits, certain mistakes can reduce its effectiveness or even harm your tomato plants.

Here are some of the most common errors and how to avoid them for a thriving garden.

Overcrowding Plants

One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is planting too many companion plants too close together.

While companion plants benefit tomatoes, they still need enough space to grow properly. Overcrowding leads to poor air circulation, higher humidity, and an increased risk of fungal diseases like blight.

How to Avoid It:

• Space tomatoes at least 18–24 inches apart for proper airflow.
• Plant larger companion plants (sunflowers, zinnias) at a safe distance to avoid shading tomatoes.
• Use compact herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) sparingly to prevent them from overwhelming the tomato roots.

Pairing the Wrong Plants Together

Not all plants make good companions. Some compete for nutrients, attract the same pests, or even stunt tomato growth.

How to Avoid It:

• Avoid planting brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower), corn, dill, fennel, and black walnut trees near tomatoes.
• Keep nitrogen-heavy feeders like potatoes and peppers in a separate area to prevent nutrient depletion.

Ignoring Each Plant’s Growing Conditions

Each companion plant has different soil, water, and sunlight needs. For example, sage and thyme prefer drier soil, while tomatoes require consistent moisture.

If not properly placed, some companion plants may fail to thrive or negatively impact tomato growth.

How to Avoid It:

• Grow drought-tolerant plants (sage, thyme) in separate containers instead of directly in tomato beds.
• Match plants with similar water and light needs—basil and tomatoes, for instance, thrive in the same conditions.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure that companion planting works for your garden, not against it.

Boost Your Tomato Growth Naturally!

Companion planting is one of the best ways to boost tomato growth, naturally keep pests away, and improve your garden’s health.

By choosing the right plant combinations, you can reduce the need for chemical pesticides, increase pollination, and create a balanced garden ecosystem.

Plants like French marigolds help keep nematodes away, while sweet alyssum attracts insects that eat aphids. Each companion plant has its own role.

Knowing where and how to place each plant helps you get the most from companion planting.

When you combine good companion planting with proper tomato care, you’ll be set for a productive, pest-free harvest season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I plant multiple companion plants together with my tomatoes?

Yes, but balance is key. While multiple companion plants can benefit tomatoes, overcrowding can lead to poor airflow, increased humidity, and a higher risk of fungal diseases like blight. It’s best to place pest-repelling plants like marigolds around the perimeter, pollinator-attracting plants like zinnias nearby, and soil-enhancing herbs like parsley at the base of your tomato plants.

Do companion plants really improve the flavor of tomatoes?

Many gardeners believe that herbs like basil and oregano enhance the taste of tomatoes, but there is no scientific proof. The reason for the improved flavor could be that these herbs help protect tomatoes from stress by deterring pests, allowing the plants to focus on producing healthier fruit. Even if the flavor boost is uncertain, basil still benefits tomatoes by repelling aphids and thrips.

What companion plants help prevent tomato blight?

Blight spreads through soil and water splashes, so no plant can completely prevent it. However, some companion plants help reduce moisture retention on foliage and improve air circulation. Basil and thyme have antifungal properties that may limit fungal spores in the soil. Garlic and onions contain sulfur compounds that can slow the spread of fungal infections. Sweet alyssum and parsley act as living mulch, reducing soil splash that can transfer blight to tomato leaves.

Can I grow tomatoes with other nightshade plants like peppers and eggplants?

It’s possible, but not ideal. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are all nightshades, meaning they share the same pests and diseases. Planting them together increases the risk of infestations and fungal issues like blight. If you do plant them in the same garden, rotate their location each season and introduce companion plants like marigolds, basil, and onions to help repel pests.

Do I need to replant companion plants every year?

This depends on the type of plant. Annuals like basil, marigolds, and nasturtiums need to be replanted each season. Biennial plants like parsley last two seasons before needing replacement. Perennials like oregano, thyme, and sage will return each year but require occasional pruning to stay productive. A mix of annual and perennial companions ensures continuous protection and benefits for your tomato garden.