20 Winning Companion Plants for Tomatoes in 2025
When it comes to growing delicious tomatoes, the right companion plants can make all the difference. Not only do they enhance the growth and flavor of your tomatoes, but they also help in pest control and improve overall garden health. Let’s dive into the best companion plants for tomatoes that you should consider for your garden in 2025!
1. Basil
Basil isn’t just a staple in Italian kitchens; it’s a fantastic companion for tomatoes! It helps repel pests like whiteflies, aphids, and hornworms and may even boost the flavor of your tomatoes.
- Zones: 2 to 11
- Size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 inches wide
- Care: Full sun; moist, well-draining soil
Related Content: How to Keep Your Basil Thriving All Summer
2. Marigolds
These vibrant flowers are not just pretty—they emit a scent that deters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies. Plus, their blooms attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
- Zones: 2 to 11
- Size: 6 to 36 inches tall x 6 to 24 inches wide
- Care: Full sun; well-draining soil
Related Content: Flowers That Attract Bees
3. Garlic
Garlic is not just for flavor—it releases sulfur compounds that act as natural insect repellents, providing a protective shield for your tomatoes against pests like spider mites.
- Zones: 3 to 9
- Size: 1 to 3 feet tall x 6 to 12 inches wide
- Care: Full sun; rich, well-draining soil
4. Chives
This delightful herb not only adds a fragrant touch to your dishes but also helps fend off pests that love tomatoes.
- Zones: 3 to 9
- Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 12 inches wide
- Care: Full sun; well-draining soil
5. Nasturtium
These stunning flowers not only attract aphids away from your tomatoes but are also edible and add a pop of color to your garden.
- Zones: 2 to 11
- Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
- Care: Full sun; well-draining soil
Related Content: 15 Edible Plants Everyone Should Have
6. Carrots
Not only do they thrive in the shade of taller tomato plants, but carrots also help loosen soil around tomato roots.
- Zones: 3 to 10
- Size: 12 to 18 inches tall
- Care: Full sun; loose, well-draining soil
Related Content: Best Vegetables to Grow in Pots
7. Borage
This gorgeous blue flower is a powerful ally for your tomatoes. It deterrent hornworms and attracts bees, promoting better pollination.
- Zones: 2 to 11
- Size: 18 to 36 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
- Care: Full sun; well-draining soil
8. Onions
Onions are more than just a kitchen staple—they create a natural pest barrier when grown alongside tomatoes.
- Zones: 3 to 9
- Size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wide
- Care: Full sun; well-draining soil
9. Parsley
A culinary favorite, parsley can attract beneficial insects that help keep pests at bay.
- Zones: 3 to 9
- Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 10 to 12 inches wide
- Care: Full sun; moist, well-draining soil
10. Calendula
Often called pot marigold, calendula invites predatory insects into your garden, helping to control pest populations.
- Zones: 2 to 11
- Size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
- Care: Full sun; well-draining soil
11. Cilantro
Another culinary gem, cilantro can be an excellent companion for tomatoes, aiding in pest control.
- Zones: 3 to 11
- Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
- Care: Full sun; well-draining soil
12. Spinach
Spinach not only suppresses weeds but also retains moisture in the soil, benefiting your tomatoes.
- Zones: 2 to 9
- Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wide
- Care: Partial sun; rich, moist soil
13. Lettuce
Similar to spinach, lettuce can be interplanted with tomatoes, providing cover and improving soil health.
- Zones: 2 to 11
- Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wide
- Care: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil
14. Dill
This aromatic herb can help repel pests, making it a great addition to your tomato garden.
- Zones: 3 to 10
- Size: 24 to 36 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
- Care: Full sun; well-draining soil
15. Thyme
Thyme acts as a pest deterrent while attracting pollinators, making it a multi-purpose plant for your garden.
- Zones: 5 to 9
- Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
- Care: Full sun; sandy, well-draining soil
16. Yarrow
Yarrow is a hardy perennial that can help attract beneficial insects while deterring harmful pests.
- Zones: 3 to 9
- Size: 24 to 36 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
- Care: Full sun; well-draining soil
17. Celery
Celery can confuse pests by masking the scent of tomatoes while also providing a compact growth option for tight spaces.
- Zones: 4 to 10
- Size: 12 to 24 inches tall
- Care: Full sun; rich, moist soil
18. Peas
These delicious legumes can help fix nitrogen in the soil, feeding your tomato plants.
- Zones: 3 to 9
- Size: 1 to 5 feet tall, depending on the variety
- Care: Full sun; cool weather; well-drained soil
19. Sweet Alyssum
These low-growing flowers can serve as living mulch, attracting beneficial insects while helping control weeds.
- Zones: 5 to 9
- Size: 3 to 10 inches tall x 2 to 4 inches wide
- Care: Full sun to part shade; well-draining soil
Related Content: 22 Ground-Covering Plants to Liven Up Your Landscape
20. Asparagus
Though asparagus and tomatoes thrive in different seasons, they mutually benefit from pest deterrence and soil health improvement.
- Zones: 3 to 9
- Size: 3 to 5 feet tall
- Care: Full sun; well-drained, sandy soil
By introducing these 20 companion plants to your tomato garden, you can boost yields, enhance flavors, and create a healthier growing environment. Whether you are an experienced gardener or a newbie, these plants are sure to bring a lively touch to your garden!
Happy gardening! 🌱
