Tomatoes have a way of becoming the star of the summer garden. They take up prime real estate, get the best sun, and usually demand the most attention. But if you’re already setting up a spot for them, it makes sense to think about what else can grow well alongside them—and maybe even make your tomato patch healthier and more productive.
Some vegetables are natural companions for tomatoes, helping with pest control, improving soil conditions, or just making smart use of space. Others simply share similar needs, so they’re easy to grow side by side without much fuss. If tomatoes are your summer staple, these 16 veggies are strong contenders to plant right next to them.
Basil
Imagine a garden filled with the sweet aroma of basil, a perfect companion for your tomatoes. Basil not only deters pests but also enhances the flavor of tomatoes. With its lush, green leaves, basil adds a touch of elegance to your garden. By growing basil and tomatoes together, you create a symphony of flavors that delights the palate. Anecdotally, many gardeners swear by this combination for the best tasting tomatoes. So, why not give your tomatoes a fragrant friend?
Garlic
Mystical and potent, garlic stands as a protective sentinel in your tomato garden. Known for its ability to repel pests, garlic offers natural protection to your tomatoes. Its pungent aroma may ward off more than just vampires. Growing garlic alongside tomatoes can improve their resilience and growth. Imagine the savory dishes you can create with both garlic and tomatoes fresh from your garden. This duo not only thrives together but also ensures a bountiful harvest.
Marigold
With marigolds, your garden turns into a vibrant tapestry of color and life. These cheerful flowers do more than just beautify; they act as natural insect repellents, safeguarding your tomatoes. The sight of marigolds in full bloom next to tomato vines creates a harmonious landscape. Their vivid colors attract beneficial insects while deterring harmful ones. Planting marigolds near tomatoes is a time-tested strategy for a thriving garden, combining beauty and utility.
Chives
Picture chives with their elegant purple flowers, adding a touch of grace next to your tomatoes. Known for their mild onion flavor, chives are excellent companions for tomatoes, improving their growth and flavor. The subtle fragrance keeps pests at bay, ensuring your tomatoes remain healthy. Chives not only support tomatoes but also bring culinary delight to your kitchen. Growing chives and tomatoes together creates a visually appealing and functional garden.
Carrots
Beneath the soil, carrots quietly work their magic alongside tomatoes. Known for improving soil structure, carrots assist in the healthy growth of tomato roots. The contrast of vibrant orange and red creates a visually stunning garden. Carrots and tomatoes share space without competing, making them ideal partners. This underground alliance not only enhances your garden’s aesthetics but also its productivity, ensuring a healthy, abundant harvest.
Onions
With onions, your garden gains an allium ally next to tomatoes. Onions are known for deterring pests that may harm your tomato plants. Their strong presence and aroma create a protective barrier around tomatoes. The synergy between onions and tomatoes leads to a thriving, pest-free environment. This partnership offers both visual and functional benefits, making it a staple in many home gardens. Embrace the onion’s robust nature to support your tomatoes.
Peppers
Just like tomatoes, peppers enjoy soaking up the sun, creating a colorful and harmonious garden. These vibrant veggies complement tomatoes, sharing similar growing conditions. The combination of peppers and tomatoes offers delightful culinary possibilities, from salsas to salads. Their shared space encourages healthy growth and abundant yields. A pepper-tomato tandem is not only visually appealing but also a gardener’s delight, promising a flavorful harvest.
Lettuce
In the cool shade of tomato plants, lettuce finds a welcoming home. This leafy green thrives in the shadows, benefiting from the slight protection tomatoes offer. The partnership between lettuce and tomatoes is one of balance, as lettuce helps suppress weeds, allowing tomatoes to flourish. Together, they create a lush, productive garden. Their symbiotic relationship ensures a continuous supply of fresh ingredients for salads and sandwiches.
Spinach
Beneath the canopy of tomato plants, spinach finds its ideal growing spot. Spinach thrives in the dappled sunlight provided by tomatoes, offering nutritious greens. This partnership is a classic example of companion planting, where both plants benefit. Spinach provides ground cover, helping retain soil moisture for tomato roots. Together, they form a resilient duo, ensuring a fruitful garden. Their combined presence adds both beauty and bounty to your landscape.
Beans
With beans, your garden reaches new heights, both literally and metaphorically. These climbers use tomato plants as support, creating a vertical spectacle. Beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefiting the tomatoes’ growth. This natural partnership enhances the productivity of your garden. Together, tomatoes and beans form a dynamic duo, promising a lush and bountiful harvest. Enjoy the sight of these intertwined plants reaching for the sky, ready to yield delicious produce.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers, with their sprawling vines, find a supportive companion in tomatoes. This pairing creates a thriving garden, where both plants benefit from each other. Cucumbers appreciate the shade provided by taller tomato plants, while tomatoes benefit from the moisture retention cucumbers offer. Together, they form a mutually beneficial relationship, enhancing each other’s growth. This duo ensures a garden filled with refreshing and flavorful produce, perfect for summer salads.
Parsley
Parsley, with its vibrant green leaves, adds a touch of freshness to your tomato garden. Known for its ability to attract beneficial insects, parsley supports the health of tomato plants. This partnership enriches the garden, promoting biodiversity and growth. Together, parsley and tomatoes create a lively, productive environment, ensuring a bountiful harvest. The combination of these plants not only enhances your garden’s aesthetics but also its functionality, promising fresh flavors for your kitchen.
Radishes
Radishes bring a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your tomato garden. These quick-growing root vegetables make excellent companions for tomatoes, helping to aerate the soil. The contrast of red radishes and ripe tomatoes creates a visually appealing garden. Radishes can be harvested quickly, allowing tomatoes to utilize the space as they grow. This partnership ensures your garden remains productive and vibrant, offering a continuous supply of fresh produce.
Celery
Celery, with its crisp stalks, stands tall among tomato plants, creating a verdant landscape. Known for improving soil quality, celery supports the healthy growth of tomatoes. This partnership enhances your garden’s productivity, ensuring both plants thrive. Together, celery and tomatoes create a dynamic duo, promising a bountiful harvest. The combination of these plants not only boosts your garden’s yield but also its visual appeal, offering a rich tapestry of greens.
Cabbage
In the embrace of tomato plants, cabbage finds a nurturing companion. These leafy giants thrive in the shared space, benefiting from tomatoes’ natural pest-repelling abilities. The combination of cabbage and tomatoes creates a protective environment, ensuring a healthy garden. Together, they form a solid partnership, promoting growth and resilience. This duo promises a garden filled with nutritious and delicious produce, ready to be transformed into hearty meals.
Beets
Beneath the soil, beets quietly support the growth of tomato plants. Known for their vibrant color and earthy flavor, beets thrive alongside tomatoes, improving soil health. This underground alliance enhances your garden’s productivity, ensuring a bountiful harvest. The combination of beets and tomatoes offers a visual feast, with their rich hues and lush foliage. Together, they create a harmonious garden, promising fresh and flavorful produce for your table.