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What to plant with basil and tomatoes is a question every gardener asks when planning the perfect vegetable patch.
The best companions to plant with basil and tomatoes are herbs and flowers that improve growth, repel pests, and boost flavor.
When you know what to plant with basil and tomatoes, you’ll create a thriving garden bed that’s both beautiful and productive.
In this post, we’ll explore the best options for what to plant with basil and tomatoes, plus a few things you should avoid.
Let’s dig into the perfect pairings for your garden.
Why Basil and Tomatoes Are Perfect Companions
Before we dive deeper into what to plant with basil and tomatoes, it helps to understand why this duo is so famous.
Basil and tomatoes share similar growing needs, which makes them natural garden partners.
Both thrive in full sun, warm soil, and consistent moisture, so they’re easy to care for side by side.
When you plant basil with tomatoes, the basil acts as a natural pest deterrent, especially against tomato hornworms and aphids.
The strong aroma of basil confuses pests, making it harder for them to locate your precious tomato plants.
Some gardeners also swear that basil improves the flavor of tomatoes grown nearby, though science hasn’t fully confirmed this.
Either way, knowing what to plant with basil and tomatoes gives you a head start on a healthier garden.
1. Shared Growing Conditions Make It Easy
When you think about what to plant with basil and tomatoes, look for plants that love the same conditions.
Basil and tomatoes both prefer warm temperatures and at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
They also need well-draining soil that stays evenly moist but never waterlogged.
This shared foundation means any companion you choose should fit these same parameters.
So when you’re deciding what to plant with basil and tomatoes, stick with sun-loving, modest-water plants.
2. Basil Repels Tomato Pests Naturally
The number one reason gardeners ask what to plant with basil and tomatoes is pest control.
Basil’s essential oils are a natural repellent for tomato hornworms, whiteflies, and thrips.
By interplanting basil throughout your tomato rows, you create a fragrant barrier that pests avoid.
This reduces your need for chemical sprays and keeps your tomatoes healthier.
That’s why basil is at the top of the list for what to plant with basil and tomatoes.
Top Herbs to Plant With Basil and Tomatoes
Now let’s get specific about what to plant with basil and tomatoes, starting with herbs.
Herbs are some of the best companions because they attract pollinators and beneficial insects while deterring pests.
Here are the top herbs to consider when figuring out what to plant with basil and tomatoes.
1. Parsley
Parsley is a fantastic choice for what to plant with basil and tomatoes.
It attracts hoverflies and ladybugs, which feed on aphids and other tomato pests.
Parsley also grows low to the ground, acting as a living mulch that keeps soil moist and cool.
Plant parsley near the edges of your tomato bed for the best results.
2. Oregano
Oregano is another herb that earns its place when you ask what to plant with basil and tomatoes.
Its strong scent repels cucumber beetles and spider mites that can damage tomato foliage.
Oregano is a low-growing perennial, so it won’t compete for vertical space with your tomatoes.
Plus, you’ll have fresh oregano for your Italian dishes right alongside your basil.
3. Chives
Chives are a clever addition when you’re thinking about what to plant with basil and tomatoes.
They repel Japanese beetles and aphids, which are common tomato troublemakers.
Chives also produce purple flowers that attract bees, improving pollination for your tomato blossoms.
Just give chives enough room to spread, and they’ll happily support your tomato plants.
Beneficial Flowers for Basil and Tomato Beds
Flowers aren’t just pretty; they’re essential when deciding what to plant with basil and tomatoes.
Flowers attract pollinators and predatory insects that keep your garden in balance.
Let’s look at the best flowers to pair with your basil and tomato plants.
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are the classic companion flower for what to plant with basil and tomatoes.
They release a chemical from their roots that repels root-knot nematodes in the soil.
Their bright blooms also attract hoverflies, which eat aphids before they become a problem.
Plant marigolds in a border around your tomato and basil bed for maximum protection.
2. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a trap crop, making them perfect for what to plant with basil and tomatoes.
Aphids love nasturtiums more than tomatoes, so they’ll flock to the flowers instead of your crop.
You can then easily remove the infested nasturtium leaves to dispose of the pests.
Nasturtiums also have edible flowers that add a peppery kick to salads.
3. Borage
Borage is a powerhouse when you’re researching what to plant with basil and tomatoes.
Its blue star-shaped flowers attract bees and other pollinators in droves.
Borage also adds trace minerals to the soil, benefiting nearby tomato plants.
Some gardeners even say borage improves tomato flavor and disease resistance.
Vegetables That Thrive Near Basil and Tomatoes
Beyond herbs and flowers, certain vegetables make excellent companions for this duo.
When you ask what to plant with basil and tomatoes, don’t overlook these veggie friends.
They’ll fill out your garden and provide more harvests from the same space.
1. Carrots
Carrots are a surprising but effective choice for what to plant with basil and tomatoes.
Their feathery tops don’t shade the base of tomato plants, and they loosen the soil as they grow.
Carrots also don’t compete with tomatoes for nutrients since they root deep while tomatoes root shallow.
Basil’s strong scent even helps mask the smell of carrots from carrot flies.
2. Peppers
Peppers are natural partners when considering what to plant with basil and tomatoes.
They share the same sunlight, watering, and soil pH requirements, making care a breeze.
Peppers also benefit from basil’s pest-repelling abilities just like tomatoes do.
You can plant peppers between tomato rows to maximize your garden’s productivity.
3. Lettuce
Lettuce is a great low-growing filler for what to plant with basil and tomatoes.
It thrives in the partial shade that taller tomato plants provide during the hottest part of the day.
This helps lettuce avoid bolting, so you get crisp leaves for much longer.
And you can harvest lettuce early, leaving more room for tomatoes and basil to expand.
What NOT to Plant With Basil and Tomatoes
Knowing what to plant with basil and tomatoes also means knowing what to keep out.
Some plants compete for nutrients, attract the wrong pests, or even stunt each other’s growth.
Here are the top offenders to avoid in your tomato and basil bed.
1. Fennel
Fennel is notorious for inhibiting the growth of many garden plants, including tomatoes.
It secretes chemicals that can stunt tomatoes and even basil, so keep fennel in a separate area.
2. Cabbage and Broccoli
Brassicas like cabbage and broccoli are heavy feeders that compete for nutrients with tomatoes.
They also attract pests like cabbage loopers that can spread to your tomato plants.
3. Corn
Corn attracts corn earworms, which can also damage tomato fruits, making it a poor neighbor.
It also grows tall and casts shade, which reduces the sun your basil and tomatoes need.
So, What to Plant With Basil and Tomatoes?
What to plant with basil and tomatoes comes down to choosing companions that share their love for sun and warmth.
The best options to plant with basil and tomatoes are herbs like parsley, oregano, and chives.
You can also plant with basil and tomatoes flowers such as marigolds, nasturtiums, and borage.
And don’t forget vegetables like carrots, peppers, and lettuce that thrive alongside this pair.
Just avoid fennel, cabbage, and corn to keep your garden harmonious.
By knowing what to plant with basil and tomatoes, you’ll enjoy a healthier, more productive garden all season long.
So get out there, plant your basil and tomatoes with these companions, and watch your garden flourish.
Happy gardening!