Companion planting is all about growing different plants together so they can help each other out. For tomatoes, this can make a huge difference!
If you’ve grown tomatoes before, you probably know that they can be prone to many issues.
But with the right companions, you can create a balanced ecosystem where tomatoes can thrive.
Some plants can enrich the soil and keep pests away. Others attract pollinators to help tomatoes produce more fruit.
So, what should you add to your garden? From herbs to veggies, here are the best tomato companion plants in Australia.
Tomato Companion Planting Chart | Herbs | Flowers | Vegetables | Australian Native Plants
Growing Conditions for Tomato Companion Plants
When choosing what to grow with tomatoes, it’s best to look for plants with similar growing requirements.
Tomatoes need warm temperatures and 6–8 hours of full sun daily.
Avoid placing them near taller plants that can cast heavy shade, and be aware that they can block sunlight from smaller companions.
Moreover, tomatoes prefer:
- Regular watering
- Plenty of nutrients
- Slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil
If you’re growing tomatoes and their companions in the same garden bed, make sure they share similar needs.
Otherwise, plant them farther away or use containers instead.
You can look for tomato varieties (bush types) that grow well in pots. Or grow tomato companions in separate containers, and place them near the tomato bed.
That way, you still get the benefits of companion planting — like pest control and successful pollination.
What Are the Best Companion Plants for Tomatoes in Australia?
Growing tomatoes on their own is rewarding, but a few companion plants can help them become a lot healthier.
Here’s a tomato companion planting chart to guide you:
| HERBS | FLOWERS | VEGETABLES | NATIVE PLANTS |
| Basil Parsley Oregano Thyme |
Borage Calendula Lavender Marigolds |
Alliums Asparagus Carrots Leafy greens Legumes |
Bottlebrush River mint Warrigal greens |
Don’t hesitate to call a local gardening expert if you’re not sure where or how to start.
They’ll prepare the soil and even handle the planting to help you create a thriving vegetable garden.
Herbs to Plant with Tomatoes
Growing herbs isn’t just good for your kitchen.
These aromatic plants act as natural repellents, driving pests away from your tomato plants!
Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the best herbs to grow with tomatoes.
Its strong scent repels aphids and tomato hornworms, which are caterpillars that chew on tomato leaves.
At the same time, it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Many gardeners also say that basil can enhance the flavour of tomatoes when planted nearby.
Beyond all these, many recipes call for a combination of tomatoes and basil. So it just makes sense to grow them together!
NOTE: Basil is considered a weed in some parts of Australia, so check local regulations first. It also helps to grow basil in a container to control its spread.
Oregano
If you love Mediterranean dishes, oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a perfect partner for your tomatoes!
Oregano’s flowers bring in helpful bugs, which help keep tomato pests under control.
And unlike other herbs, you can continue harvesting the leaves for cooking even after the plant has bloomed.
Since oregano can spread and prefers a slightly drier soil, grow it in a separate pot near tomato plants.
Parsley
You might be surprised to see parsley (Petroselinum crispum) on this list, as it’s typically a cool-season herb.
Still, many gardeners grow parsley with tomatoes, as it can help deter pests.
Note that the warm weather that tomatoes need may cause parsley to bolt and send up tiny flowers. At that point, the leaves turn bitter and are no longer palatable.
However, those blooms are actually helpful!
They draw in hoverflies, lacewings, and other beneficial insects that feed off aphids and other pests.
Moreover, parsley serves as a ground cover that helps retain soil moisture and suppresses weeds in your tomato patch.
Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a fragrant, low-growing herb that grows well with tomatoes.
The leaves give off a strong smell that confuses insect pests. The flowers are also a magnet for pollinators and parasitic wasps that prey on harmful bugs.
Just keep in mind that thyme needs less water than tomatoes. It’s also drought-tolerant once mature.
For best results, grow thyme in a container and place it close to your tomatoes.
Flowers to Plant with Tomatoes
If you want to get more fruit from your tomatoes, plant flowers nearby to attract pollinators!
While tomatoes can self-pollinate, a little extra help from bees and butterflies can increase fruit production.
Borage
Borage (Borago officinalis) is best known for its blue, star-shaped flowers. But aside from beautifying your garden, borage is a powerful tomato companion.
It grows deep taproots that can loosen compacted soil. The leaves also contain calcium, potassium, and trace minerals.
Many gardeners chop the leaves and use them as mulch to help prevent blossom-end rot in tomatoes.
The flowers also repel insects that can harm tomatoes, such as aphids and spider mites.
Calendula
Planting calendulas (Calendula officinalis) near your tomato garden can help give you a bigger harvest.
Also called “pot marigold,” calendula brings in bees and butterflies, which help with pollination and fruit production.
It also draws in natural predators to common garden pests.
Plus, it acts as a “trap crop” — it attracts pests, keeping them away from tomatoes and other nearby plants.
For best results, grow calendulas along the border of your tomato bed or in a separate flower bed close by.
French marigolds
French marigolds (Tagetes patula) and tomatoes are a popular pairing!
These gorgeous flowering plants help protect tomatoes from root knot nematodes.
They release alpha-terthienyl in the soil, a compound that kills off those microscopic, worm-like parasites.
Above ground, French marigolds have a pungent scent that serves as a natural pest repellent.
And like calendulas, they serve as sacrificial plants. They attract thrips and whiteflies so they don’t go after your tomatoes.
Lavender
Another wonderful flower to grow with tomatoes is lavender (Lavandula).
Its purple blooms not only liven up the garden. They also release a fragrance that repels pests and attracts beneficial insects.
However, keep in mind that lavender prefers a slightly alkaline soil. It also thrives even with little water, as it’s fairly drought-tolerant.
That said, it’s best to grow lavender in a container. Place it near tomatoes to keep harmful bugs away.
Vegetables to Grow with Tomatoes
There’s nothing quite like having your own veggie garden.
The good news is — tomatoes thrive with many other vegetables!
Alliums
Alliums like garlic, leek, and onion are among the best tomato companion plants.
Their pungent smell masks the scent of tomatoes and deters pests like aphids and thrips.
Moreover, alliums — particularly garlic — have antifungal properties that can protect tomatoes from soil-borne diseases.
You can also let your alliums flower to lure in pollinators and predatory insects that prey on tomato pests.
Asparagus
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) and tomatoes are a great duo in the garden.
Tomato leaves and stems contain solanine, a compound that keeps asparagus beetles away.
Meanwhile, asparagus can fend off root knot nematodes that attack tomato roots.
Plus, since asparagus has deeper roots than tomatoes, these two plants don’t compete for nutrients.
Carrot
Carrots (Daucus carota) make a great companion for tomatoes!
These root veggies help loosen and aerate the soil as they grow. This allows tomato roots to absorb nutrients better.
The carrots’ leafy tops can also help keep the soil moist for tomatoes.
To save space in the garden, plant carrots beneath your tomato plants, about 30cm away from the main stem.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens like lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) grow well with tomatoes.
These crops can struggle in hot weather, but the taller tomato plants can shade them from excessive heat.
In return, lettuce and spinach can keep weeds in check and prevent the soil from drying out quickly.
They’re also light feeders that won’t compete with tomatoes for nutrients.
Legumes
To enrich the soil for your tomato plants, add legumes to your vegetable garden!
Legumes like beans and peas are nitrogen-fixing plants. They pull nitrogen from the air and slowly add it back to the soil.
Bush beans are one of the best legumes to grow with tomatoes. You can plant them under tomatoes since they stay short.
Other great options are alfalfa and peas.
NOTE: Alliums and legumes are both good tomato companions, but they don’t pair well — avoid growing them too close to each other.
Australian Native Plants to Grow with Tomatoes
Mixing tomatoes with Australian native plants can make your garden more resilient.
Plus, growing our very own plant species helps support local biodiversity and wildlife.
Native yam daisy
The native yam daisy (Microseris lanceolata) is a flowering root vegetable. Its sweet tuber was once a staple food for indigenous Australians.
This crop helps loosen compacted soil, creating better conditions for tomato roots.
Plus, it produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators and helpful insects.
Native yam daisies grow low and do well in dappled shade, so you can plant them beneath tomatoes.
River mint
River mint (Mentha australis) is an Australian native herb that can be grown with tomatoes.
It’s versatile in the kitchen — great for salads and as a marinade for roasted meats, especially lamb.
Out in the garden, river mint can help tomato plants by driving away pests like mosquitoes and thrips.
Just remember that it can spread quickly and become invasive.
To keep your river mint under control, grow it in a container. Place it near your tomatoes to get the pest-repelling benefits.
Warrigal greens
Warrigal greens (Tetragonia tetragonioides) are often used as a spinach substitute, as they taste about the same.
And just like spinach, they make a good companion for tomatoes!
These leafy greens prefer warm climates and will die back in heavy frost.
Warrigal greens grow to about 20cm tall and can handle some shade. They’re a great native ground cover that helps keep the soil moist for tomatoes.
What Should Not Be Planted Close to Tomatoes?
Tomatoes thrive with many companions, but certain plants can stunt their growth. The following are bad tomato companions:
BRASSICAS: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale compete with tomatoes for nutrients and might lower yields
CUCUMBERS: Attract cucumber beetles, which can spread bacterial wilt to tomatoes
FENNEL: Releases a substance in the soil that can negatively affect tomato growth
NIGHTSHADES: Plants in the same family as tomatoes (like eggplants and potatoes) are vulnerable to the same diseases, such as early and late blight
SWEET CORN: Can draw in the same pests that attack tomatoes, like tomato worms or corn earworm
More Tips for Successful Tomato Companion Planting
Companion planting can help prevent common tomato pests, diseases, and other issues. To make it work, a little planning goes a long way!
Choose companions that bring different benefits, like repelling pests, attracting pollinators, or improving the soil.
Moreover, spacing matters. Keep tomato plants at least 30cm away from other plants to keep the roots and leaves well-ventilated and prevent fungal disease.
Finally, rotate your crops every season (including companion plants) to lower the risk of soil-borne diseases.
FAQs About Tomato Companion Planting
Need more tomato companion planting tips? From growing healthier plants to getting more fruit, these Q&As have you covered!
Which tomato companion plants help improve the soil?
Legumes (like bush beans and clover) enrich the soil by making nitrogen available, helping tomatoes grow strong stems.
Root veggies like carrots and native yam daisies can also help break up compacted soil.
Which plants help keep pests away from tomatoes?
Aromatic herbs like basil and parsley can repel common tomato pests with their strong scents.
Alliums — including garlic and onion — also mask the scent of tomatoes and deter insects.
Which companion plants can increase tomato yields?
Flowering plants like borage, calendula, and French marigolds attract pollinators, which can help your tomatoes produce more fruit.
