What to plant next to Tomato
The neighbours on this page are sorted by what the evidence shows: a proven benefit, good with a condition, simply compatible, or to keep apart. Each group says why, and the sources are listed at the end of the page.
Good neighbours, with a condition
MarigoldMarigolds (Tagetes) reduce root-knot nematodes only when they are grown densely on the same spot for at least two months before the crop. Planted as neighbours, they show no such effect.
A tall or climbing plant shades a low plant that needs full sun, so put the tall one on the north side (the south side in the southern hemisphere).
This plant goes on the north side, these on the south:
Garlic chives
Basil
Carrot
Onion
Garlic
Calendula
Sweet alyssum
Zinnia
NasturtiumCompatible
Parsley
Lettuce
Shiso
Borage
Phacelia
Cosmos
CornflowerThey grow together without a known conflict, but the benefits traditionally claimed for these pairings are not proven.
Keep away from
PotatoLate blight (Phytophthora infestans) spreads from potatoes to tomatoes nearby.
Why it helps
Mixing crops in the same bed spreads the risk: pests find their target harder, the soil is used at different depths and flowers bring in the insects that pollinate and hunt aphids.
| Spacing in the row | 60 cm (24 in) |
|---|---|
| In a 30 cm (1 ft) square | 1 per square |
| Crop rotation group | Potato and tomato family |
| Sow outdoors | May |
| Harvest | Jul–Oct |
Tomato: spacing, plants per square and companions →
Plan it in the garden
The planner warns you when two crops with a documented shared risk, such as tomatoes and potatoes, end up next to each other, so you can fix the layout before planting.
Start Planning Your GardenSources
The class of each neighbour on this page rests on these sources.
- Planning the Vegetable Garden (426-312) — Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech for: good neighbours, with a condition; checked 2026-10-31
- Preparing a garden plan — UC Master Gardener Program, UC ANR for: good neighbours, with a condition; checked 2026-10-31
- The Myth of Companion Plantings (L. Chalker-Scott) — Washington State University Extension for: compatible; checked 2026-10-28
- Late Blight of Potato and Tomato (EDIS PP301) — University of Florida IFAS for: to keep apart; checked 2026-10-28
- Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) for Nematode Management (ENY-056 / NG045, reviewed 2024) — University of Florida IFAS Extension for: good neighbours, with a condition; checked 2026-10-31
- Vegetable and Berry News: late blight on potato and tomato — University of Vermont Extension for: to keep apart; checked 2026-10-28