Tomatoes will grow vigorously and stay pest-free if you plant them with basil, a classic ingredient used in a variety of dishes. According to Martha Stewart, basil and tomatoes share a “mutually beneficial relationship”.
Benefits of companion planting
Companion planting is a gardening method where different plants are grown together to support each other’s growth. Some companion plants help tomatoes by attracting beneficial insects, improving soil health and reducing pests. By using this planting technique, gardeners will be rewarded with juicy, red, pest-free fruits.
Tomatoes can help to improve basil’s growth and enhance its flavour, and in turn, basil can “repel” tomato pests such as hornworms. Other pests deterred by basil's strong scent include aphids, whiteflies, and thrips, which can damage tomato plants by feeding on their leaves and stems.
Basil as a warning plant
Basil isn’t a heavy feeder, so it won’t steal the nutrients from tomatoes, and so it can be planted in the same soil as tomatoes, which need to be fed regularly. The herb also acts as an early warning sign of potential diseases, with its leaves developing mildew or other signs before it reaches its companions.
Impact on taste and pollination
When it comes to taste, there isn’t any scientific evidence to show basil improves the taste of tomatoes, but some believe that growing the herb near the plant improves the flavour and yield. When basil is in bloom, it also attracts beneficial insects to pollinate tomatoes. These pollinators will help to support the overall health of the garden.
Other care tips
It’s important to care for the tomatoes in other ways, too, including feeding them regularly and watering them regularly. Tomatoes love full sun for up to eight hours a day, so they may need watering twice a day in hot weather. Basil grows well next to many different plants and can actually improve the taste of its neighbours. Vegetables like carrots, peppers and courgettes can benefit from being planted close to the herb, as can oregano and parsley.
