Gardeners say planting this herb near tomatoes helps them thrive

From basil to marigolds, these expert-approved plants pair perfectly with tomatoes in the garden.

3) Mint

4) Carrots, 6) Asparagus, 8) Calendula, 10) Crimson Clover, 13) Chives, 14) Parsley

Fragrant plants can help protect tomatoes from pesky pests, so it's no surprise that mint is up to snuff. "It attracts parasitic wasps—extremely gross insects, in my book—which help to control caterpillar pests," Futeral says. Though mint is a great protector, this herb can be pretty invasive. Futeral recommends placing this plant in a container nearby instead of directly into the soil.

Lighting Conditions: Partial to full sunDifficulty: EasyAverage Height: 12-24 inchesCare Instructions: Water to keep soil lightly moist. Harvest regularly to promote bushy growth.

4) Carrots

4) Carrots, 6) Asparagus, 8) Calendula, 10) Crimson Clover, 13) Chives, 14) Parsley

Craving a delicious, nutritious, homemade salad? You might want to plant some carrots near your tomatoes. While growing your own produce is definitely a gardening flex, Dzafic says carrots and tomatoes are a "smart, practical combo." "Carrots help loosen the soil around tomato roots, making it easier for water and nutrients to reach the plant," she says. "It’s an easy way to support a healthier, more low-maintenance garden ecosystem."

Lighting Conditions: Full sunDifficulty: ModerateAverage Height: 6-12 inchesCare Instructions: They thrive in moist, well-drained soil, so water often.

5) Sage

4) Carrots, 6) Asparagus, 8) Calendula, 10) Crimson Clover, 13) Chives, 14) Parsley

Since sage requires slightly drier conditions, they shouldn't be interplanted alongside tomatoes. However, if you place them in containers near the juicy veggie, the can't-miss aroma will repel unwanted critters.

Lighting Conditions: Full sunDifficulty: Easy
Average Height: 12-24 inchesCare Instructions: Young sage plants will require regular watering, while established can get a little dry between waterings.

6) Asparagus

4) Carrots, 6) Asparagus, 8) Calendula, 10) Crimson Clover, 13) Chives, 14) Parsley

Sure, asparagus does require some more effort than the other companion plants on this list; however, they can have a beautiful, mutual relationship with tomatoes. While asparagus can protect tomatoes from rooting-ruining nematodes, our juicy protagonist can protect the spear-pointed veggie from beetles.

Lighting Conditions:
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Average Height: 4-8 feet
Care Instructions: Asparagus needs more upkeep so they should be watered regularly and fertilized often. You should also gently pull the weeds of young asparagus to protect their roots.

8) Calendula

4) Carrots, 6) Asparagus, 8) Calendula, 10) Crimson Clover, 13) Chives, 14) Parsley

Another sunny bloom to plant with tomatoes? Calendula. "They attract beneficial insects which can help reduce pests and attract pollinators," says Futeral, noting calendulas are basically butterfly and bee magnets. "They are really pretty, which is always a plus in my book."

Lighting Conditions: Full sun Difficulty: Easy
Average Height: 12-24 inchesCare Instructions: Though they're drought-resistant once established, these plants require regular watering and deadheading when young.

10) Crimson Clover

4) Carrots, 6) Asparagus, 8) Calendula, 10) Crimson Clover, 13) Chives, 14) Parsley

As a low-growing cover crop, crimson clover can be planted around tomatoes to protect them from beetles and weeds alike. Meanwhile, crimson clover produces red flowers that can attractor pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Lighting Conditions: Partial shade to full sunDifficulty: Easy
Average Height: 1-3 feetCare Instructions: Requires regular watering when young.

13) Chives

4) Carrots, 6) Asparagus, 8) Calendula, 10) Crimson Clover, 13) Chives, 14) Parsley

Chives have a light, onion-like aroma that do a superb job at repelling aphids, mites and nematodes. Plus, the pretty purple flowers they produce will give your garden plenty of curb appeal. Similar to tomatoes, chives do well in sunny spots and rich, fertilized soil—making them excellent for interplanting.

Lighting Conditions: Partial shade or full sunDifficulty: Easy
Average Height: About 1 footCare Instructions: Water consistently and fertilize during the spring.

14) Parsley

4) Carrots, 6) Asparagus, 8) Calendula, 10) Crimson Clover, 13) Chives, 14) Parsley

When it comes to companion plants for tomatoes, parsley offers the best of both worlds. This edible herb attracts ladybugs, which are known to devour common tomato-loving pests like aphids and hornworm eggs. Oh, and did we mention parsley acts as livable mulch? In fact, this companion plant can help retain soil moisture and minimize weed growth.

Lighting Conditions: Full sun, but can tolerant some shade.Difficulty: EasyAverage Height: 8-14 inchesCare Instructions: Require ample sunlight and consistent moisture.

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