15 Companion Plants for Tomatoes // No More Pests and Diseases!

[@savvy2639]

GOOD NEWS - Borage is tomato and pepper friendly and great pollenator- it repells the dreaded horn worm- they hate it. 👍🏻 love all your tips. thank you.

[@bowtielife]

I’ll say it again, your book is awesome! I keep it next to my regular seat in the living room and refer back to it often!

[@josiebridges3583]

Thank you, Brian for much needed (and timely) information.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jackzampella5758]

Brian, I haven't had an AH HA moment like this in years. When you said that the roots of cucumbers produce a substance that prevents weed seeds from even germinating, All the bells and whistles went off at the same time LOL. I never knew that. Thank you for that GEM of knowledge. 👍

[@NextLevelGardening]

Oh good!

[@taketwodevotions1247]

That was amazing and absolutely explains what happened to my tomato plants. We cut back a black walnut tree because we thought it was blocking the sun. It was, but now I know that's not all it was doing. 😠 I've learned so much from your channel. Thank you!!

[@donnaadams7805]

This one a keeper! I will be returning here to over and over I'm sure! Thanks again!!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@22trident45]

Thanks for the pics of the bugs and plant damage within the video, truly helps.

[@artstamper316]

One of your best tomato videos. Clear, concise.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you!

[@TheLeestarr]

Sure do appreciate your knowledge,research,experiments or whatever you did to learn what you know and for sharing it.

[@Mariposa_46]

I have a notebook with all your suggestion, plus I have your book too. I love watching your videos, I've been a fan for 2 or 3 years now and my notebook is getting filled up!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Wow, thank you!

[@MariaInSoFla]

Can't thank you enough for sharing this info, Brian. I've got big dreams this season for tomatoes and this will surely help!

[@susanmoore2011]

Excellent video!!! Basil really does work!!!

[@LytonaKirtz]

Another excellent informative video. Thanks, Brian!!

[@lizmckissick3996]

Thank you! I need to move my potatoes from my cherry tomatoes raise bed! Pray for me 🙏🏼

[@NextLevelGardening]

🙏

[@Steampunk_Samurai]

Thanks so much brother!! I’ve been gardening for 10+ years but seriously for 5. Just getting into tomatoes more seriously as my primary plants are super hot peppers. I’ve learned so much from your videos about tomatoes especially. 😀

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you!

[@steveegbert7429]

Last year I planted two eggplant as an experiment to see if I might like them as I had never eaten eggplant. I didn't get any to harvest but the flea beetles loved the plants yet not one noticeable on my tomatoes just a few feet away. Mind you, this is just one seasons experience so YMMV.

[@user-mc3tp5sd2z]

I got your book, but love when you do companion plant videos. Really helps put it all together in my noggin!

[@bethsands7665]

Clearly, I need to plant more Basil as Marigolds don't work that well to deter pests in tomatoes. Thanks for the awesome and informative Garden video.

[@naynerboppers5254]

I can't wait to build my homesteading library and your book on companion planting is already in my Amazon cart! I'm just waiting for my hubby to get a job. The IT job market is crazy competitive right now and he has been out of work since Nov. I bet you are so glad to be out of the grind and into the garden! Have you considered doing classes or even short paid internships on your property? Or even online? I would LOVE to do a week (or just a weekend) on your property, helping to work on projects and learning from you in person. I have so many ideas that I've even considered starting a channel to document my journey or doing workshops because of how many people approach me for help or advice while I work in my front yard urban garden. Gardening has lit a passion inside me that I can't explain and am using it as PT in hopes that I can get back into a career, likely combining my Interior Design & Space Planning skills with gardening. I learned about and even did a few small Landscape Design jobs....but I never imagined that I'd want to help others to create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces with urban gardens.

[@amyhoang9140]

Very informative, as always. Thank you. It would be great if you can talk about companion plants for napa cabbages.

[@nancyvonseggern1280]

Such a wealth of information! Thanks for passing it along. And I love your companion planting book. I reference it weekly!

[@debralawton5925]

I have your book which has taught me so much! Your videos also teach me and I really enjoy them.

[@rockkhound943]

Awesome information. Thank you

[@lynnpurfield9430]

Wow, this is amazing. Thank you sweetheart. I usually grow marigolds and other wild or field flowers with toms. This year I put in parsley because I want to eat more and hadn't much space. I will try your other tips. So far in UK I have never seen a hornworm but with climate change, you never know.

[@krickette5569]

Very informative! Thanks!

[@jewelweed7427]

Thanks! Helpful info!

[@KenjaajneK]

brilliant wisdom to know and apply in the garden, using many of them now and learned a few more for next season... Thanks Again for sharing the light and tools😀

[@sonyasibongga4487]

Thank you for the tips! We appreciate it 😊

[@NextLevelGardening]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jtharp9265]

Thank you so much Brian . God bless you & your family . Mrs josette Montgomery County, Texas 🙏 ❤

[@NextLevelGardening]

Same to you!

[@craighalle7892]

Thanks Brian. Another interesting and useful video. Now I know what to plant together. Two years ago I planted tomatoes and potatoes in the same raised bed. Everything grew well but the harvest was less than I wanted. The potato plants were a lush 3 feet tall and the tomatoes were alright just didn't get the harvest I expected. My guess poor soil quality. Thanks again and bless you.

[@FJcv-lt7qu]

I'd heard about basil, and it happens to be my absolute favorite herb. So I bought some cheap from the supermarket and now have a large bunch of basil in front of my toms in my polytunnel, along with marigolds and nasturtiums - and have had a record lack of any pests this year. I grow a lot of different types of basil, but will give some of those other plants a try as well. Many thanks for your video.

[@tompatchak8706]

I bought tomatos and basil had a sidewalk sale in May and let the basil go. As well as basil noticed I don’t have a lot of mosquitoes. I also have lavender and green onion growing all over Maya my backyard, Tony problem I had so far was a pets on one eggplant, I took care of that with some spray

[@pattischolten7303]

Ordered your book. Thanks for this fantastic info!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank YOU!

[@tericamcginnis5848]

Awesome advice. I love this type info. Each season would love to hear more. I especially appreciate how close or far they need to be. Happy 4 th! 🌋

[@esthersdaughterlong8149]

Thank you so much. Great advice which I will do.

[@katielin2379]

I live here in California. I have 3 tomato plants in a large container, in which I've also planted basil, marigolds, and allisium. I've had one "monster" horned tomato worm. It decimated one tomato plant before I got it off. It was a fatty. Since then, free and clear and the one tomato is recovering quite nicely. And of course, they're covered now.

[@SunshineGarden-9B]

That's exactly what I call hornworms, "monsters"!!!

[@Dadimaakibagiya122]

Wow so beautiful garden and healthy vegetarian plant ☘️ very nice singing

[@robbiesmith5169]

I have your book and for a first year gardener my plants are 1. Alive and 2. Productive. Thank you!

[@camicri4263]

Perfect, thanks Brian! I found your book a while back and now I don't know where I put it.... Ugh ridiculous! Have a blessed day 🙏💞p.s. found the book! 🎉🎉🎉

[@marygrott8095]

Great information. Thanks, Brian!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cooley18]

Great resource. Bought your book just because of the quality of information in this video. Thanks!

[@JoanLenz-s2k]

Hi i have been gardening off and on for about 40 years.. watching your shows has helped clarify for me answers to my problems and given me new ideas on how to grow in the limited space with and without sun. I will always garden until the day I am physically unable. Then I'm going to get my grandson to help. Keep gardening and doing your shows. Thank you.

[@anniecochrane3359]

Very interesting - I didnt know about Hairy Vetch, so will try that this coming spring. And its great to know which plants attract what particular insect.

[@patkrueger7353]

I got your book and started reading it immediately. Love your info videos. Just really started companion planting these last couple of years. Still learning . Thank you again

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you!

[@HappyTrucker1946]

@HappyTrucker1946 46 seconds ago (edited) I had some sweet potaoes go bad from the store, dug a hole in my garden through them in and buried them, now the vine is going crazy. Should I wait for leafs to yellow and see what I get? I also have one growing in a container as you instructed, it's looking great.

[@omegahunter9]

Fascinating! Have any tips that may work for my blueberries? I've been growing tomatoes successfully, but these little worms keep invading my blueberries.

[@AlissaPaige91]

Thank you so much for this! Do you think these apply to container gardens aswell

[@NextLevelGardening]

Absolutely!

[@SunshineGarden-9B]

Great information Brian! For some reason I still get hornworms even when planting basil with my tomatoes! At least they are pretty easy to get off the plants.

[@klattin1501]

Great information. Thank you. Grasshoppers are infesting my garden. Is there a campion plant to help, preferably solve, this issue?

[@marycoakley7596]

Very interesting

[@jeffbradford1999]

Great as usual! Thx

[@NextLevelGardening]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@peggylou162]

Great content.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you

[@Angelinawalker591]

Great tips

[@MichaelRei99]

Great video!!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thanks!

[@lindysmallwood2039]

Great video. I have your book but hearing you go through the companion plants and explaining what each specific plants contributes to the tomato plant was great. Thank you so much for this video. Will be sharing this video with my sisters. Blessings❤️🌺

[@bestfriendz4853]

If I planted my tomatoes in pots should I plant the companion in the same pot or can I just put another pot of the companion plant near if?

[@juaba4173]

GREAT advice thank you!!

[@NextLevelGardening]

You are so welcome!

[@lindaisnew2017]

Great information, thank you !!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindaisnew2017]

@@NextLevelGardening I just moved 12 new potato plants far away from tomatoes that were within 6 feet away!!😃 I do have radishes, cukes near them and plan to put new basil plants in soon along with chives that need transplant. Your video on companion planting was one of the best I have seen explaining how they repel or deter specific pests. You are a gem!!💎

[@roottrackerzbyyaira]

Excellent video. I plan to buy your book soon!! Thanks 😊

[@NextLevelGardening]

Awesome, thank you!

[@MPOULL]

Question, I have been using Aspirin spray on tomatoes and peppers every 14 days. Should I continue this while plants are flowering? Will spray gum up pollen and reduce fruit yield?

[@venidamcdaniel1913]

Thanks

[@NextLevelGardening]

Welcome

[@Gardeningchristine]

I’ve been here 3 years and have seen 2 tomato horn worms and one had the parasitic worms cocoons sticking out of it so yay!🍅🐛

[@NextLevelGardening]

Great!

[@jamiwhatley1765]

I bought your book and it’s an excellent buy. 5⭐️. It is so informative and a quick read for me. It’s easier for me to have a hard copy of information so I can add it to my “gardening book”

[@patriciasutton4618]

Same here, no horn worms, lots of Basil, plus Dill and Marigolds !!!

[@daniellebailey6802]

I have wasps of some kind that are large and will shred caterpillars. It's gross, but kind of fascinating to watch lol

[@daniellagross-menahem8849]

What a great video! Every year my tomatoes get blight and I have given up on trying to treat it. I will definitely plant hairy vetch next year

[@livelaughlove63517]

Last year I followed your companion planting tips and my tomatoes were great so I've done it again this year. I dont like radish so allowing them to flower is no problem for me. It also allowed me to harvest seed to use this year. I even had a few volunteers pop up in different spots and I'm allowing them to grow where they are. I have a question about the alliums and basil though, how many plants do I need and how close should they be planted to the tomatoes? I guess the same question for the dill. Thanks for all your hard work in putting out all these great videos!!

[@Junzar56]

I don’t like eating radishes- but I like the seed pod! I eat the seed pods before they get tough. Lots of health benefits- when I bring a bug bowl of radish pods to potluck people want to know what kind of bean or pea they just ate. It’s always a big hit.

[@Steampunk_Samurai]

Have you tried growing in straw bales? I hear plants grow healthier, quicker and more disease resistant than in soil. Never tried but next year I will. Only thing is to keep it moist as it dries out quicker.

[@NextLevelGardening]

I haven't yet

[@krazmokramer]

Excellent video! I have laid out my raised bed garden with companion plant considerations. I got my info by googling, but I think I need your book to get it done correctly.

[@jeannebeam3042]

I have had a terrible time with tomatoes. I have lost 25 plants this year from some kind of wilt. I planted them in my raised beds and directly in my flowers bed. Out of 30 plants, 5 have survived and they were planted in pots. I’m about ready to give up on tomatoes. I live in the Florida Panhandle. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[@Dustang_]

Brian this was a great video. Last year I had a ton of hornworms and this year I planted basil with all of the tomatoes and haven’t so far (knock on wood) seen any this year. Now I would like to look more into the crops that help with diseases and just see how they work as a preventative. Thank you and I will be looking more into it.

[@fatimasaidahmed4353]

Greetings of the seasons. Thank you for the informative

[@pakbowl420]

Are you planting beit alpha cucumber or another type of greenhouse cucumber this season? I remember you weren't too happy with them because of seeds but I sent you a message on Instagram one time explaining they are "gynoecious" and should be isolated or covered with a insect net to keep them from being cross pollenated. I'm doing that this year to see if it works like I've read in articles. Hoping for better results. If so I'll continue with this method.

[@charlesbale8376]

Terrific information, thanks for sharing.

[@Calakapepe]

Well the desire to grow our own tomatoes just felt a little bit more difficult than initially thought 😅😅 thanks for the tips!

[@LasonyaWilliams-me2fk]

Very educational for a beginner thank you so much😊

[@tfisher67]

QUESTION: Has anyone ever heard of sunflowers stunting tomato plants? I planted a row of chocolate cherry sf's behind my tomatoes to hopefully provide a little afternoon shade but the tomatoes right next to the sf's are all really stunted or dead already and did not produce anything. My other row of tomatoes that is about 5 ft away from the sf's has done great. You can see a massive difference between the 2 rows of tomatoes.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Sunflowers do have allelopathic properties so it could be happening to your tomatoes

[@louisthomas2531]

Sunflowers and Cucumbers

[@ehunter39]

How about Grubs? Ive found a few of these in my raised vegetable beds

[@beachchic288]

Milky spore is amazing for grub worms!

[@MPOULL]

I have 2 of the biggest Black Walnut trees I have ever seen, in my yard. Canopy on both is well over 20'. For this reason( plus the voles & moles) growing peppers, tomatoes, carrots, beans, and strawberries in a "growpot garden". So far, so good. However, the birds & /or squirrels have dug up two bags of carrots? Going to sow carrots a third time and cover them with hardware cloth, we'll see. You did NOT mention Marigolds, old wives myth?

[@cindyinpcola]

I noticed you didn’t mention marigolds. What’s your thoughts about them planted with tomatoes? I’ve seen a lot of videos that show them growing next to their tomatoes.

[@jayduplessis7698]

I tried it once and the marigolds got infested with spider mites, with them moving on to my tomatoes soon after. Marigolds do help with nematodes, but only where they grow, so it"s best to plant them on mass (if you have a nematode problem).

[@cindyinpcola]

@@jayduplessis7698 thank you for the information 😀

[@irili100]

Hi dear Brian, regarding the repellent plants you mentioned in the video, I know that eucalyptus repels germination, in my opinion you can use a mulch of fresh eucalyptus chips to prevent weeds from germinating around the vegetable plants. What do you think?

[@NextLevelGardening]

I agree

[@irili100]

@@NextLevelGardening Thanks

[@AnnieDog-arfarf1]

Thank you so much!

[@susanhenley8240]

Not a companion plant question, but still a tomato question... Do you use shade cloth for your tomatoes? One gardener says to use shade cloth because of sun scald and flowers dropping in the heat. Another gardener says that tomato plants need all the sun they can get and to never use shade cloth. I'm confused and hope you will consider doing a video on this topic.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Yes I do!

[@susanhenley8240]

@@NextLevelGardening 40%? What temp to put up?

[@AlissaPaige91]

What do you think about corn with my tomatoes? I do the same with my beans.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Totally fine!

[@venidamcdaniel1913]

We have a July “monsoon”. Tomato’s always split. How to manage that?

[@bijou737]

Hairy vetch, never heard the name, but it grows wild here and I always pull it out like a weed. I need to transplant it! 😂

[@NextLevelGardening]

Yes!

[@mcsfeb1]

Can you do a video on how to figure out timing and how long and how often to run drip irrigation in raised beds how do I figure that out

[@calista1280]

That all depends on your soil, type and age of plants, rainfall etc. I would get a moisture meter, then you can check how deep your water reaches in 20 minutes to a half hour. Adjust for depth of plant roots, weather etc Are your plants healthy or wilting on a hot day?

[@mcsfeb1]

@calista1280 so I am new to it I am not having issues but when trying to Reaserch this I noticed no one really explained how to figure it out and there should be a way to do that. Like let's say rain fall data from your area I'm zone 6a with size or raised bed type of vegtables would need X around of watering for X ammount of times a week I think thats something that can be figured out and then new gardeners can use that info to make an informed decision. I just dont want to learn the hard way I want to get it right the first time

[@greglunderstedt3898]

Great video… I have had good success by intercropping my cherry tomoatoes with sweet potatoes, any ideas on this?

[@justinoffutt]

I grow basil with my tomatoes and still get hornworms. Once we begin to see them, we check daily. Probably helps but doesn’t seem to completely stop them

[@tompatchak8706]

Try cutting some basil off. The basil smells good, and all that, but I noticed that when I started trimming mine down the scent got stronger and stronger. I have a thing a 5 gallon pot with basil and I think it’s three basil plants. But it’s hard to towel and I have not noticed a mosquito in my yard all summer flies only come out when the when the dog poop is in cleaned up and I think it’s all basil, so give it a cut and see what happens

[@justinoffutt]

@@tompatchak8706 thanks for the tip. I'll try that. I've just been letting it grow and go to seed etc. I was thinking the flowers would bring in pollinators as well. Maybe the wrong approach

[@tompatchak8706]

@@justinoffutt the flowers will bring pollinators, but if you want to keep it growing bigger and bushy or do you have to cut it down. When plants like basil and other herbs, go to flower and they think their job is done and then will stop growing or won’t grow as big. There are other things you can get in your yard to bring pollinators such as potted plants sunflowers and many many other things. I have a giant basil plant in my backyard that I cut off and give pieces to people every month or so because it’s getting so big.

[@songsforthemaster]

That was awesome Brian❣️ Thank you❣️ I so appreciate all the detail. I totally forgot about hairy vetch. 🤭 I would love to have you and Emily here for a looonnnggg weekend. 😆

[@songsforthemaster]

PS ~ Of course your son is welcome too. 🥰

[@ryajordan4804]

Anything else for thrips? I am allergic to parsley 😔😫

[@msmadeinhawaii]

What about leaf footed bugs? They are DESTROYING my tomato crop! There are tons of them. There are some stink bugs too but I don’t see nearly as many of them.

[@pville_piper5125]

Years ago, we had an infestation of hornworms. Shortly after we saw the worms, a pair of cardinals showed up and soon we had no worms. They built a nest in our grapes and we never had an issue after that. Within a couple of years we had several pairs make our yard their home... We always encouraged them to do so.

[@Thriftygranny]

My nasturtium plants have aphids (as they should) wondering if i should treat the plant to remove the aphids? Or leave it be? Im not sure if treating the plant will stop the aphid attracting properties of the nasturtiums? Please clarify for me. Thanks

[@NextLevelGardening]

You can use some neem oil on it. Just do it early or late when no bees are present

[@Thriftygranny]

@@NextLevelGardening thank you

[@tompatchak8706]

Head them off at the pass? Is that a Blazing Saddles reference? Either way it’s a good one.

[@LiveLaughSmile]

Brian, my brócolis plants and the collards greens was so beautiful looking very healthy and suddenly the collard greens started curling the baby leaves and I found out it’s full of insects. The brócolis too. Also they are eating the leaves. Is it better to trough away everything or is possible to have a chance to save them? My first time growing organics 😞

[@dionnav2470]

Do you have any suggestions on how to repel white flies from tomato plants?

[@NextLevelGardening]

Attract the beneficial insects! Daisy type flowers and the ones I mention in this video

[@dionnav2470]

@@NextLevelGardening Thank you! I'll try that 😊

[@JohnnyZBeatZ]

Thanks 🙏

[@NextLevelGardening]

You’re welcome 😊

[@dahliawillow23]

Been learning and binging your videos. Have your book on the way, just placed order. Thank you for all the great tips. Limited space, so it’s challenging to grow much. Just harvested my first basil crop for new plants & freezing for later. 🌱 little wins is all I’m hoping for this year. Looking forward to watching Daisy May’s appearance. 😊

[@bowtielife]

I have already commented once on this video but now I have a question! I am having a wonderful experience with dichondra in my yard. I know that some use it as a cover crop. Have you had any information pop up in all of your great research for the book about dichondra as a cover or companion crop of any kind? I have spent time researching (mainly looking for a negative) but cannot find much.

[@dawnmorse9373]

I read somewhere that borage is a good companion plant for tomatoes. Is that true? We put one borage at the end of the tomato bed. We haven't had any horn worms this year so far.