Companion Planting: Best Flowers for Tomatoes

Companion planting is a time-tested gardening practice that helps create a diverse, balanced ecosystem in your backyard. When you plant specific flowers next to your tomato plants, you can improve growth, deter pests, and attract beneficial insects. 1. Marigolds (Tagetes): The golden standard of tomato companions. Marigolds emit a scent that repels pests like tomato hornworms and nematodes, while attracting bees and hoverflies. 2. Nasturtiums: Excellent as a trap crop for aphids. They also repel whiteflies and squash bugs, and their edible flowers add a peppery kick to salads. 3. Borage: Known as the 'tomato helper,' borage deters hornworms and improves the flavor and growth of tomato plants nearby. 4. Calendula: Attracts ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators of aphids and thrips. By integrating these flowers into your tomato vault beds, you'll ensure a healthy, organic harvest.