Why We Plant Basil With Our Tomatoes Every Year

Every spring, as we're getting ready to start our tomato seeds, there's one other seed we always make sure to plant right alongside them—basil.

If you've ever visited our garden, you'll notice basil growing between many of our tomato plants. It's become one of those gardening habits we simply don't skip because year after year it has worked well for our family.

One of the reasons we enjoy planting basil with our tomatoes is because we've noticed fewer pest problems over the years, and many gardeners report similar experiences. While every garden is different, we've found basil to be a valuable companion plant that we've continued growing season after season.

But that's only one reason we love having basil in the garden.

More Than Just a Kitchen Herb

Most people think of basil as something to toss into pasta sauce or sprinkle on pizza, but it's a remarkably useful plant.

Its fragrant leaves make it one of our favorite herbs to grow, while its flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators that help many garden plants thrive.

Many gardeners also plant basil near vegetables because they believe its strong aroma may help discourage certain insects, such as aphids, mites, and mosquitoes. Although every garden is different, we've found basil to be a welcome addition wherever we grow it.

Basil Grows Well With Many Garden Favorites

Although tomatoes are its most famous companion, basil also grows well near several other vegetables, including:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Eggplant
• Lettuce
• Asparagus
• Beans
• Beets
• Potatoes

Planting basil throughout the garden is an easy way to enjoy fresh herbs, attract pollinators, and add beauty to your growing space.

One of the Easiest Herbs to Grow

If you've never grown basil before, don't let it intimidate you.

We've found basil to be one of the easiest herbs to start from seed. In fact, we enjoy it so much that we even grow it indoors in our kitchen using a small aquaponics system. Having fresh basil available year-round makes cooking even more enjoyable.

As an added bonus, there's nothing quite like the smell of fresh basil. Whether you're brushing past it while working in the garden or adding it to a homemade meal, its fresh aroma is one of our favorite parts of summer.

Why We'll Keep Planting It

Whether basil is helping attract pollinators, adding fresh flavor to dinner, or simply making the garden smell amazing, it's earned a permanent place in our garden.

For our family, planting basil alongside tomatoes has become one of those simple gardening habits we'll continue year after year. It's easy to grow, incredibly versatile, and a wonderful addition to both the garden and the kitchen.

If you're planning next year's garden, consider leaving a little extra room for basil. We think you'll be glad you did.

🌱 We'd Love to Hear From You

Do you plant basil with your tomatoes, or do you have another companion plant that's worked well in your garden? We'd love to hear what has worked for you in the comments below!

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🌿 Thanks for Visiting RK Growers

At RK Growers, we enjoy sharing the simple gardening tips and homesteading practices that have worked well for our family. We hope they'll inspire you to try something new in your own garden.

Whether you're growing a few herbs on the porch or tending a large backyard garden, we hope you'll stop by again soon for more practical gardening, baking, and homesteading tips from our family to yours.