00:00Did you know that certain herbs can be your tomato's best friends?
00:04We're talking pest control, weed suppression, and even flavor enhancement.
00:08We'll guide you through the six best herbs to plant alongside your tomatoes
00:13for a thriving garden and bountiful harvest.
00:16And stay tuned because we're sharing the tomato varieties
00:20that have proven to be the most successful and best tasting in our gardens year after year.
00:26Let's start with the classic, basil.
00:29It's not just a match made in culinary heaven, but a perfect garden pairing too.
00:34You know how well they go together in sauces, pizzas, and salads?
00:38Well, they love growing together too. Both thrive in full sun and summer heat.
00:44But basil isn't just a tasty neighbor. It's a powerhouse companion.
00:49Studies have shown that tomatoes planted with basil grow better and even produce more flavorful fruit.
00:56Basil's strong aroma also naturally deters thrips, those tiny pests that spread tomato spotted wilt virus.
01:03It also confuses the moss that lay tomato hornworm eggs, keeping those hungry caterpillars away.
01:10Plus, when basil flowers, it attracts beneficial pollinators.
01:14And you're not just limited to one type of basil. There are so many delicious varieties to choose from,
01:20including large leaf Italian basil. And they're super easy to grow from seed.
01:25Why settle for one when you can try a whole mix?
01:29Another fantastic flavor companion for your tomatoes is parsley.
01:33This herb is a staple in so many delicious Italian tomato-based dishes, like those rich pasta sauces.
01:40And just like they complement each other on the plate, they do wonders together in the garden.
01:46Parsley planted near your tomatoes attracts beautiful swallowtail butterflies,
01:49which is great for your garden's ecosystem. Plus, it attracts hoverflies,
01:55which are natural predators of aphids and thrips, those pesky insects that can really damage your tomato plants.
02:02Parsley grows low to the ground and actually benefits from a little late afternoon shade,
02:06making it perfect for planting right next to your tomatoes or between the rows.
02:11You can go for the classic curly parsley or the flat leaf Italian parsley.
02:16All super easy to grow from seed.
02:18The next herb on our list is probably unexpected, and that is mint.
02:23Flavor-wise, it might surprise you, but mint and tomatoes work beautifully together.
02:28But mint isn't just a culinary star. It's a fantastic garden helper, too.
02:33It works by deterring aphids, flies, and flea beetles.
02:37We love the strong, refreshing smell of mint, but those pests, not so much.
02:42For the best results, make sure to harvest or touch your mint plants often,
02:46to really release that aroma and keep those pests away.
02:50But mint does come with a warning. It's a bit of a go-getter and spreads aggressively and quickly.
02:56So the best way to use it as a tomato companion is to grow it in containers,
03:00placed right near your vegetable beds. Even then, you'll want to keep an eye on it
03:04and remove any runners that try to escape.
03:07Mint also grows really well from seed, so you can easily plant it at the same time
03:12as your tomatoes for maximum benefit.
03:15Next up, let's talk about oregano.
03:17A staple in pizza, its savory flavor enhances nearly any tomato sauce or dish.
03:23In the garden, its strong scent acts like a natural pest repellent,
03:27masking the smell of your tomato plants and keeping unwanted visitors away.
03:31It's one of the best deer-resistant edibles, yet it attracts lacewings,
03:36which are natural predators of common pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and cutworms.
03:42Oregano grows low to the ground, helping to suppress weeds and keep the soil moist.
03:47Just keep in mind that this might slightly limit its growth due to less sunlight,
03:51so it might not be as vigorous as it would be on its own.
03:56Oregano is easy to grow from seed, but be patient as growth is often slow.
04:01Thyme perfectly complements tomatoes in the kitchen, like those hearty pasta sauces
04:05or even simple roasted tomatoes. And in the garden, thyme's a real workhorse.
04:10It's similar to oregano, but it grows even lower to the ground,
04:14making it an excellent ground cover, helping to keep weeds at bay and reduce moisture loss from the soil.
04:20Not only does the strong aroma naturally deter common pests such as aphids, armyworms,
04:26and leafhoppers, but it also attracts beneficial pollinators and parasitic wasps,
04:31which are natural predators of hornworms. Now, thyme loves full sun and prefers its soil
04:37a little drier than tomatoes do. So, avoid planting it directly under your tomato plants in beds.
04:43Instead, consider growing it around your tomatoes in containers, where it can get plenty of sunlight.
04:50And finally, let's talk about sage. Think tomato soups, pastas with roasted tomatoes,
04:55or those creamy tomato-based risottos. Sage especially shines when paired with tomatoes
05:01and parmesan. In the garden, sage produces a strong scented herb that naturally deters pests,
05:07like cabbage moths and carrot flies. And here's a pro tip, let your sage flower. Those flowers attract
05:13parasitic wasps, which are natural predators of tomato hornworms. Plus, sage flowers are edible and
05:20add a unique flavor to fresh salads, especially when paired with tomatoes.
05:25And now, the moment you've been waiting for. Our expert team at Gardening Know How has hand-picked
05:30our absolute favorite tomato varieties for both taste and yield. These are the ones that consistently
05:36deliver the most delicious, abundant harvests year after year. From high yielding sun sugar and early
05:42girl, to heirlooms such as mortgage lifter and Cherokee purple, these are just some of our favorite
05:48varieties. Remember, companion planting is a game changer, giving you the best of both worlds,
05:54benefits in the garden and in the kitchen. If you're feeling inspired and ready to get growing,
05:59we've got you covered. Check out our new online shop for a wide selection of high-quality herb and
06:05vegetable seeds. Everything you need to start your tomato growing adventure. And don't forget to click
06:11the link in the description for our seven expert tricks to transform your garden into a tomato producing
06:16powerhouse. Now we want to hear from you. Do you have a secret weapon for growing amazing tomatoes?
06:23Share your best tips in the comments below. Until next time, happy gardening!
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