Enhance tomato growth and flavour with these six companion plants recommended by RHS

Getting your tomato plants to thrive isn't as simple as you might think, but there is one thing you can do that will really give them a boost. When it comes to cultivating tomatoes, it's crucial to consider what you plant nearby to promote a healthier crop.

Matt Hagens from Obsessed Lawn suggests that tomatoes thrive when paired with plants like basil, nasturtiums or marigolds. These companion plants not only help to "repel pests", but they can also "enhance" the flavour of your tomatoes, reports the Express.

Nasturtium, for instance, can deter whiteflies and aphids, which are common issues when growing tomatoes in the summer. Peppers, spinach, lettuce and carrots also make excellent companions, helping tomatoes flourish throughout the summer.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has stated: "Companion planting is a method of different growing plants adjacent to one another for the benefit of one or both of the companions. Some plants are thought to confuse or act as a decoy to potential pests, while a few provide food for the pest's natural predators."

The RHS added: "Companions can give added health to their neighbours. Parsley gives increased vigour to tomatoes and asparagus, horseradish planted near potatoes makes them stronger and more disease resistant."

According to GardeningKnowHow, parsley and mint are other herbs that pair well with tomatoes and can deter animals such as rats and cats due to their strong scent.

Fennel can hinder the growth of tomatoes and other plants if grown in close proximity. Regular checks for disease are crucial if you choose not to use companion planting with tomatoes.

Black spots and a wrinkling crop are common signs of disease, which can lead to the plant's death. Pinching the side shoots of tomatoes regularly is also important as it encourages more fruit.

Certain tomato varieties, such as Crimson Crush and Ailsa Craig, are known for their large crops.