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I’ve long known that basil makes an excellent companion plant to enhance tomato growth. And I always grow this sweet-smelling herb beside my tomato plants to improve my harvest.However, I’ve recently discovered that there’s another culinary herb that works equally as well — if not better — and it just so happens to be my favorite herb of all.Companion planting: Friends with benefits

(Image credit: Shutterstock)Basil is the perfect companion to eat alongside freshly sliced tomatoes finished with a drizzle of olive oil. But aside from basil’s culinary benefits, it’s also an excellent companion plant, which is why it's often grown with tomatoes.By pairing tomatoes with the right plants, you can create an environment that supports one another. Some companion plants repel pests, others attract beneficial insects, and some will even improve the flavor of your tomatoes. It’s a natural approach that just makes sense.When planted with tomatoes, basil’s scent helps to deter pests, like whiteflies and aphids, which love to feast on these tasty fruits. This year I’ve planted my tomatoes in pots and placed some basil nearby to repel pests.However, basil isn’t the only herb that will keep my tomatoes healthy. And it just so happens that I’ve got another companion plant close by too.It turns out that thyme, my favorite fragrant herb, is also one of the best companion plants for tomatoes.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Tomatoes and thyme