Many people aspire to , , flowers, and , but are a challenge for gardeners with full beds, borders, and pots. Anyone will have battled slugs at some point, and those rearing homegrown will know the disappointment of finding the beautiful fruits covered with uninvited guests.

But gardeners don't have to put up with pests when there are so many worthwhile remedies. Tackling the diverse group of tomato pests can be done by surrounding tomatoes with natural deterrents; homemade sprays using baking soda, water, and soap may spring to mind. A expert at This Is My Garden recommends an alternative: herb planting.

Pests attack every part of tomato plants. Some can be seen burrowing through fruit and leaves, and others attack roots and stems.

Although their destructive methods differ, the outcome for tomato plants is generally the same: poor plant growth and a smaller harvest.

The gardening blogger noted that fragrant basil may be the answer to pest-free tomatoes: "Basil is another wonderful choice for companion planting with tomatoes. This is one case where the harvest from two plant pairs just as well in the kitchen as the plants do while growing in the garden!"

They explained that the leafy green herb, which also happens to taste delicious with ripe tomatoes, helps deter "an army of common tomato pests" when grown near the plant.

"That includes white flies, aphids and the dreaded tomato hornworm. But even better, mosquitoes and the common house fly are not fond of basil's oily foliage or distinct scent either", said the This Is My Garden founder.

Companion planting takes advantage of the beneficial relationships that can exist between different plant varieties when grown in close proximity.

Basil seeds can be planted in the ground at the same time as tomato transplants in the garden.

The gardening maestro said all you need to do is scatter a few basil seeds around each tomato plant and "allow them to grow in harmony."

Basil isn't just a natural pest deterrent. Gardeners also attest that growing basil near tomatoes enhances the flavour of the tomatoes. Studies have also demonstrated that tomato plants grown alongside basil produce more fruit.

Basil and tomato plants prefer warm temperatures and steady moisture, so both need full sun. It's important to keep this in mind when planting basil, which is sure to grow shorter than tomatoes and therefore at risk of standing in their shade.

When growing in pots, you can grow companion basil in the container, depending on the pot size or in a separate container next to the tomato plant.