Tomato and basil, a marriage made in heaven - Not just caprese salad

Hi all,

I posted the following in another thread, but I just realized that it was off point... (I'll get the hang of forum etiquette soon, lol).

I read that basil can be planted with tomatoes to help get rid of insect pests. Apparently, both plants thrive under the same planting conditions. Also, basil is said to assist in tomato pollination because basil attracts bees. I've even seen claims that they help each other develop better flavor.

I've read this from several sources. One article can be found here:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/191434-what-are-the-benefits-of-planting-basil-in-with-tomato-plants/

I have never planted either tomatoes or basil before. I would love to know if any experienced tomato growers have heard of this and if they have tried it.

I am trying it this year so can't help with whether it is the thing to do but I am planting basil and dwarf french marigolds around each tomato.

I have tomato and basil in adjacent squares and I have a new tomato sprout that I didn't plant coming up between them. I think a root got to close to the surface and decided it didn't like it down there so came up to the light. My tom's are starting to color so will let you know about flavor in a bit. My direct sow plant is in blossom. Will have to move one of the basil over there. In one bed I have four basil in the same square, planted them in the extreme corners so separation is about 11" instead of the recommended 12". But if it works out I have gained three plants. The new tomato sprout is almost coming up in the adjacent square, when its bigger I plan to lay it down and bury the stem so it comes up in its own square where the peas were. This heat has taken its toll so far. I have been lucky to get one or two harvests from the cool weathers crops before they gave up the ghost. I get to do this all over again in the fall which is when the cool weather crops get planted here.

Thanks for your input Gunny and Yolos. I think I will use both marigolds and basil. I'm excited to see the results.