Basil benefits tomatoes and peppers both! Not only do they taste great together, the basil helps prevent a long list of harmful pests attacking those nightshades. Some say the basil even makes the tomatoes and peppers tastier with the companion planting. I can't attest to that but I can say I grow basil generously around all my tomatoes and peppers. It's both cheaper and safer than chemical pesticides. I just sprinkle seeds on top of surrounding soil after transplanting the nightshades, lightly run my fingers around the soil, pat it all down then water.
That is great to know, thank you! I love growing basil. It smells so good and I like making pesto. I normally just plant it by itself, but this year I have a better plan now :-) thanks.
It sounds like you put the basil seeds right next to the tomato and pepper plants? How far away from them should they be?