A new year brings fresh opportunities for your garden, a land of abundant harvests. But sometimes, like in any good soap opera, bad relationships can spoil the fun. Just as humans have likes and dislikes, plants have them too. Some plants thrive together, benefiting each other and deterring pests. Others, however, can hinder growth and attract unwanted insects.
Companion planting is like a seating arrangement, where some plants get along and others don’t. It’s an art with many gray areas. But fret not! With a little observation and experimentation, you can create a harmonious garden.
Benefits of Companion Planting
Companion planting has been passed down through generations of gardeners, and its benefits are well-documented. Firstly, it boosts plant growth, resulting in larger harvests. Additionally, it enhances the flavor of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It also helps to repel pests, optimizes garden space, promotes diversity, and supports plants in need.
What Not to Plant Next to Your Favorites
Most articles on companion planting focus on what grows well together, but today we’ll switch it up. Let’s start with what you shouldn’t plant next to your favorite veggies and fruits. But don’t worry, we’ll also cover some good companions.
Asparagus
Asparagus dislikes wet feet, so well-draining soil is a must. It also doesn’t get along with alliums, like leeks, garlic, and onions, as they stunt its growth. Fennel should be planted far away, but asparagus enjoys the company of nasturtiums, marigolds, parsley, basil, and more.
Beans
Beans are picky eaters too. They don’t like cabbage family members or sulfuric alliums. Keep beans away from broccoli, cauliflower, kale, scallions, leeks, garlic, and onions. Instead, they’re compatible with celery, corn, cucumbers, radishes, strawberries, and nasturtiums.
Beets
Beets are easy-going but dislike field mustard and pole beans. On the other hand, they get along well with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kohlrabi, lettuce, onions, and radishes.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts don’t like kohlrabi, pole beans, or strawberries. However, they can happily coexist with beets, carrots, celery, lettuce, onions, peas, potatoes, radishes, spinach, and tomatoes.
Cabbage
Cabbage takes up a lot of garden space and is not compatible with pole beans or tomatoes. However, it gets along well with dill, rosemary, thyme, garlic, onion, mint, and celery.
Carrots
Carrots are a favorite summer treat. Avoid planting them with dill, fennel, or parsnips, as they stunt their growth or attract harmful insects. Instead, plant carrots near beans, radishes, peas, lettuce, green onions, chives, or leeks.
Corn
Corn loves the company of beans and squash but doesn’t get along with tomatoes. Avoid planting corn near tomatoes to keep away corn earworms and tomato hornworms. Instead, interplant corn with basil, borage, cucumber, dill, melons, nasturtiums, pole beans, pumpkins, or radishes.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers dislike melons, sage, and potatoes. Basil can impart unwanted flavors, so keep them apart. Discover more cucumber companions in our comprehensive guide.
Eggplant
Eggplants are easy-going and get along with most plants. The only exception is fennel, which should be grown separately. Eggplants benefit from peas and beans for extra nitrogen. They also pair well with tarragon and thyme.
Garlic
Garlic doesn’t like beans, peas, parsley, asparagus, or sage. On the other hand, it thrives with beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, dill, eggplant, fruit trees, kale, kohlrabi, peppers, spinach, and tomatoes. Several flowers also benefit from growing near garlic.
Lettuce
Lettuce doesn’t like the cabbage family and prefers companions like beets, carrots, cucumbers, onions, radishes, peas, parsnips, tomatoes, and strawberries. Some gardeners have success pairing lettuce with corn and sunflowers too.
Kale
Kale has a few dislikes, such as beans, tomatoes, strawberries, and basil. However, it gets along with garlic, onions, dill, nasturtiums, beets, celery, cucumbers, Swiss chard, and potatoes.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi pairs well with most plants, except tomatoes, pole beans, and peppers. You can safely plant it next to beets, cucumbers, lettuce, and potatoes.
Onions
Onions shouldn’t be planted with peas, beans, asparagus, or sage. Instead, they thrive with beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, kale, peppers, tomatoes, and strawberries.
Peas
Peas don’t get along with onions or garlic, so keep those apart. However, they make excellent companions for beans, carrots, celery, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, radishes, spinach, tomatoes, and turnips.
Peppers
Peppers dislike Brassicas and fennel but grow well with herbs like basil, chives, dill, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rosemary, as well as beets, carrots, chard, cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, spinach, and tomatoes. Flowers like geraniums, marigolds, nasturtiums, and petunias are great companions too.
Potatoes
Potatoes don’t fare well with Brassicas, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, squash, asparagus, sunflowers, or fennel. But they have plenty of compatible companions. Check out our guide for more ideas.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins need space, so ensure your garden can accommodate them. Avoid planting pumpkins with potatoes, onions, or beets, as they disturb shallow roots and compete for nutrients. Instead, companion plant with marigolds, pole beans, sunflowers, nasturtiums, or marjoram.
Radishes
Radishes are perfect for interplanting and maximizing garden space. Avoid planting them with hyssop but try planting them with dill, mint, chervil, marigolds, parsnips, or beans.
Strawberries
Strawberries don’t get along with Brassicas or fennel. They benefit from planting garlic, onions, lettuce, spinach, or mixing them with other plants to hide ripening berries.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are prized by gardeners but require careful attention. Avoid planting them with Brassicas, corn, dill, nightshades (eggplant, peppers, potatoes), or fennel. Instead, try basil, beans, borage, calendula, carrots, garlic, lettuce, marigold, nasturtium, or onions.
Zucchini and Squash
Zucchini and squash are easy to grow but don’t pair well with potatoes, onions, or beets. Plant them with corn, beans, dill, lemon balm, mint, oregano, or parsley.
Experiment and Observe
Companion planting is an ancient practice that has stood the test of time. While the exact science behind it may not be fully understood, experience has shown its benefits. So why not give it a try? You may be rewarded with more bountiful harvests, larger blossoms, and flavorful strawberries. Keep notes from year to year and share your findings with others.
For more in-depth information, check out books like “Great Garden Companions” by Sally Jean Cunningham, “Carrots Love Tomatoes” by Louise Riotte, “Plant Partners” by Jessica Walliser, or “The Complete Guide to Companion Planting” by Dale Mayer. And don’t forget to learn from other gardeners in online forums and real-world experiences.
Close observation is key to discovering what works best in your garden. Embrace companion planting and enjoy the rewards of a thriving and harmonious garden.