There’s something truly magical about a well-planned garden. The way plants grow together, supporting each other like old friends, is a reminder that nature knows best. If you’ve ever struggled with pests, lackluster veggies, or just want to make the most of your space, companion planting is about to become your new best friend.
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the art of pairing plants that work well together while avoiding combinations that stunt growth or attract pests. Some plants help each other thrive by improving soil nutrients, deterring unwanted insects, or even enhancing each other’s flavors. It’s like setting up a good neighborhood—everyone benefits when the right friends live next door!
Benefits of Companion Planting
- Pest Control – Certain plants naturally repel bugs that would otherwise munch on your crops.
- Better Growth – Some plants enhance the flavor and growth of their neighbors.
- Space Optimization – Maximize small spaces by planting compatible crops together.
- Healthier Soil – Some plants improve the soil by fixing nutrients, reducing the need for fertilizers.
Perfect Pairings (And Ones to Avoid!)
To help you get started, I’ve put together a handy companion planting table so you can pair your plants wisely. Here are a few favorites:
- Tomatoes & Basil – Not just a tasty combo in the kitchen, basil actually repels pests that attack tomatoes.
- Carrots & Onions – Onions deter carrot flies, while carrots help aerate the soil for onions.
- Beans & Corn – A classic “Three Sisters” combo, beans fix nitrogen in the soil while corn provides natural support for bean vines.
- Cabbage & Marigolds – Marigolds keep cabbage worms away and brighten up the garden!
On the flip side, some plants just don’t get along:
- Tomatoes & Potatoes – They’re both in the nightshade family and can spread diseases to each other.
- Beans & Onions – Onions can stunt the growth of beans.
- Cabbage & Strawberries – These two fight for space and nutrients.
Bringing It All Together
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to get your hands in the dirt! Plan out your garden with these friendly (and not-so-friendly) pairings in mind. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a few raised beds, companion planting can make a world of difference. Your plants will grow stronger, your harvests will be more bountiful, and you’ll have fewer garden headaches along the way.
| Vegetable/Plant | Companion Plants | Avoid Planting With |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Basil, Marigolds, Carrots, Onions, Peppers, Lettuce | Cabbage, Corn, Potatoes, Dill |
| Carrots | Onions, Leeks, Lettuce, Peas, Radishes, Tomatoes | Dill, Parsnips |
| Beans (Bush & Pole) | Corn, Cucumbers, Strawberries, Carrots, Celery, Squash, Marigolds | Onions, Garlic, Peppers |
| Cucumbers | Beans, Radishes, Sunflowers, Dill, Nasturtiums | Potatoes, Aromatic Herbs |
| Peppers | Basil, Carrots, Onions, Spinach, Oregano, Marjoram | Beans, Kohlrabi |
| Lettuce | Carrots, Radishes, Strawberries, Cucumbers, Chives | Cabbage, Parsley |
| Onions | Beets, Carrots, Lettuce, Cabbage, Strawberries, Chamomile | Beans, Peas |
| Cabbage Family (Broccoli, Kale, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts) | Dill, Onions, Celery, Chamomile, Marigolds | Tomatoes, Strawberries, Pole Beans |
| Radishes | Carrots, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Beans, Spinach | Hyssop |
| Potatoes | Beans, Corn, Cabbage, Marigolds, Horseradish | Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Pumpkins, Sunflowers |
| Spinach | Strawberries, Beans, Peas, Radishes | None (generally compatible with most plants) |
| Corn | Beans, Peas, Squash, Cucumbers, Melons | Tomatoes, Cabbage |
| Squash (Zucchini, Pumpkins, Butternut, etc.) | Corn, Beans, Nasturtiums, Marigolds | Potatoes |
| Strawberries | Spinach, Lettuce, Onions, Thyme, Borage | Cabbage, Tomatoes |
| Beets | Onions, Lettuce, Cabbage, Garlic, Mint | Pole Beans, Mustard Greens |
| Garlic | Tomatoes, Lettuce, Cabbage, Beets, Roses | Beans, Peas |
| Celery | Cabbage, Tomatoes, Beans, Leeks, Nasturtiums | Corn, Carrots |
| Eggplant | Beans, Peppers, Marigolds, Spinach, Thyme | Fennel, Potatoes |
| Melons | Corn, Radishes, Marigolds | Potatoes |
| Turnips | Peas, Chives, Onions, Mint | Potatoes, Mustard Greens |
| Sunflowers | Corn, Cucumbers | Potatoes, Beans (can stunt bean growth) |
| Basil | Tomatoes, Peppers, Oregano, Marigolds | Rue |
| Dill | Cabbage, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Onions | Carrots, Tomatoes |
| Rosemary | Cabbage, Beans, Carrots, Sage | Basil |
| Sage | Cabbage, Carrots, Rosemary | Cucumbers, Onions |
| Thyme | Strawberries, Cabbage, Eggplant | None |
| Chamomile | Cabbage, Onions, Basil, Cucumbers | None |
| Marigolds | Tomatoes, Potatoes, Squash, Beans | None (good companion for most plants) |
| Nasturtiums | Squash, Cucumbers, Tomatoes | None (great trap crop for pests) |
| Borage | Strawberries, Tomatoes, Squash | None (helps deter tomato hornworms) |
Got any favorite companion planting tricks? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear what works in your garden! Happy planting!
