Companion Planting Guide and Chart for Your Vegetable Garden (2024)

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Companion planting is a gardening technique in which you strategically place plants together to maximize their growth and ward off pests.

Companion Planting Guide and Chart for Your Vegetable Garden (1)Pin

This ancient practice has been used for centuries to create thriving gardens without relying on harmful chemicals or excessive intervention.

Examples of Companion Planting

Here are some popular complementary plant combinations, but we have a much longer chart down below.

  • Tomatoes and Basil: Growing basil alongside tomatoes not only enhances their flavor but also helps repel pests like aphids and hornworms.
  • Carrots and Onions: These two veggies make great companions as carrots deter onion flies while onions repel carrot flies.
  • Marigolds and Beans: Marigolds act as natural insect repellents when planted near beans, protecting them from harmful pests like bean beetles.
  • Cabbage and Dill: Dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs that prey on cabbage-eating pests such as aphids and caterpillars.
  • Corn, Beans, and Squash (Three Sisters): This Native American trio works in harmony with corn providing support for the beans to climb, while squash acts as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and promoting moisture retention.

Pest Control through Companion Planting

One of the big advantages of companion planting is its ability to naturally control pests without resorting to chemical solutions.

By interplanting pest-repellent species with susceptible crops, you can create an environment that discourages unwanted visitors.

Pests Repellent

Certain companion plants emit natural scents or compounds that repel pests. For example, marigolds are known to deter nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies.

Nasturtiums repel aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. Planting these flowers alongside susceptible vegetables can help deter pests and reduce infestations.

Attracting Beneficial Insects

Companion plants can also attract beneficial insects that prey on or parasitize pests. For instance, planting flowers such as daisies, yarrow, and sunflowers can attract ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which feed on aphids and other soft-bodied insects. These beneficial insects can help control pest populations naturally.

Masking Scents

Some companion plants can mask the scents of the host plants, making it difficult for pests to locate them. This can be helpful for crops that are attractive to pests due to their distinct scents.

For example, planting strong-smelling herbs like rosemary or sage near cabbage plants can help deter cabbage moths.

Trap Cropping

Certain companion plants act as trap crops, attracting pests away from the main vegetable crops. For instance, planting radishes near susceptible plants can lure flea beetles away from more valuable crops.

The radishes can then be sacrificed or managed separately to protect the primary crops.

Biodiversity and Resilience

Companion planting increases biodiversity in the garden, which can improve overall ecosystem health. A diverse ecosystem with a variety of plants and beneficial insects is more resilient to pest outbreaks.

It creates a balanced environment where pests are less likely to thrive and cause significant damage.

Here are some specific examples:

  • Nasturtiums: These vibrant flowers are not only visually appealing but also serve as trap plants for aphids, keeping them away from your more delicate veggies.
  • Garlic and Alliums: Pungent-smelling garlic and other alliums act as natural repellents against aphids, ants, and even larger pests like deer.
  • Mint: Mint’s strong aroma deters many insects, making it a great option to keep near cabbage family plants or repel pests like ants and rodents.
  • Chives: Chives help repel aphids when planted among roses or other susceptible plants. Their purple flowers also attract pollinators like bees.

RELATED: How I Planted Bare Root Trees

Enhancing Soil Fertility and Nutrient Sharing

Companion planting not only helps in pest management but also plays a crucial role in improving soil health and nutrient availability.

Some plants have deep root systems that help break up compacted soil, while others fix nitrogen or provide shade. Here are a few examples:

  • Legumes (Peas, Beans): Legume crops have the unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants nearby. Interplanting legumes with nitrogen-hungry vegetables like leafy greens or brassicas ensures a continuous supply of this essential nutrient.
  • Sunflowers: With their deep taproots, sunflowers penetrate compacted soil layers, improving drainage while bringing nutrients closer to the surface.
  • Comfrey: Comfrey is a fantastic plant for creating homemade organic fertilizer. Its deep roots mine nutrients from the soil, and its large leaves can be used to make nutrient-rich compost tea.
  • Cover Crops: Planting cover crops like clover or rye during fallow periods helps prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and add organic matter to the soil when tilled in.

RELATED: How to Build a Raised Garden Bed for Vegetables

Pollination and Maximizing Harvests

Proper pollination is essential for fruit-bearing plants. Companion planting can attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, by providing a diverse range of flowers.

And some plants act as natural repellents against pests that may otherwise damage your harvest. Consider these examples:

  • Borage: Borage’s beautiful blue flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects while repelling pests like tomato hornworms.
  • Lavender: This fragrant herb not only adds beauty to your garden but also attracts pollinators while keeping unwanted pests like aphids at bay.
  • Zinnias: Zinnias are not just eye-catching flowers; they also attract butterflies, which are excellent pollinators for many vegetable crops.
  • Dahlias: These showy flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators while repelling nematodes when planted near susceptible crops.

Tips for Successful Companion Planting

While companion planting offers numerous benefits, it requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some tips to ensure success in your garden:

  1. Research: Before planting, understand the specific needs of each plant species to determine their compatibility with others.
  2. Crop Rotation: Rotate your vegetables regularly to prevent the buildup of diseases or pests associated with specific plant families.
  3. Plant Density: Avoid overcrowding your plants as they may compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients.
  4. Timing: Consider the growth rates of different plants when planning their placement so that they do not overshadow or hinder each other’s growth.
  5. Observation and Adjustment: Monitor your garden regularly to identify any signs of plant stress or pest infestation. Make adjustments as needed to ensure a healthy garden ecosystem.

Companion Planting Chart

Here’s a quick helpful guide.

PlantCompanion Plants
TomatoesBasil, marigold, onions, carrots, parsley, nasturtiums, calendula
CucumbersBeans, corn, peas, radishes, dill, marigold, nasturtiums
CarrotsOnions, leeks, chives, lettuce, sage, rosemary
LettuceCarrots, radishes, strawberries, marigold, chrysanthemums
BeansCarrots, cucumbers, corn, celery, marigold, nasturtiums
CornBeans, peas, squash, cucumbers, sunflowers, morning glories
PeasCarrots, radishes, cucumbers, corn, chervil, sweet peas
RadishesPeas, lettuce, spinach, carrots, nasturtiums, marigold
CabbageCelery, onions, dill, chamomile, daisies, nasturtiums
SpinachStrawberries, radishes, onions, marigold, petunias
BroccoliBasil, dill, rosemary, beets, nasturtiums, calendula
CauliflowerCelery, thyme, marigold, chamomile, lavender, zinnias
StrawberriesLettuce, spinach, borage, onions, marigold, nasturtiums
AsparagusTomatoes, parsley, basil, marigold, dill, yarrow
Herbs (general)Many herbs are good companions for each other, such as basil, thyme, oregano, sage, and rosemary. They also pair well with various flowers like marigold, lavender, chamomile, and calendula.

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Companion Planting Guide and Chart for Your Vegetable Garden (2024)

FAQs

Which vegetables grow well together chart? ›

Companion Planting Chart
CropCompanion Plants
LettuceCarrot, garlic, peas, radish, strawberry, onion, chive
OnionBeet, carrot, lettuce, tomato, watermelon, eggplant
PeasApple, carrot, radish, raspberry, turnip
PepperBasil, garlic, onions, radish, nasturtium, cilantro, marigold
13 more rows
Mar 29, 2024

What vegetables should I plant next to each other in my garden? ›

Companion Planting Chart
Type of VegetableFriends
CabbageBeets, celery, chard, lettuce, spinach, onions
CarrotsBeans, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, tomatoes
CornClimbing beans, cucumber, marjoram, peas, pumpkins, squash, sunflowers, zucchini
OnionsCabbage, carrots, chard, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes
12 more rows

What vegetables should not be planted next to each other? ›

14 Vegetables You Should Never Plant Together—Gardening Experts Explain Why
  • 01 of 14. Beans and Onions. ...
  • 02 of 14. Tomatoes and Potatoes. ...
  • 03 of 14. Corn and Tomatoes. ...
  • 04 of 14. Tomatoes and Brassicas. ...
  • 05 of 14. Cucumber and Squash. ...
  • 06 of 14. Lettuce and Celery. ...
  • 07 of 14. Fennel and Tomatoes. ...
  • 08 of 14. Peppers and Cabbage.
Jan 16, 2024

What is the best layout for a vegetable garden? ›

Rows Vegetable Garden Layout Plan

The other rule of thumb when using this layout plan is to organize your spacing so that your tallest growing vegetables are planted on the north side of your rows. Follow them with medium height vegetables, and then plant your shortest crop on the south side of the rows.

What should you not plant next to tomatoes? ›

As you plan your garden this season, avoid planting the following crops near your tomatoes to keep the plants as prolific and healthy as possible.
  • 01 of 10. Potatoes. Scott Little. ...
  • 02 of 10. Corn. Bob Stefko. ...
  • 03 of 10. Eggplant. ...
  • 04 of 10. Ground Cherry. ...
  • 05 of 10. Large Brassicas. ...
  • 06 of 10. Rosemary. ...
  • 07 of 10. Cucumbers. ...
  • 08 of 10. Fennel.
Apr 17, 2024

What not to plant with peppers? ›

Brassicas: Brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are not good companion plants for peppers as they require similar nutrients from the soil, which can lead to competition and reduced yield. They also attract pests such as flea beetles and cabbage worms that can damage pepper plants.

How to group vegetables in a garden? ›

It recommends that you divide crops into four main groups as follows: Legumes (bush beans, peas, pole beans, broad beans); root vegetables (radish, carrot, potato, onion, garlic, beet, rutabaga, sweet potato, shallots); leafy greens (spinach, chard, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach); and fruit-bearing( ...

What not to plant with cucumbers? ›

Plants in the same family as zucchinis, melons and pumpkins should not be planted directly next to cucumbers. The same applies to Jerusalem artichokes, lovage, sage, radishes, radishes and tomatoes.

Can tomatoes and peppers be planted together? ›

The fact of the matter is that YES the plants are related and YES they share some common diseases but most people do not have the space in their garden to separate them. The reality is that because the two have similar growth requirements, they can in fact be grown quite successfully together.

How do I plan my garden layout? ›

As a general rule, put tall veggies toward the back of the bed, mid-sized ones in the middle, and smaller plants in the front or as a border. Consider adding pollinator plants to attract beneficial insects that can not only help you get a better harvest, but will also prey on garden pests.

What vegetables can sit next to each other? ›

“The easiest rule to follow is to just store like produce together,” Grant-Vose says. “Berries can be stored together, brassica vegetables can be stored together, leafy greens can be together, and most root vegetables (except potatoes) can go together.”

What vegetables to plant together chart? ›

Vegetables and Herbs Companion Planting Chart
PlantGood Together
EggplantBush Beans, Pole Beans, Peas, Peppers, Potato, Spinach
LettuceCarrots, Garlic, Onion, Radish and just about everything!
OnionBeets, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Cucumber, Lettuce, Parsnip, Pepper, Spinach, Squash, Tomato, Turnip
ParsleyTomato
15 more rows

Can tomatoes and cucumbers be planted together? ›

Cucumbers and tomatoes can be planted by each other as they share similar growing habits and therefore you can grow tomatoes by cucumbers. Greg Volente from Greenhouse Today explains that: 'Cucumbers and tomatoes are two vigorous growers in a spring garden.

What is the best way to orient a vegetable garden? ›

A north-south orientation is best for low-growing crops, allowing direct sunlight to reach both sides of the bed. For taller crops such as pole beans, peas and tomatoes an east west orientation works best. Leave enough space in between beds to easily maneuver around.

What 3 plants grow well together? ›

The intercropping method of planting corn, beans, and squash together, commonly called The Three Sisters has been studied and described by scholars in anthropology, history, agriculture, and food studies for many years.

What flower keeps bugs away from vegetables? ›

Nasturtiums. If aphids are chewing up your garden, it's time to plant some nasturtiums. Easy to grow and pretty in bloom, nasturtiums repel aphids, squash bugs, striped pumpkin beetles, and whiteflies. Plant nasturtiums near beans, cabbages, and cucumbers to ensure an insect-free growing season.

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