Most of us are better with a few good friends around us, and our plants are exactly the same! Companion planting, where certain plants are grown together to enhance each other’s growth, deter pests, and improve overall garden health, is a centuries-old practice. In this guide to companion planting, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about this technique, and how you can use companion planting to bring out the best in your garden.
Companion Planting 101: The Basics
The essence of companion planting is mutual benefit. Some plants provide shade, while others add nutrients to the soil or act as natural pest deterrents. By pairing plants that support each other, you create a more balanced and productive garden.
Certain plants have natural properties that repel harmful pests. For example, marigolds emit a scent that deters nematodes, while basil can ward off flies and mosquitoes. Planting these alongside more vulnerable crops can reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Different plants have varying nutrient needs and root structures. By rotating and pairing plants wisely, you can prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of diseases. Legumes, for instance, fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require more nitrogen.
Some plants attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can enhance pollination rates and, consequently, the yield of fruits and vegetables.
Best Companion Planting Combinations for Your Vegetable Garden
By carefully selecting which plants grow together, you can create a synergistic environment that naturally boosts productivity and reduces pest problems. Here are some of the best companion planting combinations for popular garden vegetables:
Companion Plants for Tomatoes
If you’re anything like me, tomatoes are a summer staple in your garden! Whether you’re growing meaty beefsteaks, juicy romas, or sweet cherry tomatoes, they’ll benefit from these companion plants:
- Basil: Planting basil near tomatoes can enhance the flavor of both plants and repel common pests such as aphids and whiteflies.
- Marigolds: These flowers deter nematodes and other insects, helping to protect tomato plants from damage.
- Carrots: Carrots can help aerate the soil around tomato plants, promoting better root growth and nutrient uptake.
- Garlic and onions: These alliums repel spider mites and other pests, creating a protective barrier for your tomatoes.
You’ll enjoy a better harvest, healthier tomato plants, and less damage from pests if you have these helpful companion plants nearby!
Broccoli Companion Plants
Once summer is behind us, it’s time to get those broccoli seedlings in the ground. Broccoli usually grows well on its own, but it loves these companion plants:
- Chamomile: Chamomile can enhance the flavor and growth of broccoli, while also attracting beneficial insects like hoverflies and wasps that prey on pests.
- Dill: Dill attracts predatory wasps and other beneficial insects that help control aphids and cabbage worms, common pests for broccoli.
- Beets: Beets help to improve the soil structure, making it easier for broccoli roots to access nutrients and water.
- Spinach: Planting spinach near broccoli can help suppress weeds and provide ground cover, keeping the soil cool and moist.
These broccoli companion plants can give you aphid- and worm-free, delicious broccoli crowns that will keep you fed all winter long. PS – if you need tips to learn how to grow broccoli, we have a guide for that!
Companion Plants for Legumes and the Three Sisters Method
Peas and beans are versatile and can be paired with various plants to enhance growth and yield. One of the most popular ways of integrating companion plants with your legumes is using the Three Sisters method, which involves growing corn, beans, and squash together.
Corn provides a natural trellis for pea and bean plants to climb, supporting their growth and maximizing garden space. Beans, like peas, fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for other plants. Squash plants spread out along the ground, providing ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture. Their large leaves also deter pests.
Companion Plants for Melons
Melons thrive when they’re planted with companions that improve soil health and deter pests. Some of the best companion plants for melons include:
- Nasturtiums: These flowers act as a trap crop, attracting aphids and other pests away from melon plants. They also attract pollinators, improving melon fruit set.
- Radishes: Radishes can help to break up the soil, making it easier for melon roots to penetrate and access nutrients. They also deter cucumber beetles.
- Marigolds: Marigolds deter nematodes and other harmful insects, protecting melon plants from root damage.
- Beans: Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, providing essential nutrients for melon plants and enhancing their growth.
If you’re looking for ideas on which companion plants to grow alongside your favorite vegetables, whether it’s companion plants for potatoes, eggplant companion plants, or whatever else you grow, check out the incredible Almanac resource!
Companion Planting in Your Landscaping and Flower Beds
Companion planting isn’t limited to vegetable gardens; it also works for your flower beds! Here are some of the best companion planting strategies for popular landscaping plants.
Companion Plants for Hostas
We love hostas for their lush, unique, and vibrant foliage. They benefit from companions that can deter pests and provide visual contrast, like these:
- Ferns: Ferns thrive in similar shady conditions and offer a delicate, feathery texture that complements the broad leaves of hostas. Together, they create a lush, woodland look.
- Astilbes: Astilbes add a splash of color with their plume-like flowers and also enjoy similar growing conditions. Their blooms can brighten up the shaded areas where hostas thrive.
- Heucheras (Coral Bells): Heucheras bring vibrant foliage colors and textures that contrast beautifully with hostas. They also help cover the ground, reducing weed growth.
- Brunnera: Often called Siberian bugloss, brunnera produces small, forget-me-not-like blue flowers in spring and has attractive, heart-shaped leaves that pair well with hostas.
Don’t be afraid to play around with different options to find the best companion plants for your climate, and the specific part of your garden where your hostas grow.
Companion Plants for Roses
Roses are the queens of the garden, and they thrive when planted with companions that enhance their growth and protect them from pests, including:
- Lavender: Lavender repels pests such as aphids and also attracts pollinators. Its silvery foliage and purple flowers provide a beautiful contrast to rose blooms.
- Catmint (Nepeta): Catmint deters aphids and other insects while attracting beneficial pollinators. Its blue flowers and aromatic foliage complement roses nicely.
- Garlic and chives: These alliums deter a variety of pests, including aphids and black spot. Their small, star-shaped flowers add a delicate touch to the rose garden.
- Marigolds: Marigolds help repel nematodes and other pests, and their bright blooms add vibrant color to the garden. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs.
You’ll be amazed at the difference that companion plants can make for the health of your roses, especially if you struggle with aphid infestations!
Companion Plants for Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are known for their large, showy blooms and prefer companions that can thrive in similar soil and light conditions. Consider these companion plants for hydrangeas:
- Hostas: Hostas’ large, lush foliage provides a beautiful accent for hydrangeas, creating a layered look in the garden. They also thrive in similar soil and light conditions.
- Ferns: Ferns add a delicate, airy texture to the garden and thrive in the same shaded, moist conditions as hydrangeas. They complement the bold hydrangea blooms well.
- Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa): This ornamental grass adds movement and texture to the garden with its arching, golden foliage. It pairs beautifully with the bold forms of hydrangeas.
- Astilbes: Astilbes bring feathery plumes of flowers that contrast nicely with the large blooms of hydrangeas. They also thrive in similar moisture-rich soils.
So, now that you have an idea of what companion plants to group together, you can start to plan out your companion garden. Here’s what you need to know.
Planning Your Companion Planting Garden
Your companion planting garden isn’t going to happen overnight – it requires a lot of thoughtful planning and strategic design. Not only do you need to group plants together, but you also have to think about the layout and the timing to create a harmonious, functional companion garden. Get your notebook ready – here are our planning tips!
Designing Layouts for Companion Planting
First of all, let’s talk about space, and how you can make more of it. Use vertical gardening techniques for climbing plants like beans and peas, and plant ground-covering plants like squash or nasturtiums to suppress weeds and retain moisture. This not only saves space but also enhances plant health.
Also, think about the heights of your plants. Taller plants can provide shade for shorter, shade-tolerant plants. For example, sunflowers can provide a natural trellis for climbing beans while offering some shade to lettuces below. Make sure you provide enough space for each plant to grow without overcrowding.
Group plants into mini ecosystems known as plant guilds. Each guild typically includes a central plant (e.g., a fruit tree), companions that provide nutrients (e.g., legumes), ground cover (e.g., clover), and plants that attract beneficial insects (e.g., flowers like marigolds or lavender).
Seasonal Considerations
The seasons play a big role in any garden, but it’s especially important to consider timing when it comes to companion planting. In the spring, start with cool-season crops like peas, lettuce, and spinach. Pair them with companion plants like radishes and carrots, which can help break up the soil and prepare it for summer crops.
In summer, transition to warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Companion plants like basil, marigolds, and nasturtiums can deter pests and enhance growth. Be mindful of watering needs, as summer heat increases water evaporation.
As temperatures cool in fall, switch back to cool-season crops like broccoli, kale, and cabbage. Companion plants like dill and chamomile can improve flavor and attract beneficial insects. Cover crops like clover can be planted in empty spaces to fix nitrogen and improve soil health for the next growing season.
In regions with mild winters, some crops like garlic and onions can be planted. Use winter cover crops like rye or winter wheat to protect the soil and add nutrients. Mulching with organic matter can help retain soil moisture and protect root systems from freezing temperatures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Companion Planting
There’s always some trial and error involved when it comes to companion planting, but that doesn’t mean you have to make all the mistakes that have already been made! Here are some tips to get you started on the right foot:
- Take the time to research which species are compatible, and which aren’t
- Don’t overcrowd your companion plants – leave plenty of space for growth
- Rotate your crops – not rotating depletes soil and increases disease risk
- Use trap crops to target pests – ignoring pests can destroy your garden
Aside from that, you’re good to go!
Companion Planting: Because Life is Better With a Friend!
So, that’s all there is to it! You don’t have to try companion planting, but your garden will thank you if you do! It takes some time and planning, but your plants will be healthier, your yields will be better, and your soil will be in perfect condition for the next set of crops. What are your favorite companion plant pairings? Let us know in the comments!
Next up, check out our post on how to start a kitchen garden or the one on how to start a cut flower garden, and put your new companion planting knowledge into action!