Companion planting is an age-old gardening practice where different plants are grown together to benefit each other. Some plants help repel pests, improve soil health, or even enhance the flavor of their neighbors. By strategically pairing plants, you can maximize space, reduce the need for chemicals, and boost your garden’s overall health. In this guide, we’ll explore the best plant combinations and how they work together.

1. Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting offers multiple advantages, making it a must-try for every gardener.

• Pest Control: Some plants repel harmful insects, protecting neighboring crops.
• Soil Improvement: Certain plants enrich the soil with nutrients.
• Space Efficiency: Helps maximize limited garden space by combining compatible plants.
• Better Growth & Flavor: Some plants release beneficial compounds that enhance the growth and taste of others.
• Increased Yield: Proper plant pairing can result in healthier, more productive crops.

2. Best Companion Planting Combinations

A. Vegetables That Grow Well Together

1️⃣ Tomatoes + Basil + Marigolds

• Why? Basil enhances the flavor of tomatoes and repels pests like aphids and whiteflies. Marigolds deter nematodes and beetles.
• Avoid: Don’t plant tomatoes near cabbage or potatoes, as they compete for nutrients.

2️⃣ Carrots + Onions + Chives

• Why? Onions and chives deter carrot flies, which are harmful to carrots.
• Avoid: Keep carrots away from dill, as dill can stunt their growth.

3️⃣ Cucumbers + Beans + Radishes

• Why? Beans add nitrogen to the soil, which cucumbers love. Radishes help deter cucumber beetles.
• Avoid: Don’t plant cucumbers near potatoes, as they can spread diseases to each other.

4️⃣ Corn + Beans + Squash (The Three Sisters)

• Why? Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, corn provides a natural trellis for beans, and squash shades the ground, reducing weeds.
• Avoid: Don’t plant corn near tomatoes, as they attract similar pests.

5️⃣ Lettuce + Radishes + Carrots

• Why? Radishes help loosen the soil, allowing carrots to grow deeper. Lettuce provides shade, keeping the soil moist.
• Avoid: Keep lettuce away from broccoli, as they compete for nutrients.

B. Flowers and Herbs as Companion Plants

🌼 Nasturtiums + Squash + Cucumbers

• Why? Nasturtiums repel squash bugs, aphids, and cucumber beetles.

🌸 Marigolds + Almost Everything

• Why? Marigolds deter nematodes, beetles, and aphids, making them great companions for tomatoes, beans, and peppers.

🌿 Rosemary + Cabbage + Carrots

• Why? Rosemary repels cabbage moths and carrot flies, protecting your crops.

🌺 Lavender + Fruit Trees

• Why? Lavender attracts pollinators and repels pests like moths and fleas.

C. Bad Companion Planting Combinations (What NOT to Plant Together)

🚫 Tomatoes + Potatoes → Both are prone to blight and can spread diseases. 🚫 Beans + Onions → Onions stunt the growth of beans. 🚫 Carrots + Dill → Dill can slow carrot growth and attract harmful pests. 🚫 Cabbage + Strawberries → They compete for space and nutrients.

3. How to Plan Your Companion Garden

✅ Use a Companion Planting Chart: Keep track of which plants support or hinder each other. ✅ Rotate Crops Each Season: Prevents soil depletion and reduces pest buildup. ✅ Mix Tall and Short Plants: Maximizes space by using vertical growth. ✅ Group Plants by Water & Sun Needs: This ensures compatibility in growing conditions.

4. Companion Planting in Containers

If you have limited space, you can still use companion planting in containers!

• Tomatoes + Basil in Pots: Perfect for balconies and patios.
• Lettuce + Radishes in a Single Planter: Helps maximize container space.
• Herbs + Flowers Together: Lavender, rosemary, and marigolds thrive in small spaces.

Conclusion: A Healthier, Happier Garden

Companion planting is a simple yet effective way to improve your garden’s health, increase yields, and reduce pests naturally. By pairing the right plants together, you’ll enjoy a more productive and beautiful garden while saving space and effort.

Start experimenting with companion planting today and see the amazing benefits it brings to your garden! 🌱🌼