Companion Planting Guide
Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together for mutual benefit. Good companions can help deter pests, improve soil, and maximize garden space.
Classic Companion Planting Combinations
Tomatoes + Basil
Benefits: Basil may help repel aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. Some gardeners believe it improves tomato flavor.
Plant nearby: Basil, carrots, parsley, marigold
Avoid: Brassicas (cabbage family), corn, fennel
Carrots + Onions
Benefits: Onions repel carrot fly. Carrots may help repel onion fly. Space-saving combination.
Plant nearby: Lettuce, tomatoes, beans
Avoid: Dill, parsnips
Beans + Corn + Squash (Three Sisters)
Benefits: Native American technique. Corn provides support for beans. Beans fix nitrogen. Squash shades weeds.
Plant nearby: Cucumbers, melons
Avoid: Onions, garlic
Lettuce + Radishes
Benefits: Radishes mark rows and break soil. Both mature quickly. Radishes can be harvested before lettuce needs space.
Plant nearby: Carrots, spinach, strawberries
Avoid: Parsley
Cucumbers + Beans + Radishes
Benefits: Beans fix nitrogen. Radishes break soil and deter cucumber beetles. Space-efficient intercropping.
Plant nearby: Peas, corn, sunflowers
Avoid: Potatoes, aromatic herbs
Pest-Repelling Plants
| Plant | Repels |
|---|---|
| Marigolds | Nematodes, aphids, whiteflies |
| Nasturtiums | Aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs |
| Basil | Mosquitoes, flies, aphids |
| Rosemary | Cabbage moths, bean beetles |
| Lavender | Moths, fleas, flies |
| Garlic | Aphids, Japanese beetles |
Plants to Avoid Pairing
Some plants compete for nutrients or attract the same pests:
- Tomatoes + Corn: Both attract tomato fruit worm/corn earworm
- Onions + Beans: Onions can stunt bean growth
- Potatoes + Tomatoes: Both susceptible to early blight
- Fennel + Most Vegetables: Fennel inhibits growth of many plants