What is Companion Planting? Guide for Home Gardens

Companion planting is when you grow certain plants together to help them thrive. Some plants protect others from pests, some improve the soil, and others shade smaller crops.

This method makes gardening easier by solving various problems naturally. It can reduce bugs, improve plant health, and save space. When done right, vegetable garden companion planting helps your plants grow stronger with less effort.

The Basics of Companion Planting

Companion planting involves cultivating different plants together in a complementary way. Some plants protect each other from pests, while others improve the soil or help with pollination. Yet, not all plants get along—some compete for nutrients, water, or sunlight. Understanding which plants work well together is key to a healthy, thriving garden.

How Companion Planting Works

Plants affect each other in different ways. Some release natural chemicals that help their neighbors grow, while others might slow them down. For example, marigolds release a scent that repels pests, protecting nearby vegetables.

Planting the right combinations can also attract helpful insects, predators like ladybugs, and pollinators like bees. Additionally, plants with different root structures can share space efficiently, helping to make the most of compact garden beds.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

• Pest Control – Some plants naturally keep harmful insects away. This reduces the need for pesticides.

• Nutrient Sharing - Certain plants, like beans, add nutrients to the soil, which can help other crops grow stronger.

• Space Efficiency – Tall plants provide shade for smaller ones. Fast-growing crops can fit between slow-growing ones.

• Improved Yields – Healthier plants produce more food, leading to bigger harvests.

Companion planting allows gardeners to create a balanced, productive vegetable garden. At the same time, they can rely less on chemicals and artificial fertilizers.

Companion Planting Vegetables: What Grows Well Together?

Some plants make great neighbors, while others can compete or harm each other. Choosing the right plant companions can improve growth, deter pests, and boost yields. Below, we will explore some of the best vegetable pairings and plants that should be kept apart.

Best Companion Planting Pairs

• Tomatoes & Basil – Basil repels insects like aphids and improves the flavor of tomatoes.

• Carrots & Onions – Onions help keep carrot flies away. Carrots loosen the soil for better onion growth.

• Corn, Beans & Squash (Three Sisters Method) - This is an old Native American technique. It uses corn as a trellis for beans, which supply nitrogen to the soil, and squash to shade the ground and prevent weeds.

Plants to Avoid Planting Together

Not all plants grow well side by side. Some combinations compete for nutrients or attract pests.

• Tomatoes & Cabbage – Cabbage can stunt tomato growth by competing for nutrients.

• Carrots & Dill – Dill attracts pests that feed on carrots, leading to stunted growth.

• Beans & Onions – Onions release chemicals that slow down bean growth.

Companion Planting Table

The key to successful companion planting is understanding the relationship between different plants. Here’s an easy way to know which plants to plant together and which to keep apart:

Companion Planting Guide

Crop Name	Companions	Benefits and Notes
Asparagus	Calendula, Petunias, Tomatoes	Calendula, tomatoes, and petunias are thought to deter asparagus beetles.
Basil	Peppers, Purslane, Tomatoes	Purslane is used to shade the soil around basil plants, helping them to remain fresh in hot weather. Basil improves the growth and flavor of tomatoes and peppers.
Beans	Beets, Corn, Lovage, Nasturtium, Rosemary, Squash, Strawberries, Sunflower	Nasturtiums can be used as a trap plant to entice aphids away from beans. Lovage and rosemary also have excellent insect repellent qualities. Sunflowers can be used to create shade for sun-stressed crops. Corn will benefit from the beans’ nitrogen-fixing capabilities. Pole beans provide structural support.
Beets	Brassicas, Bush beans, Garlic, Lettuce, Onion family	Beets are companions for chicory and endive. Onions protect against borers and cutworms. Beets add minerals to the soil, as beet leaves are composed of 25% magnesium.
Broccoli	Oregano, Other Brassicas (Cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.)	Oregano has insecticidal properties. Plant Brassicas together so that they can all be covered with nets to protect from pests such as cabbageworm. They also all like lime added to the soil.
Cabbage	Garlic, Nasturtium, Sage	Nasturtiums deter insect pests such as beetles and aphids. Garlic planted alongside cabbage repels insects with its odor. Sage deters cabbage moth.
Carrots	Chives, Leeks, Onions, Peas, Radishes, Rosemary, Sage	Chives improve the growth and flavor of carrots and deter aphids, mites, and flies. Rosemary and sage repel carrot fly. Leeks are thought to repel flying pests (including carrot rust fly). Foes: Dill can reduce the yield of carrots. Dill, coriander, and other members of the Carrot family should not be planted near carrots (they tend to cross-pollinate).
Corn	Beans (pole), Cucumbers, Dill, Melons, Peas, Squash, Sunflower	Dill is thought to protect against aphids and mites. Beans can provide more nitrogen to the corn. Sunflowers can act as a structure and a windbreak for the corn, and dwarf sunflowers bring in ladybugs to control aphids. Pole beans are sometimes interplanted with corn, adding nitrogen and providing structural support. Spinach grows well in the shade of corn, keeping corn roots cool.
Cucumbers	Beans, Borage, Dill, Lettuce, Nasturtiums, Oregano, Radish, Sunflowers, Tansy	Dill is thought to protect against aphids and mites. Nasturtium deters aphids, beetles and bugs and improves growth and flavor. Oregano deters pests in general. Radish, Nasturtium, and Tansy repel cucumber beetles; radish also repels flea beetles. Tansy also deters ants, beetles, bugs, flying insects, as does borage, improving flavor and growth.
Lettuce	Chives, Onions, Oregano, Peas, Poached Egg plants, Radishes, Scallions, Zinnia	Chives, onions, and garlic deter aphids and other pests by masking the scent of the lettuce with their aroma. Basil is thought to improve the flavor and growth of lettuce. Radishes can be used as a trap crop for flea beetles. Poached egg plants (Limnanthes), a wildflower, will bring hoverflies and other beneficials that eat aphids.
Onions	Beets, Cabbage, Carrot, Chard, Lettuce, Strawberry, Tomatoes	Onions protect against borers and cutworms. Their aroma disorients pests. Onions benefit from marigolds as the smell of marigolds reduces the egg laying of onion maggot fly.
Peas	Alyssum, Carrot, Chives, Corn, Grapes, Lettuce, Mint, Radish, Spinach, Turnip	Chives deter aphids. Mint improves health and flavor. Alyssum brings in pollinators and encourages green lacewings, which eat aphids. Foes: Do not plant near garlic and onion, as they will stunt the growth of peas.
Peppers	Basil, Marjoram, Onions, Oregano	Herbs like basil, oregano, and marjoram have a protective, insecticidal quality.
Potatoes	Basil, Beans, Calendula, Catmint, Cilantro, Garlic, Horseradish, Oregano, Peas, Tansy	Beans can improve the size of potato tubers. Cilantro protects against aphids, spider mites, and potato beetles. Calendula, tansy, and horseradish planted at the corner of a potato patch ward off Colorado potato beetles.
Radishes	Chervil, Lettuce, Nasturtium, Peas	Chervil improves growth and flavor. Nasturtiums are a good trap crop for radishes. Radishes are often used as trap crops for flea beetles. Peas give nitrogen to the soil, which benefits radishes.
Squash & Pumpkins	Beans (pole), Buckwheat, Calendula, Corn, Marigold, Nasturtium, Oregano	Buckwheat brings in pest predators which reduce insect pests. Nasturtiums protect against pumpkin and squash beetles. Oregano provides general pest protection. Calendula deters beetles and root nematodes.
Spinach	Beans, Cilantro, Eggplant, Oregano, Peas, Rosemary, Strawberries	Peas and beans provide natural shade for spinach. Cilantro, oregano, and rosemary are thought to repel insects.
Tomatoes	Asparagus, Basil, Borage, Calendula, Dill, Garlic, Nasturtium, Onion, Parsley, Thyme	Calendula deters general garden pests. Asparagus repels nematodes. Basil repels whiteflies, mosquitoes, spider mites, and aphids. Basil also attracts bees, which improves pollination, tomato health, and flavor.
Zucchini & Summer Squash	Buckwheat, Oregano, Nasturtium, Zinnia	Buckwheat brings in pest predators which reduce insect pests. To attract pollinators, plant oregano and zinnias. Nasturtium protects against aphids and whiteflies.

Companion Planting for a Healthy, Sustainable Garden

Companion planting is a natural way to create a thriving, eco-friendly garden. Strategically pairing plants can reduce pests, improve soil health, and maximize your available space. These techniques support a more sustainable supply chain. They help reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers. When combined with greenhouse technology, companion planting can further enhance plant growth and protect crops from harsh weather conditions.

Companion Planting for Pest Control

Some plants naturally keep pests away, making them great companions for vegetables and flowers.

• Marigolds & Vegetables – Marigolds release a scent that repels aphids and nematodes. They help protect nearby crops.

• Chives & Roses – Chives help prevent fungal infections, keeping roses and other plants healthier.

• Nasturtiums & Cucumbers – Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, attracting pests away from cucumbers.

Maximizing Garden Space with Coplanting

Coplanting helps make the most of your garden by using space efficiently.

• Tall plants provide shade – Crops like corn or sunflowers can shield delicate plants from too much sun.

• Fast-growing crops fill gaps – Radishes and lettuce can be planted between slower-growing vegetables. This allows you to maximize garden space.

• Trellising saves room – Climbing plants like beans and peas can grow upward, freeing up ground space for other crops.

With smart companion planting, you can grow a healthier, more productive garden while making the best use of every inch of soil.

Frequently Asked Questions About Companion Planting

What vegetables are best planted together?

Certain vegetable pairs help each other grow better:

• Tomatoes & Basil – Basil repels pests and enhances tomato flavor.

• Corn & Beans – Beans improve nitrogen in the soil, helping corn grow strong.

• Carrots & Onions – Onions deter carrot flies, while carrots help aerate the soil.

What vegetables should not be planted next to each other?

Some plants compete for nutrients or attract the same pests. These factors can make them poor companions.

• Tomatoes & Cabbage – Cabbage can stunt tomato growth by taking up nutrients.

• Beans & Onions – Onions release compounds that slow bean growth.

• Carrots & Dill – Dill attracts pests that feed on carrots.

Which vegetables grow well together chart?

A companion planting chart is a tool that shows which plants grow well together and which should be kept apart. Above, you’ll find a detailed chart to help guide your planting decisions. [Link to companion chart above]

What should you not plant near tomatoes?

Tomatoes don’t do well with certain plants because they compete for nutrients or attract harmful pests:

• Cabbage – Can stunt tomato growth as they compete for resources.

• Corn – Attracts pests that also attack tomatoes.

• Potatoes – More likely to spread diseases to tomatoes.

Following companion planting guidelines helps create a healthier and more productive garden.

Ready to Grow Smarter with Companion Planting?

Companion planting is a simple yet effective way to improve plant health, keep pests away, and increase harvest. By pairing the right plants, you can create a more productive and sustainable garden with less effort.

It doesn't matter whether you're a home gardener looking for better yields or a commercial grower aiming for efficiency. Strategic companion planting makes a big difference. You can take sustainable farming to the next level when combined with innovations like our greenhouses.