Did you know that plants are really picky about their neighbors? When certain species are planted close, they can support each other in so many ways. For instance, corn and lettuce are often “neighbors” – since corn grows very tall, they provide shade for cabbages, which is essential to survive the summer heat. In the gardening world, this is what we call companion planting.
When it comes to garden planning, you should know which vegetables are suitable to be planted close to each other. This is exactly what you’re about to find out!
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into companion planting so you can map out your garden for the maximum benefit.
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What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is a gardening practice where different plants are planted in proximity for mutual benefit. Usually, only a single plant reaps all the benefits (think the corn-cabbage pairing), but in some cases, the “partnership” is two-sided, especially when it comes to their health and nutrients.
Interestingly, companion planting isn’t strongly rooted in scientific research; rather, its benefits have been passed down through generations based on tradition and observation. With that in mind, while some vegetable pairings may work for others, that doesn’t mean they will work for you. Still, this is not something to get discouraged over – after all, experimenting is what makes gardening so much fun!
Companion Planting Chart
Let’s jump right into vegetable pairing! In the chart below, you’ll find some of the most popular vegetables for gardens along with their most suitable companions. Ultimately, this can help you plan your garden most effectively, providing countless benefits for your plants.
| Vegetables | Companion Plants |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Pepper, Asparagus, Parsley, Carrot, Herbs, Cucumbers |
| Cabbage | Potatoes, Kale, Onions, Collard Greens, Broccoli, Corn |
| Asparagus | Tomatoes, Parsley, Basil |
| Beans | Cabbage, Carrots, Tomatoes, Squash, Radish, Eggplant, Peas |
| Eggplant | Peppers, Beans, Peas |
| Corn | Squash, Pumpkin, Peas, Beans, Cucumber |
| Cucumber | Radishes, Beans, Onions, Peas, Tomatoes, Corn |
| Onions | Lettuce, Beets, Carrots, Peppers, Tomatoes |
| Peppers | Tomatoes, Eggplant, Carrots, Onions, Basil |
| Carrots | Leeks, Onions, Peas, Beans, Lettuce |
| Lettuce | Corn, Squash, Pumpkin, Radish, Beets, Onions |
| Potatoes | Beans, Radishes, Spinach, Eggplant, Peas, Corn |
| Peas | Radishes, Beans, Cucumbers, Carrots, Corn, Spinach, Tomatoes |
| Cilantro | Tomatoes, Spinach, Lettuce, Parsley |
| Pumpkin | Squash, Corn |
| Turnips | Peas |
Benefits Of Companion Planting
There are so many reasons why you should consider companion planting. Not only will your vegetable pairings provide a vibrant look in your garden, but your plants will be healthier than ever!
Here are some of the top benefits of companion planting.
Pest Control
We all hate those pesky pests, right? Well, what if we told you there’s a creative way to keep them at bay?
When you mix plants together, this can be a real head-scratcher for pests, making it harder for them to reach their targets. Also, this approach doesn’t involve chemicals, making it the ideal option for all-natural gardeners!
Attracting Pollinators
The more pollinators you have in your garden, the better! One of the easiest ways to attract them is with all kinds of flowers.
Now, we know it may sound odd to have flowers in your vegetable garden, but hear us out. They naturally attract pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. In addition to getting a pollination boost, they also protect your plants from different pests. In turn, this will make your harvest richer!
Natural Support
We’ve mentioned how cabbages and corn are the ultimate combo, but cucumbers and corn might be an even better one! Since corn has a strong, upright structure, they can act as a natural trellis for cucumbers. There’ll be no need for extra equipment – you’ll have it all in your garden.
Shade Provider
Since we’re on the topic of cabbages and corn, you already know tall plants provide the much-needed shade for their smaller companions, especially when summer comes around.
Healthier Plants and Soil
As you may already know, plants release a lot of nutrients into the soil needed for optimal growth. For instance, leafy greens like kale, and cabbage release compounds that can help other plants fight off bugs.
Additionally, beans are also known to fix the nitrogen levels in the soil, making it more available. This is what makes such great plant companions!
Which Vegetables Shouldn’t Be Planted Together
Of course, not all plants like each other. Some vegetable pairings might do more harm than good, meaning you should avoid them at all costs.
- Tomatoes and Potatoes – both susceptible to the same diseases and pests.
- Corn and Tomatoes – corn can cast shade over tomatoes, yet they need a lot of sunlight to thrive.
- Cucumber and Squash – since they come from the same families, both of these plants compete for the same nutrients.
- Peas and Garlic – in addition to needing the same nutrients, garlic releases sulfur which can stunt the peas’ growth.
- Potatoes and Cucumbers – when paired together, both of these plants battle it out for moisture. This makes the combo a big no-no.
Companion Planting Tips
Before we go, we want to leave you with a few companion planting tips that will surely come in handy.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment – even though you’re growing a vegetable garden, nothing is stopping you from planting different species. Throw in some flowers and herbs here and there – in addition to diversifying your garden, they can also provide additional benefits for your vegetables.
- Stray away from overcrowding – you might be compelled to fill up all the space in your garden. However, this can do more harm than good. Remember – personal space is everything, even for your plants.
- Think up – if you want to optimize the space in your garden, you can always go vertical. Try to plant companion plants that can act as trellises.
- Observe and tweak – as we said before, some of these vegetable pairings might not work for you. Observe how your garden is performing and tweak where necessary.
If your goal is to have a low-effort garden, companion planting will get you there! Best of all, this practice is always evolving, so don’t refrain from experimenting. With this practice, you’re on your way to a naturally thriving garden.
For more gardening tips, read the rest of my blogs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Companion planting
What is a good layout for a vegetable garden?
While you’re free to plan your garden layout however you like, tall vegetables should go all the way in the back to provide shade, mid-sized ones should be in the middle, and the smallest vegetables go to the front or act as a border. Try to scatter pollinator-attracting plants for extra growth.
How close should plant companions be?
Generally, they should be planted a few feet away from each other, just enough to share benefits such as shade, pest control, etc.
Can companion planting increase the veggies’ flavor?
Yes! For instance, some herbs like basil and oregano can make tomatoes and peppers thanks to root interaction.
