What Plants Are the Best for Companion Planting

In general, the best plants for companion planting include legumes, herbs, marigolds, nasturtiums, radishes, and other flowers. Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together in close proximity for the benefit of one or both of the plants. This practice is beneficial for a number of reasons. From increased natural pest control, and improved soil fertility, to increased yields of crops.

Table of Contents

Legumes

One of the most well-known companion plants are legumes. Legumes include crops such as beans and peas. They are great for companion planting because they fix nitrogen in the soil, making it more fertile for other plants to grow. Legumes are planted alongside vegetables such as corn and squash. Corn and squash are heavy feeders and pull lots of nutrients from the soil.

Peas

Peas are nitrogen fixers. They are commonly planted alongside other vegetables, such as carrots and lettuce. Peas help to improve soil fertility.

Beans

Beans, especially green beans, and pole beans can be planted with corn and squash to create the Three Sisters Garden. The beans fix nitrogen and provide support for the corn, while the squash acts as a natural mulch to conserve moisture.

Lentils

Lentils work well to be planted with grains, such as wheat and barley. Again, they to help improve soil fertility.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa is often used as a cover crop to help improve soil health. It can also be planted alongside other crops, such as corn and tomatoes. This crop helps fix nitrogen and provide a natural mulch.

Clover

Clover can be planted in lawns of gardens as a nitrogen fixer and as a natural mulch. Be aware that clover can become invasive if not well kept.

Herbs

Many herbs have natural insect repelling properties and are often used as companion plants to protect other crops from pests. In addition, herbs provide benefits such as improving soil health, and attracting pollinators.

It is also important to keep in mind that while some herbs can be great companion plants, they can also have a negative impact on other plants. Certain herbs can spread aggressively. Its best to plant herbs in pots or in designated areas of the garden to prevent them from taking over.

Basil

Basil is said to improve the growth and flavor of tomatoes and repel insects such as mosquitoes and houseflies.

Chives

Chives improve the growth and flavor of carrots and tomatoes and can also repel aphids and other pests.

Sage

Sage is said to improve the growth and health of brassicas, such as broccoli and cauliflower, and can also repel pests such as cabbage moths.

Rosemary

Rosemary is said to improve the growth and flavor of beans, carrots, and potatoes, and can also repel pests such as mosquitoes and carrot flies.

Mint

Mint is said to improve the growth of brassicas, such as broccoli and cauliflower, and can also repel pests such as aphids and ants.

Thyme

Thyme is said to improve the growth of melons, squashes, and tomatoes, and can also repel pests such as cabbage moths and bean beetles.

Marigolds

Marigolds have strong fragrances that repel many garden pests. They repel pests such as nematodes, mosquitoes, and rabbits. The bright golden flowers also contain compounds that are toxic to some soil-borne pathogens, making them useful companions for tomatoes, and other crops that are susceptible to soil-borne diseases.

Marigolds also attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to the garden, which can help improve the yields of other crops. Additionally, marigolds are said to improve the growth and health of brassicas, such as broccoli and cauliflower, by repelling pests and increasing the availability of soil nutrients.

Garlic and Onion

These alliums are known to deter many garden pests and are often planted near crops that are prone to insect damage, such as carrots, strawberries, and roses. Garlic and onions contain sulfur compounds that are said to help repel pests such as aphids, beetles, and mites. They can also improve the growth and health of other plants, particularly carrots, tomatoes, brassicas, and others in the allium family.

Garlic and onions are also believed to have antimicrobial properties that can help prevent the spread of diseases in the garden. Additionally, they can improve soil health by adding organic matter and reducing the populations of harmful soil-born pathogens.

However, it is important to keep in mind that garlic and onions can also have a negative impact on the growth and flavor of some plants such as beans and peas, which are sensitive to the sulfur compounds produced by alliums.

Flowers

There are several flowers that are companion plants. Flowers can improve soil health, attract pollinators, and provide a habitat for beneficial insects, among other benefits.

Calendula

Calendula or Pot Marigold is a hardy annual that attracts pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden. In addition, they work well at repelling pests such as aphids and spider mites.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another popular companion plant due to their ability to repel pests and attract beneficial insects to the garden. They are often planted near crops such as cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins. Nasturtium is a quick-growing annual flower and herb which do well in most climates.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are tall-growing annuals that provide shade and habitat for beneficial insects, while also attracting pollinators to the garden.

Borage

Borage is an annual that attracts pollinators and beneficial insects the garden with its star-shaped blue flowers. They are a great companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries. Borage repels pests such as tomato hornworms and cabbage moths.

Yarrow

Yarrow is a hardy perennial that attracts pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden, while also improving soil health and repelling pests such as Japanese beetles and carrot flies.

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant perennial that attracts pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden, while also repelling pests such as mites and mosquitoes.

Cosmos

Cosmos is a fast-growing annual that attracts pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden, while also improving soil health and repelling pests such as Mexican bean beetles.

Radishes

Radishes are planted near slow-growing crops such as carrots and parsnips. They mature quickly and help keep the soil from becoming compacted. They are also used as a trap crop for pests such as flea beetles, which are attracted to the leaves but don’t cause significant damage to the radishes.

Additionally, radishes improve soil health by adding organic matter and reducing the populations of harmful soil-borne pathogens. It is important to keep in mind that while radishes can be beneficial companion plants, they can also have a negative impact of the growth and health of some crops, particularly those that are sensitive to their allelopathic effects. If radishes go to bolt and produce seed, they can spread quickly, therefore be mindful where they are placed to grow.

Companion Planting

These are just a few of the best plants for companion planting. Then choosing companion plants, it’s important to consider the specific needs of each plant and how they will benefit one another. With the right combination of plants, companion planting can be a great way to improve the health and yield of your garden.