Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (2024)

Tips & Techniques

Betterdays in Full Swing

Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (1)

Gardening

Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (2)

By Linda Ly

Gardeners know that a diverse mix of plants, from annuals and perennials to flowers and vegetables, makes for a healthier garden. But did you know that the right (or wrong) combination of certain plants could actually make them more (or less) productive?

The process is known as companion planting. It is believed that growing certain plants in close proximity to others may help deter pests, promote growth and even improve flavor—or on the opposite end of the spectrum, certain plants, when planted close to one another, may actually stunt each other’s growth.

Learn which flowers and veggies work well together, and which ones should be planted far from one another.

  • What are Companion Plants?
  • Benefits of Companion Planting
  • Popular Companion Plants for Vegetables
  • Companion Planting Chart
  • Tips for Watering Companion Plants
  • What are Companion Plants?

    Companion plants are plants that complement one another in terms of growth and production. For example, one plant may attract an insect that might protect a companion plant. Another plant may act as a repellent for a bug that might be harmful to the plant next to it.

    It is also important to look at the nutrients individual plants need. A companion plant may need less of one specific nutrient while its neighbor desperately needs it to thrive. In this case, companion planting would eliminate the competition between the two plants.

    Benefits of Companion Planting

    There are many benefits to companion planting. Most gardeners would agree, the more help you can get to achieve a productive, fruitful garden, the better! What and how can companion planting help?

    • Natural Supports – Plants and flowers that grow tall and strong will lend themselves as natural, organic supports to crops that grow low or sprawl. An example of this would be planting tall sunflowers next to cucumbers or snap peas. The sprawling crops can use the taller plants as a trellis.
    • Plant Health – Growing plants next to their companions can improve the overall health of both plants. By eliminating competition between plants, you allow one to absorb what it may need without depriving the other. Additionally, as nutrients are pulled from the soil by one plant, the result can actually change the entire biochemistry of the soil. And when done right, the soil can then change or improve the flavor of other plants in the area.
    • Optimize Soil – A plant’s root system can easily affect the soil it is in. Plants with long taproots like parsnips and carrots will lift nutrients from the depths of the soil. The nutrients can then benefit those plants with shallow root systems. Nitrogen is also important to many plants, and some, such as peas and beans, actually help to draw nitrogen in, making it more available in the soil for the plants that need it.
    • Prevent Weeds – Alternating upright plants and sprawling ones can create a thicker cover across the majority of the open land in your garden area, which will ultimately prevent weeds.
    • Regulate Shade & Wind – Too much sun can damage tender and fragile plants. Companion planting can help prevent this by offering shelter as taller plants protect smaller ones. The same is true for wind. The taller and larger plants will offer protection from harsh winds.

    Popular Companion Plants for Vegetables

    • Dill and Basil – Dill and basil are natural protectants for tomato plants, keeping away the dreaded hornworm.
    • Marigolds – One of the best companion plants out there, marigolds help virtually any vegetable. They are particularly helpful for tomatoes, repelling the nematodes that like to attack the roots of vegetables.
    • Mint – Mint repels both ants and cabbage moths.
    • Nasturtiums – Nasturtiums help prevent insects, particularly aphids, from attacking other plants. Aphids love Nasturtiums and will surround them instead of their neighboring plants.
    • Sage – Another helpful herb in the garden, sage can protect from cabbage moths.
    • Zinnias – Zinnias are excellent companion plants and attract ladybugs into the garden. Ladybugs are known to control unwanted pests like cabbage flies.

    Companion Planting Chart

    Type of VegetableFriendsEnemiesSpecial Notes
    Asparagus
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (3)
    Basil, carrots, coriander, dill, marigolds, parsley, tomatoesGarlic, onions, potatoesMarigolds, parsley and tomatoes protect against asparagus beetles.
    Basil
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (4)
    Asparagus, beans, beets, bell peppers, cabbage, chili peppers, eggplant, marigolds, oregano, potatoes, tomatoesRueWhen basil is grown about 1 foot from tomato plants, it will increase the tomatoes yield. It also improves the flavor of lettuce.
    Beans
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (5)
    Beets, carrots, chard, cabbage, corn, cucumbers, peas, radishesGarlic, onionsNasturtiums and rosemary deter bean beetles
    Beets
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (6)
    Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bush beans, cabbage, cauliflower, chard, kohlrabi, onionsCharlock, field mustard, pole beansPole beans and beets will compete for growth. Composted beet leaves add magnesium to soil when mixed. Magnesium plays an important role in photosynthesis.
    Broccoli
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (7)
    Basil, beets, bush beans, carrots, celery, chamomile, cucumber, dill, garlic, lettuce, marigolds, mint, nasturtiums, onions, radishes, rosemary, sage, spinach, Swiss chard, thymeAsparagus, cantaloupe, climbing beans, mustard, peppers, pumpkins, strawberries, sweet corn, watermelonRosemary repels the cabbage fly that is detrimental to broccoli.
    Cabbage
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (8)
    Beets, celery, chard, lettuce, spinach, onionsKohlrabi, tomatoesHyssop, mint, and sage deter cabbage moths
    Carrots
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (9)
    Beans, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, tomatoesDillChives improve flavor, rosemary deters carrot flies
    Corn
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (10)
    Climbing beans, cucumber, marjoram, peas, pumpkins, squash, sunflowers, zucchiniTomatoesTomato worms and corn earworms like both plants. Beans and peas supply nitrogen.
    Onions
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (11)
    Cabbage, carrots, chard, lettuce, peppers, tomatoesBeans, peasChamomile improves growth and flavor
    Potatoes
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (12)
    Basil, beans, celery, corn, garlic, horseradish, lettuce, marigolds, onions, peas, radishes, spinachAsparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, kohlrabi, melons, peppers, raspberries, squash, sunflowers, strawberries, tomatoesCucumbers, tomatoes and raspberries attract harmful pests to potatoes. Horseradish increases disease resistance.
    Pumpkin
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (13)
    Beans, corn, marigolds, nasturtiums, squashPotatoesNONE
    Radishes
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (14)
    Beets, cabbage, carrots, chives, cucumbers, kale, lettuce, spinach, squashHyssopsRadish plants will work as a trap crop to protect against certain beetles.
    Squash
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (15)
    Beans, corn, dill, marigolds, nasturtiums, peas, radishes, strawberries, sunflowersPotatoesSquash has similar traits to pumpkin in terms of companion plants.
    Strawberries
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (16)
    Bush beans, caraway, chives, lettuce, onions, sage, spinach, squashCabbage family, eggplants, peppers, potatoes, tomatoesNONE
    Tomatoes
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (17)
    Asparagus, carrots, celery, onions, parsley, peppersCorn, dill, kohlrabi, potatoesBasil, mint, and bee balm improve growth and flavor
    Zucchini
    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (18)
    Beans, corn, dill, garlic, marigolds, nasturtiums, oregano, peas, radishes, spinachPotatoes and pumpkinNONE

    Tips for Watering Companion Plants

    When growing different varieties of plants side by side, try to group them together by water needs. Deep-rooted vegetables like tomatoes and asparagus should be placed in the same bed, as they will thrive with less frequent (but more thorough) watering that soaks deep into the soil.

    On the flip side, shallow- to medium-rooted plants like beans and chard benefit from more frequent watering that saturates just the first few inches of soil. Wind soaker hoses around your plants and attach them to dual outlet electronic timers to easily manage your watering schedule for different beds.

    Companion planting is a great way to ensure you have a garden that will grow healthy plants and produce large bounties. A lot of work goes into maintaining a productive garden, so it is worth the time, effort and research it takes to grow like-minded plants that will help each other out. And with Gilmour’s guide to companion planting, we take some of the guesswork out of the process for you!

    Previous Article

    Transform Your Backyard into an Entertainment Oasis

    Next Video

    Start Seeds Like an Expert: Ultimate Seed Starting and Germination Guide

    Categories

    All Categories Gardening Household Cleaning Automotive Cleaning For Pros How-To Videos

    Explore more Gardening related topics

    Nozzles with Swivel Connect

    From the moment you pick it up, you’ll notice these nozzles are different. Designed with mobility in mind, they feature Gilmour’s innovative Swivel Connect. The swivel allows the nozzles to pivot without

    Learn More

    Winter Gardening Tips to Tackle in the Off Season

    As winter marches on, avid gardeners become more and more eager to get growing. While you may not be able to dig your spade into the soil just yet, there is plenty

    Learn More

    Design a Beautiful Drought Resistant Yard

    Hot weather and drought-like conditions don’t mean a beautiful yard and garden is out of reach. Learn everything you need to know about drought tolerant landscaping, including the best type of plants,

    Get the Dirt

    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (22)

    Durable, Flexible Hoses The source of happiness, not hassles.

    Our Hoses

    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (23)

    Spray Nozzles To fit the need, and your grip.

    Our Nozzles

    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (24)

    Adjustable Sprinklers Water your lawn, not the sidewalk.

    Our Sprinklers

    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (25)

    We’re as social as a backyard barbeque. Come on over.

    Companion Planting Chart - Guide of Compatible Vegetables | Gilmour (2024)

    FAQs

    What are the rules for companion planting? ›

    Like people, some plants thrive surrounded by others. Companion planting is the practice of growing several types of crops near one another to enhance crop production. In general, plants with known positive relationships should be planted within two or three rows of each other.

    What is the best layout for a vegetable garden? ›

    As a general rule, put tall veggies toward the back of the bed, mid-sized ones in the middle, and smaller plants in the front or as a border. Consider adding pollinator plants to attract beneficial insects that can not only help you get a better harvest, but will also prey on garden pests.

    What not to plant with peppers? ›

    Brassicas: Almanacs and home gardeners recommend avoiding planting brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale, collards, cauliflower) near peppers because they require different soil acidity levels and can deter pepper plant growth.

    Can tomatoes and peppers be planted together? ›

    Tomatoes. Although it's usually recommended to not plant tomatoes and peppers right after each other in the same bed every year, they can be grown together in the same garden bed (and then rotated to another bed next season).

    What not to plant next to zucchini? ›

    Potatoes can also spread diseases such as late blight, which can also affect zucchinis. Cucumbers and pumpkins should not be planted next to zucchinis as they belong to the same family (Cucurbitaceae) and therefore attract similar pests and diseases.

    Why should you not plant cucumbers near tomatoes? ›

    When planting cucumbers and tomatoes together, you must ensure there is enough room between them. Not doing this will mean the plants will compete for light, room and nutrients. 'Space individual plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows that are spaced between 3 to 4 feet apart.

    Can cucumbers and peppers be planted together? ›

    Cucumbers and squash plants pair well with peppers because their low growth habit shields the soil from direct sun, prevents weeds, and keeps your soil from drying out too quickly. If you choose to grow cucumbers as groundcovers without trellising, try adding organic mulch around your plants.

    What 3 plants grow well together? ›

    The intercropping method of planting corn, beans, and squash together, commonly called The Three Sisters has been studied and described by scholars in anthropology, history, agriculture, and food studies for many years.

    Can I plant tomatoes and cucumbers next to each other? ›

    Tomatoes and cucumbers can be grown together successfully, and there are actually some benefits to planting them together. Both plants have similar growing needs when it comes to sunlight, soil conditions, and watering. And if space is at a premium, interplanting the two will allow you to get more out of your garden.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6070

    Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

    Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

    Birthday: 1994-06-25

    Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

    Phone: +128413562823324

    Job: IT Strategist

    Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

    Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.