Top 10 Companion Plants for Asparagus (And What to Avoid)

Asparagus is a long-lived perennial crop that benefits from the right companions in the garden.

Some plants help repel pests like asparagus beetles, others attract beneficial insects, and a few improve soil conditions without competing for space or nutrients.

Choosing the right plants to grow near asparagus can lead to stronger growth, fewer pest problems, and better use of your garden space.

This guide covers the top 10 companion plants that work well with asparagus and explains why they’re a good match.

It also lists five plants you should avoid planting nearby due to competition, shading, or disease risk.

If you want to keep your asparagus bed healthy and productive, knowing what to plant (and what not to) can make a big difference.

1. Tomatoes Help Keep Pests Away and Give Asparagus a Boost

Tomatoes are a reliable companion for asparagus because they help reduce pest problems and don’t compete for space.

One of their main benefits is the natural release of solanine, a compound that repels asparagus beetles.

These beetles can cause serious damage to asparagus, especially during the growing season, and tomatoes help keep them in check without the need for sprays.

Asparagus returns the favor by protecting tomatoes from root-damaging nematodes. It releases a chemical into the soil that helps reduce nematode activity, making the area safer for tomato roots. This two-way benefit makes them a strong pair.

Since asparagus has deep roots and tomatoes are more shallow-rooted, they use different parts of the soil.

They also have different harvest times—tomatoes mature later—so they rarely compete. When planting them together, leave enough space for airflow and easy access, but feel confident they’ll support each other’s growth.

2. Basil Brings in the Good Bugs and Keeps the Bad Ones Out

Basil is a great match for asparagus because it attracts helpful insects and repels harmful ones. Its strong scent helps drive away pests like aphids and beetles.

At the same time, its flowers bring in parasitic wasps and other beneficial insects that feed on common garden pests.

It also fits well in the asparagus bed. Basil is small and shallow-rooted, so it won’t crowd asparagus or compete for nutrients.

It can grow in the partial shade that asparagus ferns create later in the season, and its compact size makes it easy to tuck around the edges of the bed.

This pairing improves pest control while making use of open garden space. Just plant basil where it gets enough airflow and light, and both plants can thrive side by side.

3. Parsley Supports Insects and Draws Up Nutrients

Parsley does more than serve as a kitchen herb—it plays a helpful role in the garden when planted near asparagus.

One of its main strengths is how well it supports beneficial insects. From early in the season through harvest, parsley provides a consistent food source for insects like hoverflies and predatory wasps, which help control pests that could harm your asparagus.

Another advantage is parsley’s taproot. While asparagus roots spread wide and deep, parsley’s long central root grows downward and pulls up nutrients from deeper in the soil.

This can help improve overall soil health in the asparagus bed without creating competition.

Parsley also stays compact, so it doesn’t crowd asparagus or block sunlight.

If you’re growing it near your asparagus, place it at the edges of the bed or between rows where it has room to grow without overlapping taller ferns. This low-maintenance pairing adds both pest control and soil support to your garden.

4. Nasturtiums Work as a Trap Crop and Groundcover

Nasturtiums are a smart addition to any asparagus bed if you’re dealing with pest issues. Their biggest benefit is as a trap crop—they attract aphids, beetles, and other pests, drawing them away from your asparagus.

Once pests settle on the nasturtiums, they’re easier to manage or remove, helping reduce damage to your main crop.

Beyond pest control, nasturtiums offer groundcover benefits. Their spreading habit helps block weeds and retain soil moisture, both of which support asparagus during warm or dry periods.

Their scent also plays a role, as it can help repel asparagus beetles and other insects that might otherwise find their way to the spears.

These plants grow fast and don’t require much attention. You can plant them around the base of your asparagus bed or in open spots nearby.

Just keep in mind that they do spread, so give them space to do their job without overtaking other plants.

5. Dill Attracts Helpful Insects and Handles Shade Well

Dill is a strong companion for asparagus because it draws in beneficial insects and fits well into the garden without causing competition.

When dill flowers, it becomes a magnet for insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. These insects feed on pests such as aphids, which often target young asparagus growth. By attracting these natural predators, dill helps reduce pest pressure without needing sprays or traps.

It also grows well in the same conditions as asparagus. As the season goes on and asparagus ferns get taller, they create partial shade—something dill can handle without trouble. That makes it easy to fit into your garden without needing full sun.

Since dill has a shallow root system, it won’t interfere with asparagus roots. You can plant it near the edge of the bed or in gaps between asparagus rows.

It’s best to let some of the dill go to flower so it can bring in beneficial insects throughout the season.

6. Marigolds Help Control Pests and Attract Pollinators

Marigolds are often added to vegetable gardens for their pest control abilities, and they work just as well near asparagus.

Their roots release compounds into the soil that can suppress harmful nematodes, which might otherwise damage asparagus roots. Above ground, their scent helps repel aphids, whiteflies, and beetles.

Besides pest control, marigolds attract pollinators and other helpful insects that improve the balance of your garden.

Even though asparagus doesn’t rely on pollinators, having a strong presence of beneficial insects nearby helps manage overall pest populations.

These flowers are easy to grow and don’t take up much space. You can plant them around the outer edges of the asparagus bed or in open spots where color and function are both welcome.

Just give them enough sunlight and water, and they’ll keep doing their job all season.

7. Strawberries Make a Productive and Low-Competition Pairing

Strawberries and asparagus are one of the few combinations that work well season after season.

Both are perennials, which means once they’re planted, they return year after year without needing to be re-seeded.

Despite growing in the same area, they don’t compete much because of their different root structures. Asparagus roots grow deep and wide, while strawberry roots stay closer to the surface.

Another advantage is how their growing and harvest times align. Asparagus is harvested early in the spring, while strawberries begin producing shortly after.

This timing allows both plants to thrive without crowding each other. Plus, the leafy growth of strawberries acts as a living mulch, helping suppress weeds and retain soil moisture—both of which benefit asparagus.

For best results, plant strawberries in between asparagus crowns or along the edges of the bed.

Make sure both plants have enough room to spread, and keep the area well-weeded during the first year to help both establish strong roots.

8. Peas Add Nitrogen and Leave Room for Asparagus to Grow

Peas are one of the few annual crops that support asparagus without interfering with its growth.

As legumes, peas pull nitrogen from the air and fix it into the soil, enriching it for surrounding plants. Asparagus, being a heavy feeder, benefits from this extra nitrogen during its early growing phase.

Peas also mature early in the season, usually before asparagus ferns reach their full height. This timing reduces competition for sunlight and space. Once peas are harvested and removed, asparagus continues to grow through the rest of the season without disruption.

When planting peas near asparagus, use bush varieties rather than climbing ones. This keeps things simple and avoids the need for supports that could tangle with asparagus ferns.

Plant peas early in the season in rows beside your asparagus bed, and turn the pea plants back into the soil once harvested to boost nitrogen even further.

9. Spinach Grows Quickly and Doesn’t Compete for Space

Spinach is a useful companion for asparagus because it grows fast, stays low, and doesn’t compete for nutrients or root space.

It has a shallow root system and a compact growth habit, which means it can be tucked between or alongside asparagus rows without causing interference. This makes good use of garden space early in the season when asparagus is just beginning to emerge.

Since spinach prefers cooler weather, it’s well-suited for early spring planting—the same time asparagus starts to grow.

As the season warms up and asparagus ferns get taller, the light shade they cast helps extend the spinach’s growing period slightly before it bolts.

This overlap allows both plants to benefit from shared space without affecting each other’s development.

You can plant spinach in bands along the asparagus bed or in open areas between crowns. Keep the soil moist and harvest spinach before the weather gets too hot.

Once it's done producing, the remaining leaves can be left as mulch or turned into the soil for added organic matter.

10. Cilantro Attracts Beneficial Insects and Grows Without Fuss

Cilantro is another low-growing herb that works well near asparagus. It doesn’t compete for light or nutrients, and it has a shallow root system that stays clear of asparagus crowns.

The main reason to plant it nearby is its ability to attract beneficial insects—especially once it begins to flower.

These include parasitic wasps and hoverflies, which help control aphids and other small pests that could harm asparagus or surrounding crops.

It also handles partial shade, which makes it a good fit in the filtered light of mature asparagus ferns. You can plant cilantro early in the season and let it bolt naturally. Its flowers are small but highly effective in drawing in insect predators.

Cilantro grows quickly and requires little care. For the best results, plant it in rows or patches near the edge of the asparagus bed.

Let a few plants flower, and leave others for harvest if you want both insect support and fresh herb use.

5 Plants You Shouldn’t Grow Near Asparagus

While some plants work well with asparagus, others can create serious problems. Poor companions may compete for nutrients, disturb root systems, or introduce diseases that affect long-term health.

To keep your asparagus bed productive and low-maintenance, it's important to know which plants to avoid. Here are the ones you should keep at a distance.

1. Alliums Can Stunt Growth and Increase Disease Risk

Plants in the allium family—like onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives—don’t belong near asparagus.

They tend to compete for the same nutrients early in the season, which can weaken asparagus growth and reduce spear production. Garlic, in particular, has been linked to stunted asparagus development and changes in flavor.

There’s also a risk of disease. Some alliums may introduce or encourage Fusarium species in the soil, which can cause root and crown rot in asparagus.

These fungal infections are difficult to manage and can shorten the life of your asparagus patch. Keeping alliums in a separate bed helps prevent these issues and protects your asparagus investment.

2. Potatoes Compete for Space and May Spread Disease

Potatoes are another crop to avoid planting near asparagus. Both plants have deep root systems and require a lot of nutrients from the soil, especially during their main growth periods.

This leads to heavy competition that can leave your asparagus underfed and stressed.

In addition to competing for nutrients, potatoes are known to carry soil-borne diseases that can affect nearby plants, including asparagus.

Harvesting potatoes also involves digging, which can damage the shallow crowns and roots of asparagus, especially if they’re planted too close. To avoid these problems, plant potatoes in a separate area with enough distance to protect your asparagus bed.

3. Carrots Disrupt Roots and Compete Underground

Carrots are not a good match for asparagus, mainly because of how both plants grow below the surface. Carrots develop long, deep taproots that occupy the same soil layers as asparagus crowns and roots.

When you grow them close together, the roots can become crowded, and both crops may struggle to get the nutrients and space they need.

Harvesting carrots also means loosening the soil deeply, which can accidentally damage asparagus roots.

Even careful digging can disturb the crowns, especially in younger asparagus beds that haven’t fully established.

On top of that, carrots are known to clash with dill—a companion plant that benefits asparagus—so placing them nearby can create indirect problems as well.

For best results, plant carrots far from asparagus and its companions to avoid root interference and soil disturbance.

4. Beans Can Overtake and Compete for Resources

While peas benefit asparagus, most other beans—especially pole beans—are not a good fit. Beans tend to grow quickly, climb aggressively, and demand significant water and nutrients as they mature.

When planted too close to asparagus, they can compete for these resources and reduce the vigor of your asparagus crop.

Pole beans in particular can overwhelm nearby plants with their height and spreading vines. If they get tangled in asparagus ferns, they can cause breakage or block sunlight.

Bush beans are slightly less aggressive but still not ideal when planted near asparagus beds. If you're growing beans, keep them well away from your asparagus and choose other spots in the garden where their growth habits won’t interfere.

5. Corn Shades Out Asparagus and Drains the Soil

Corn and asparagus don’t grow well together for two main reasons: nutrient demand and shading.

Corn is a heavy feeder that pulls a large amount of nitrogen from the soil throughout the growing season.

Asparagus, especially in its early growth phase, also needs plenty of nutrients to produce strong spears. When grown side by side, corn can easily outcompete asparagus and leave it undernourished.

In addition to nutrient competition, corn grows tall and dense. As it matures, it casts significant shade, which can limit the amount of sunlight reaching asparagus ferns.

These ferns need plenty of light to stay healthy and store energy for the next growing season. When they don’t get enough sun, asparagus plants become weaker over time.

To avoid these problems, plant corn well away from your asparagus bed. Keeping them separate ensures both crops have the space and resources they need to grow properly.

Pair asparagus with plants that have similar growth needs and won’t compete for space or nutrients!

Growing asparagus alongside the right companion plants can make a big difference in how well your garden performs.

Plants like tomatoes, basil, dill, and marigolds help reduce pest pressure and improve growing conditions without competing for space.

Others, like strawberries and peas, offer long-term compatibility that supports asparagus year after year. These combinations not only improve plant health but also help you make better use of your garden layout.

On the other hand, some plants are best kept away. Alliums, potatoes, carrots, beans, and corn can interfere with root systems, compete for nutrients, or introduce diseases.

Knowing which plants to avoid is just as important as knowing which ones to include.

When planning your garden, think about how each plant interacts with the others—above and below the soil.

Making thoughtful planting choices around your asparagus bed will lead to stronger, healthier plants and fewer problems throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best companion plant for asparagus?

Tomatoes are one of the best companion plants for asparagus. They help repel asparagus beetles by releasing solanine, while asparagus protects tomato roots from nematodes. This mutual benefit, along with their different root depths and growth patterns, makes them an ideal pair in the garden.

Can you plant onions or garlic near asparagus?

It’s best to avoid planting onions, garlic, and other alliums near asparagus. They compete for the same nutrients early in the season and may interfere with asparagus crown development. Garlic, in particular, has been linked to reduced growth and possible disease risks in asparagus beds.

Why are strawberries and asparagus good together?

Strawberries and asparagus grow well together because they have different root zones and don’t compete for the same nutrients. Their growth cycles also complement each other—strawberries produce fruit shortly after asparagus is harvested. As a groundcover, strawberries help suppress weeds and keep the soil moist.

How close can I plant companions to asparagus?

Companion plants should be placed close enough to share benefits like shade or pest control but far enough to avoid crowding. For herbs and shallow-rooted plants like basil or spinach, planting 8–12 inches away from asparagus spears works well. Leave more space for larger companions like tomatoes to maintain airflow and ease of harvest.

When should I plant asparagus companions in the season?

Most asparagus companions can be planted in early spring, around the same time asparagus starts to emerge. Cool-season crops like spinach, peas, and cilantro do well early, while warm-season plants like tomatoes and basil can be added after the risk of frost has passed. This timing helps avoid competition and supports steady growth throughout the season.