When I first heard about “companion planting,” I didn’t really know what it was all about.
But after researching and reading more from others who tried it, I started to understand why so many gardeners are practicing it (and you’ll likely see why too, after reading through this article).
It turns out plants can actually support each other in ways that make your garden healthier and more productive.
If I were to compare it to us humans, it’s like teaming up the right people who can lift each other up (just like having your best friend).
In this article, I’ll go over the basics of companion planting, explain why it’s worth trying, and show you how to get started in your own garden.
What Is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is the practice of planting different types of plants next to each other because they can help each other grow in different ways.
Some plants improve the soil, others keep pests away, and some even provide shade for plants that need a little extra protection from the sun.
The goal of companion planting is to find these beneficial plant combinations that not only grow well together but also help each other out in ways you might not expect.
So, instead of just planting anything next to each other, you want to choose combinations that make sense and allow everything to thrive.
Think of it as working smarter, not harder.
If you understand how plants can support each other, you can create a garden that practically takes care of itself.
What are the Benefits of Companion Planting?

Once I learned what companion planting was, I started to see how much it could do for a garden.
Let me share why it’s worth trying in your garden.
Keeping Pests Away Naturally

One of the best benefits of companion planting is how it naturally keeps pests away (which means no need for harsh chemicals).
For example, basil is good at keeping aphids away from tomatoes (so you don’t have to worry about those little bugs munching on your crops).
Marigolds are another great option because they act as a natural repellent for pests like nematodes and whiteflies.
Not only do these flowers brighten your garden, but they also protect your veggies.
It’s a safe, eco-friendly way to garden (and no need to stress about harmful sprays around kids or pets).
Better Growth and More Produce
Some plants just do better when they have the right companions (just like how you do when you have the right person to support you).
To give you an example, beans and corn are a great duo.
Beans give back to the soil by adding nitrogen, which helps the corn grow bigger and stronger.
And in return, the tall corn supports the beans, giving them something to climb on. See? It’s perfect gardening teamwork.
Carrots and onions also pair up well since onions help keep pests away from the carrots, while carrots help loosen up the soil for the onions’ roots.
When plants help each other out like this, you end up with a much more productive garden (and who doesn’t love more vegetables, right?).
Space Efficiency
If you don’t have a huge garden, companion planting is one of the practical ways to make the most of the space you have.
Let’s say you are planting radishes.
Radishes can grow underneath tomatoes, taking advantage of the shade (since radishes prefer less sun) and still making the most of the space.
Zucchini, with its wide leaves, helps keep the soil cool and provides shade for plants like spinach, which doesn’t do well in direct sunlight.
By pairing plants that support each other like this, you can fit more into a smaller space (and you won’t have to worry about your plants fighting for space).
Weed Suppression
Weeds are such a pain, but companion planting can help keep them under control.
How?
For example, clover grows thick and covers the soil, preventing weeds from popping up.
Squash plants, with their big, broad leaves, block out sunlight, preventing weed seeds from sprouting. It’s like a natural barrier to weeds (and who doesn’t appreciate less time spent pulling them out?).
If you want more tips on how to tackle weeds naturally, check out our guide on natural ways to prevent weeds (because no one wants to deal with pesky weeds all season long).
Pollinator Attraction

Companion planting also helps attract important pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
These are very important for getting crops like tomatoes and squash to grow.
Flowers like lavender and sunflowers aren’t just pretty; they also draw in pollinators, which in turn helps your other plants thrive.
Sunflowers even provide some shade for your lettuce, which is perfect on those hot days.
Without these pollinators, many of our favorite crops wouldn’t grow the way we want them to.
So planting flowers that attract them is a big win for the whole garden.
Common Companion Plant Pairings and Their Benefits

To make things easier, I’ve compiled a chart of common plant pairings that work well together, along with their benefits.
This will help you get a clearer idea of how to arrange your garden for the best results.
Plant | Best Companion(s) | Benefits |
Tomatoes | Basil, Marigolds | Repels pests (like aphids and whiteflies) and enhances flavor. |
Carrots | Onions, Leeks | Deters carrot flies and onion flies. |
Beans | Corn, Squash, Radishes | Beans fix nitrogen; corn provides support; squash suppresses weeds. |
Cabbage | Dill, Nasturtiums, Rosemary | Dill repels cabbage worms; nasturtiums distract aphids. |
Cucumbers | Nasturtiums, Radishes, Sunflowers | Nasturtiums deter aphids; radishes attract pests away; sunflowers provide shade. |
Peppers | Marigolds, Basil, Spinach | Marigolds deter nematodes and aphids; basil improves flavor; spinach can grow under pepper shade. |
Spinach | Cilantro, Strawberries | Cilantro attracts beneficial insects; strawberries and spinach grow well together. |
Zucchini | Beans, Nasturtiums | Beans fix nitrogen in the soil; nasturtiums repel aphids. |
Corn | Beans, Squash, Sunflowers | Beans fix nitrogen; squash suppresses weeds; sunflowers provide windbreak. |
Lettuce | Radishes, Carrots, Chives | Radishes deter pests; carrots grow well alongside; chives repel aphids. |
Beets | Onions, Lettuce, Garlic | Onions and garlic deter pests; lettuce shades the soil for beets. |
Potatoes | Beans, Marigolds, Cabbage | Beans fix nitrogen; marigolds repel nematodes; cabbage deters pests. |
Strawberries | Spinach, Borage, Thyme | Borage attracts pollinators; thyme deters worms; spinach grows well in the same space. |
Pumpkins | Corn, Beans, Nasturtiums | Corn supports vines; beans fix nitrogen; nasturtiums deter pests. |
Garlic | Roses, Lettuce, Strawberries | Deters aphids on roses; grows well with lettuce and strawberries. |
To help you get a better understanding, I’ve included a helpful YouTube video that walks you through some of the best companion planting strategies.
It’s a great visual guide that can give you even more ideas on how to apply these tips to your garden.
Take a few minutes to watch and get inspired! You'll be ready to start planting in no time.
Plants That Shouldn’t Be Planted Together
After looking at all the plants that pair up nicely, it’s just as important to know which ones don’t get along.
Some plants just don’t mix well, kind of like how some people don’t click, right? (We’ve all been there.)
These plant pairings can actually harm each other, slowing down growth or even attracting pests.
So, when planning your garden, it’s a good idea to avoid these not-so-friendly combinations.
Don’t worry though, we’ll go over which ones to steer clear of so you can make better choices and keep your garden happy and healthy.
Onions and Beans
Onions can actually mess with the growth of beans and peas because of the natural chemicals they release.
These chemicals interfere with the ability of beans to fix nitrogen in the soil (a process where beans add nitrogen back to the earth, which helps plants grow).
When beans are planted near onions, they don't get the boost they need from nitrogen and end up struggling to grow properly.
Potatoes and Tomatoes
Potatoes and tomatoes are often a bad idea together because they’re both vulnerable to similar pests and diseases, like blight (a fungal disease that spreads quickly between these plants).
When planted near each other, they increase the chances of both crops getting hit with the same issue, meaning you'll have to deal with it twice as much.
And because these two plants have similar pest problems, you're basically giving pests an all-you-can-eat buffet.
It’s better to plant them apart to reduce the risk of this happening.
Carrots and Dill
Dill, while great for flavoring dishes, can cause issues when it’s planted too close to carrots.
As dill matures, it releases certain substances into the soil that can stunt the growth of carrots (they don’t grow as big or as strong).
Carrots prefer loose, fertile soil, and dill’s presence might create conditions that make it harder for them to grow well.
It’s like trying to grow something in an area where the soil isn’t right for it.
Corn and Tomatoes
Corn and tomatoes don’t make the best duo because they both fight for the same resources (nutrients, water, and sunlight).
Corn grows tall and can overshadow your tomato plants (which don’t appreciate too much shade).
They’re also both susceptible to pests like hornworms, which can cause problems for both plants.
So, not only do they compete for space and nutrients, but they also attract the same pests, making life harder for both crops.
How to Plan Your Companion Planting?
Now that we know which plants work well together (and which ones don’t), let’s talk about how to actually set them up in your garden.
When you think a little more about what each plant needs, you can make things work a lot smoother.
I’ll share some easy tips on how to group plants based on their needs, use their height differences to your advantage, rotate crops to keep things fresh, and even how to factor in the seasons.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to having a garden that looks after itself (or at least makes gardening easier for you).
Grouping by Needs
When planning your garden, it’s helpful to group plants that have similar needs together.
Some plants need a lot of water, while others can get by with less. By planting these together, you can make sure you’re giving each plant exactly what it needs (without over or under-watering).
It also makes managing your garden easier because you’ll know which plants need more attention and which ones can thrive with less.
So, grouping plants based on their needs helps you stay organized and ensures they get the right care.
Utilizing Height Differences
You have to consider the different heights of your plants when you plan where to put them.
Taller plants, like corn or sunflowers, can create shade for smaller plants that don’t like intense sun, like spinach or lettuce.
This way, you’re making use of every bit of space in your garden and giving each plant the best chance to grow.
It also stops taller plants from shading out smaller ones that might need the light, keeping everything happy in your garden.
Crop Rotation
Crop rotation means changing where you plant certain crops every year. This helps keep your soil healthy because different plants use different nutrients.
If you plant the same thing in the same spot year after year, the soil can get depleted of those nutrients.
Rotating your crops gives the soil a chance to rest and recover, and it also helps keep pests and diseases away (since different pests tend to stick with the same type of plant).
This practice helps you grow healthier plants and prevents the soil from becoming worn out.
Consider the Seasons
Lastly, considering the seasons is really important when you’re planning your garden.
Some plants grow best in cooler temperatures, while others need the warmth of summer to thrive.
If you plant things that don’t do well together season-wise, you could run into problems like frost damaging your crops or plants not having enough time to fully grow before the weather changes.
By thinking about the seasons, you can make sure each plant has the right conditions to grow strong and healthy throughout the year.
Companion Planting for Raised Beds

If you’re thinking about starting a raised bed garden or already have one, you might be wondering how to make the most of the space you’ve got.
Raised beds offer a lot of advantages, especially when it comes to companion planting.
One of the best things about raised beds is that you can plant closer together without overcrowding. The design of these beds makes it easier to organize plants so they all get what they need.
Tall plants (like tomatoes, corn, or sunflowers) can be placed alongside shorter ones (like herbs or leafy greens).
The taller plants can provide shade and natural support for the smaller ones, while the smaller plants help keep the soil cool and suppress weeds (this means less work for you later on).
When setting up your raised bed, think about the best raised bed sizes—you don’t want the plants too close or too far apart.
Giving plants enough room to breathe and grow roots comfortably helps them develop properly.
Raised Bed Preparation Tips
You don’t want to skip the prep and end up with a bed of struggling plants.
To save you the frustration, here are some easy steps that will set you up for a thriving garden.
- Clear the Area: Remove any weeds, old plant material, and debris from the bed.
- Check the Soil pH: Test the soil and make adjustments to balance the pH as needed.
- Add Compost: Spread a 2-inch layer of organic compost evenly over the bed.
- Mix the Soil: Incorporate the compost into the top 6 inches of soil gently.
- Smooth and Loosen: Level the surface while keeping the soil light and aerated.
- Pre-Water: Give the soil a thorough soak to ensure it’s moist and ready for planting.
Common Challenges in Companion Planting and How to Handle Them
Reality speaking, there are a few challenges you might run into when it comes to companion planting, but don't let them stop you from trying it out.
Let’s go over some common issues and how to handle them.
Misconceptions
A lot of people think that companion planting always works perfectly, but that's not always the case.
Some combinations might not live up to the hype, or certain plants might not work well in your specific garden (even if they’re said to be good companions). It’s important to be open to trial and error.
Try different pairings and keep track of what works for you (every garden is unique, after all).
Don’t be discouraged if something doesn’t work out right away (gardening is learning and adjust as you go).
Pests and Diseases
While companion planting can help reduce pests, it won’t necessarily eliminate them completely.
You may still encounter issues with insects or diseases (especially with certain plants that attract specific pests).
Keep an eye on your plants, and if something’s eating away at them, look for natural ways to control it.
For example, if you’re growing tomatoes, be aware of aphids (which basil can help repel), but if you notice an invasion, don’t hesitate to use safe remedies like neem oil or homemade sprays.
If you notice your tomato leaves turning yellow, it could be a sign of a few things. It might be a nutrient deficiency (like too little nitrogen) or overwatering.
Either way, it’s important to figure out the root cause to get your plants back on track.
Climate Considerations
Climate can have a big impact on how well your companion plants grow together. Some plants thrive in warm weather, while others prefer cooler temperatures.
You’ll want to take into account your local climate and adjust your plant pairings accordingly.
For instance, some plants might need a little more shade on hot days (like lettuce), while others might need full sun (like peppers).
Be mindful of these differences and plan accordingly to make sure each plant gets what it needs to grow strong and healthy.
More Tips for Companion Planting

If you’re just getting into companion planting, don’t stress.
It’s a learning process, and I’ve got some simple tips that can help you get the most out of your garden while making things easier along the way.
Don’t Overcrowd
One of the biggest mistakes I see beginners make is planting too much in one spot. It can feel like you’re using your space well, but overcrowding can really hurt your plants.
Each plant needs room to grow and spread its roots. If you give them the space they need, they’ll be healthier and have a better chance to thrive. Trust me, a little extra space is always worth it.
Plan for Trap Crops
Trap crops are plants that attract pests away from your main crops.
For example, planting radishes near your beans can draw in aphids, keeping them away from the beans.
When choosing your plants, think about which ones can act as natural decoys to protect your veggies. This can help you avoid using chemicals and keep your garden healthier.
Rotate Crops and Companions
I have mentioned this already, and I’m going to repeat it. One thing you’ll want to do each season is rotate your crops and the plants you pair them with.
This helps prevent pests from sticking around and keeps your soil from getting worn out.
It doesn’t have to be complicated (just switch things up a bit!). This simple practice will keep your garden fresh and productive, and it’ll save you from future headaches.
Experiment and Observe
Companion planting, at some point, is about figuring out what works for you and your garden.
Don’t be afraid to try different combinations. Sometimes things work out in ways you didn’t expect.
Keep a garden journal so you can track your results (it’s very helpful for remembering what worked and what didn’t).
The more you observe, the better you’ll get at pairing plants in a way that works for your space.
Use Companion Planting Charts as a Reference
Companion planting charts can be a great starting point, especially when you're new to it.
But keep in mind that every garden is a little different. Use the charts for inspiration, but don’t be afraid to adapt them based on what you’re seeing in your garden.
Over time, you’ll learn what works best for you.
By starting small, staying curious, and keeping track of your progress, you’ll make the most of companion planting.
Your garden will be healthier, happier, and more productive before you know it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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