Companion planting is the time-tested organic practice of growing complementary crops next to each other. Certain plants naturally repel insects, attract beneficial pollinators, fix nitrogen into the soil, and even improve the flavor of neighboring vegetables.
The Golden Rules of Companion Planting
Top 5 Companion Power Duos
- Tomatoes + Basil + Marigolds: Basil improves tomato flavor and repels hornworms; Marigolds emit root exudates that kill harmful nematodes.
- Carrots + Rosemary / Onions: The strong scent of rosemary and onions completely masks carrots from the destructive Carrot Rust Fly.
- Cucumbers + Dill + Sunflowers: Dill attracts predatory wasps that eat cucumber beetles, while sunflowers provide natural shading.
- Corn + Beans + Squash (The Three Sisters): Corn provides climbing support; Beans fix nitrogen; Squash leaves shade the ground to suppress weeds.
- Lettuce + Radishes: Radishes deter flea beetles and break up heavy soil for tender lettuce roots.
What NEVER to Plant Together (Incompatible Pairings)
- Tomatoes & Potatoes: Both are in the Nightshade family and share the same devastating blight pathogens.
- Onions & Beans/Peas: Alliums exude antibacterial compounds that stunt nitrogen-fixing bacteria on legume roots.
- Fennel & Almost Everything: Fennel releases allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants — always grow fennel in its own isolated pot!
- Cabbage/Broccoli & Strawberries: Brassicas attract pests that damage strawberry crowns.
