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Companion Plants

Companion plants benefit each other when planted in close proximity. They work (and play) well together, attracting good insects and keeping away the unwanted ones. Companion plants also provide nutrients and in some cases natural shade and support to their garden neighbors.

Companion Plants
Incompatible Plants
Basil
Pepper, Tomato
Bush Beans
Cabbage, Cucumber, Eggplant, Lettuce, Strawberry, Carrots, Peas, Radishes
Onion
Pole Beans
Cucumber, Eggplant, Lettuce
Onion
"Cabbage Family
(Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower)"
All Aromatic Herbs, Bush Beans, Onions, Spinach
Dill, Strawberries, Pole Beans, Tomato
Cauliflower
Spinach
Cucumber
Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Lettuce, Onion, Peas, Radish, Tomato
Aromatic Herbs
Eggplant
Beans, Spinach
Lettuce
Beans, Cucumber, Peas, Spinach, Strawberry
Onion Family
Beets, Cabbage Family, Carrots, Cucumber, Lettuce, Pepper, Radishes, Squash, Strawberries, Tomato
Beans
Parsley
Tomato
Pepper
Bean Carrot, Onion
Spinach
Cauliflower, Eggplant, Peas, Strawberry
Squash
Beans, Onion, Radish
Strawberry
Bush Beans, Lettuce, Onion, Spinach
Tomato
Carrot, Cucumber, Mint, Onion Family, Parsley, Peas, Sage
Cabbage Family

Many vegetables and herbs have natural substances in their roots, flowers and leaves that repel unwanted pests and attract beneficial insects. Some companion plants help other varieties grow by providing shade or enhancing flavor. Simply put, companion planting helps balance your garden’s ecosystem, allowing nature to do its job. Nature integrates many different plants, animals, and many more organisms into every ecosystem so nothing goes to waste.

How close should you plant these companion plants? To make it simple, take an average spacing between the two varieties. If one variety should be spaced 12 in. apart and the other calls for 6 in., space them 9 in. apart. Be sure to keep an eye on the heights for proper shading. Try not to completely shade out any of your shorter veggies and herbs.

Plants that are not compatible should be placed in different gardens or opposite ends of larger beds (larger than 10 by 10 ft.). Don’t plant incompatible plants in the same patio container and keep them apart in pots on your deck.