A practical guide for pairing plants that grow better together
Overview
Companion planting helps improve plant health, reduce pest pressure, and make better use of garden space.
This guide highlights plant pairings that support growth—and combinations to avoid.
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together to improve:
Growth
Pest resistance
Yield
Some plants benefit each other, while others compete for space, nutrients, or attract the same pests.
Best Companion Pairings
Tomatoes
Good companions: basil, marigolds, onions, carrots
Avoid: cabbage family, corn, potatoes
Peppers
Good companions: basil, onions, carrots, spinach
Avoid: fennel
Cucumbers
Good companions: dill, radishes, nasturtiums, beans
Avoid: potatoes, strong aromatic herbs
Carrots
Good companions: onions, leeks, rosemary, sage
Avoid: dill, parsnips
Lettuce
Good companions: carrots, radishes, cucumbers, strawberries
Avoid: cabbage family
Beans (Pole or Bush)
Good companions: corn, squash, cucumbers, radishes
Avoid: onions, garlic
Corn
Good companions: beans, squash, melons
Avoid: tomatoes
Squash and Zucchini
Good companions: corn, beans, nasturtiums
Avoid: potatoes
Potatoes
Good companions: beans, corn, cabbage
Avoid: tomatoes, cucumbers, squash
Companion Planting for Pest Control
Marigolds
Repel: nematodes, aphids, beetles
Use near: tomatoes, peppers, squash
Nasturtiums
Repel: squash bugs, aphids
Use near: cucumbers, squash, tomatoes
Basil
Repels: flies, mosquitoes
Use near: tomatoes, peppers
Onions and Garlic
Repel: carrot flies, aphids, beetles
Use near: carrots, lettuce, beets
Combinations to Avoid
These pairings often compete for nutrients or attract the same pests:
Tomatoes and potatoes
Beans and onions
Cucumbers and potatoes
Carrots and dill
Corn and tomatoes
Cabbage family and strawberries
Layout Tips for Companion Planting
Pair tall plants with low-growing crops
Use herbs and flowers to deter pests
Group plants with similar needs
Avoid planting heavy feeders together
Rotate crops each year
Gardener’s Notes
Companion planting is most effective when used alongside good spacing, soil health, and crop rotation. Use it as a guide—not a strict rule—and adjust based on what performs well in your garden.
