Companion Planting

Companion planting is based on the idea that certain plants can benefit others when planted in near proximity. Many plants have natural substances in their roots, flowers, leaves etc. that can repel and/or attract insects depending on your needs. In some situations companion plants can also help enhance the growth rate and flavor of other plant varieties. For instance, in a perennial flower garden, chives planted under roses may reduce the occurrence of black spot as well as discourage aphids.

There are many varieties of herbs, flowers, etc. that can be used for companion planting. Do some research and try experimenting to find what works best for you. Possibilities include using certain plants as a border, backdrop or interplanting in your flower or vegetable beds where you have specific needs. Whenever possible, use plants that are native to your area so the insects you want to attract already know what to look for. Plants with open cup shaped flowers are the most popular with beneficial insects.

Companion Planting Chart

Primary Plant	Suggested Companion Plants	Incompatible Plants
Asparagus	Basil, Tomato, Parsley
Beans	Most Vegetables and Herbs
Beans, Bush	Celery, Corn, Cucumber, Irish Potato, Strawberry, Summer Savory	Onion
Beans, Pole	Corn, Radish, Summer Savory	Beets, Kohlrabi, Onion, Sunflower
Cabbage Family	Aromatic Herbs, Beets, Celery, Chamomile, Chard, Onion Family, Spinach	Dill, Pole Beans, Strawberries, Tomato
Carrots	English Pea, Lettuce, Onion Family, Rosemary, Sage, Tomato	Dill
Celery	Bush Beans, Cabbage Family, Nasturtium, Onion Family, Tomato
Corn	Beans, Cucumber, English Pea, Irish Potato, Pumpkin, Squash	Tomato
Cucumber	Beans, Corn, English Pea, Radish, Sunflowers	Aromatic Herbs, Irish Potato
Eggplant	Beans, Marigold
Lettuce	Carrot, Cucumber, Radish, Strawberry
Onion Family	Beets, Cabbage Family, Carrot, Lettuce, Summer Savory	Beans, English Peas
Parsley	Asparagus, Tomato
Peas, English	Beans, Carrots, Corn, Cucumber, Radish, Turnip	Gladiolus, Irish Potato, Onion Family
Potato, Irish	Beans, Cabbage Family, Corn, Horseradish, Marigolds	Cucumber, Pumpkin, Squash, Sunflower, Tomato
Pumpkins	Corn, Marigold	Irish Potato
Radish	Cucumber, English Pea, Lettuce, Nasturtium	Hyssop
Spinach	Faba Bean, Strawberry
Squash	Corn, Marigold, Nasturtium	Irish Potato
Tomato	Asparagus, Carrot, Cucumber, Marigold, Nasturtium, Onion Family, Parsley	Cabbage Family, Fennel, Irish Potato
Turnip	English Pea	Irish Potato

Companion planting enables gardeners to discourage harmful pests without losing beneficial allies. Studies show that using companion plants throughout the landscape is an important part of integrating pest management. They help bring a balanced ecosystem to your landscape and allow nature to do it's job. Nature integrates a diversity of plants, animals, and other organisms into every ecosystem. The death of one organism can create food for another so there is no waste.

Companion planting can be used to combine beauty and purpose to give you an enjoyable, healthy yard or garden. Let your imagination soar and have some fun choosing plants for your beds. There are many ways you can find to incorporate these useful plants in your garden, orchard, flower beds etc.

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