The 17 Best Companion Planting Duos for a Thriving, Bountiful Garden
Companion planting is a time-tested technique that helps maximize garden productivity by pairing plants that support each other.
Some plants deter pests naturally, others improve flavor, while some enhance soil conditions for better growth.
When done right, companion planting creates a healthier ecosystem, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Below are 17 of my favorite plant partnerships, explaining why they work and how you can make the most of them.
1. Tomatoes & Basil – A Classic Garden Duo
Why it Works: Basil repels aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms while enhancing the flavor of tomatoes. It also attracts pollinators, boosting tomato fruit production.
How to Make it Work: Plant basil around the base of your tomato plants, spacing them about 12 inches apart. Be mindful not to overcrowd, as tomatoes need good airflow to prevent fungal issues.
2. Carrots & Onions – A Natural Pest Repellent Pair
Why it Works: Onions deter carrot flies, while carrots help aerate the soil for better root growth. This partnership keeps both plants healthy and reduces the need for pesticides.
How to Make it Work: Alternate rows of carrots and onions in your garden bed. Keep the soil well-drained and avoid excessive watering to prevent rot.
3. Corn, Beans & Squash – The Three Sisters Method
Why it Works: This traditional Native American planting technique benefits all three plants. Corn provides a sturdy support for beans, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and squash spreads across the ground, shading out weeds and locking in moisture.
How to Make it Work: Start by planting corn. Once it’s a few inches tall, plant beans around it. Finally, plant squash around the perimeter to act as a living mulch.
4. Cucumbers & Nasturtiums – Pest Protection with Beauty
Why it Works: Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, attracting aphids away from cucumbers. They also deter cucumber beetles, which can devastate cucumber vines.
How to Make it Work: Plant nasturtiums at the edges of your cucumber bed or allow them to sprawl naturally between cucumber vines for maximum protection.
5. Lettuce & Chives – Fresh and Pest-Free Greens
Why it Works: Chives repel aphids and other common lettuce pests. Their presence also enhances the flavor of nearby plants.
How to Make it Work: Plant chives along the borders of your lettuce beds. Trim them regularly to encourage new growth and prevent them from overpowering your greens.
6. Peppers & Marigolds – A Colorful Shield Against Pests
Why it Works: Marigolds deter nematodes, aphids, and other harmful insects that attack pepper plants. Their bright blooms also attract pollinators.
How to Make it Work: Surround your pepper plants with marigolds, spacing them about 10-12 inches apart. Deadhead marigolds regularly to prolong blooming.
7. Spinach & Strawberries – Ground Cover & Moisture Control
Why it Works: Spinach provides a living mulch that suppresses weeds and helps retain soil moisture, benefiting shallow-rooted strawberry plants.
How to Make it Work: Plant spinach around strawberry plants early in the season. Harvest spinach before it bolts to allow strawberries to spread.
8. Radishes & Cucumbers – Soil Aeration & Pest Control
Why it Works: Radishes repel cucumber beetles and improve soil aeration, benefiting cucumber root development.
How to Make it Work: Plant radishes between cucumber vines and harvest them early. This will free up space for cucumber vines to sprawl as they grow.
9. Cabbage & Dill – Attracting Beneficial Insects
Why it Works: Dill attracts predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings that feed on cabbage pests such as aphids and cabbage worms.
How to Make it Work: Plant dill near cabbage, but avoid letting it mature too close, as it can stunt cabbage growth if it overshadows the plants.
10. Beans & Marigolds – A Strong Defense System
Why it Works: Marigolds emit chemicals that repel bean beetles and nematodes, which are known to damage bean roots.
How to Make it Work: Interplant marigolds throughout your bean beds. Choose compact marigold varieties to avoid shading out your beans.
11. Zucchini & Borage – A Pollinator’s Paradise
Why it Works: Borage attracts bees and other pollinators that help zucchini set fruit. It also repels common garden pests like tomato hornworms.
How to Make it Work: Plant borage around zucchini as a companion plant or mix it in with other garden beds to encourage pollinators to visit frequently.
12. Potatoes & Horseradish – Natural Beetle Deterrent
Why it Works: Horseradish deters Colorado potato beetles, reducing damage to potato plants.
How to Make it Work: Plant horseradish at the corners of your potato beds. Since horseradish is a vigorous grower, consider containing it to prevent it from spreading too aggressively.
13. Celery & Leeks – A Double Layer of Protection
Why it Works: Leeks repel common celery pests, while celery’s strong scent helps deter leek moths.
How to Make it Work: Interplant celery and leeks in alternating rows to optimize space and pest control benefits.
14. Beets & Garlic – Strong Scents for Pest Prevention
Why it Works: Garlic’s potent scent keeps common beet pests at bay and doesn’t compete with beets for nutrients.
How to Make it Work: Space garlic bulbs about 4-6 inches apart between rows of beets. Harvest garlic scapes early to encourage larger bulb development.
15. Broccoli & Chamomile – Boosting Flavor & Pollination
Why it Works: Chamomile improves broccoli’s flavor while attracting pollinators that support overall garden health.
How to Make it Work: Scatter chamomile plants around your broccoli patch, ensuring they have enough space to thrive without crowding the broccoli.
16. Cauliflower & Thyme – A Natural Pest Barrier
Why it Works: Thyme repels flea beetles and cabbage worms, common pests that attack cauliflower.
How to Make it Work: Plant thyme as a border around your cauliflower beds, keeping it well-trimmed to avoid competition for nutrients.
17. Eggplant & Thyme – Keeping Aphids & Whiteflies Away
Why it Works: Thyme naturally repels aphids and whiteflies, which frequently target eggplant leaves.
How to Make it Work: Interplant thyme with eggplants and maintain well-drained soil to prevent disease issues.
By understanding these natural partnerships, you can create a thriving, self-sustaining garden with fewer pests and stronger plants. Try incorporating some of these combinations into your planting plan, and watch your garden flourish!
