Most people have heard of the Three Sisters garden—corn, beans, and squash. It’s a perfect example of companion planting at its best. Corn provides support for beans to climb, beans fix nitrogen in the soil that corn loves, and squash acts as a living mulch to suppress weeds.
But beyond the Three Sisters, there are many other plants that thrive when paired together, while some plants should be kept apart. Companion planting can confuse or repel pests, attract beneficial pollinators, or simply reduce weed growth.
Good Companion Plants to Try
- Tomatoes and Basil: Basil’s strong scent may repel tomato hornworms and attract pollinators when it blooms, helping tomatoes set fruit, especially in hot weather.
- Garlic: Repels aphids and Japanese beetles, but avoid planting near legumes (beans, peas).
- Radishes and Cucurbits (squash, cucumbers): Radishes help repel cucumber beetles.
- Rosemary and Carrots: Rosemary deters carrot rust fly.
- Marigolds and Tomatoes: Marigolds eliminate root nematodes that damage tomatoes.
- Marigolds and Almost Anything: Marigolds attract ladybugs and hover flies, which feast on aphids.
- Nasturtiums: Repel squash bugs and attract pollinators.
This list is just a start—there are many more beneficial plant partnerships out there!
Plants That Don’t Play Well Together
Some plants negatively affect each other, often due to competition for nutrients, hosting pests or diseases, or releasing harmful chemicals (allelopathy).
- Black Walnut and Hickory Trees: These release juglone, a chemical toxic to plants like tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants, causing wilting.
- Mint and Alliums (onions, garlic, chives): Avoid planting near asparagus and legumes because they stunt growth. However, they pair well with cabbage family plants since they repel their pests.
- Tomatoes and Potatoes: Share pests and diseases, so keep them apart.
- Strawberries and Cruciferous Vegetables: Compete for nutrients; cruciferous plants outgrow strawberries.
- Corn and Tomatoes: Both compete for nutrients; corn’s shade can harm sun-loving tomatoes.
- Cucumbers and Brassicas: Compete for the same nutrients.
- Fennel: Contains juglone and can stunt nearby plants; best grown alone in a pot.
Visit Our Richmond, VA Garden Center
Visit The Great Big Greenhouse in Richmond, where you’ll find a wide selection of plants and expert advice to help your garden thrive.