Companion Planting 101: Best Plant Pairings for a Healthier Garden
If you’ve ever tucked basil next to your tomatoes just because your grandma told you to—congrats! You’ve already dabbled in companion planting. And no surprise… grandma was onto something.
Companion planting isn’t just garden folklore—it’s a simple, science-backed way to help your plants thrive together. Whether you’ve got raised beds, patio pots, or a scrappy little backyard plot, knowing what to plant side-by-side can lead to fewer pests, bigger harvests, and a whole lot less stress.
Let’s break down what it actually is (and how to avoid a few classic mistakes).
🌿 What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants near each other to boost growth, improve flavor, repel pests, and reduce disease. Basically—it’s garden matchmaking. Some plants are total soulmates. Others… should probably never text again.
Here’s why gardeners swear by it:
- Fewer bugs – Some plants act like natural pest control
- Healthier growth – They help each other absorb nutrients or deter disease
- More food – Less stress on your plants = more harvest for you
- Prettier garden – Many combos look beautiful together too
💡 Favorite Companion Plant Combos (That Actually Work)
🥫 Tomatoes + Basil = The Classic Power Couple
Nothing beats this pair. Basil helps repel tomato hornworms, aphids, and whiteflies—and it might even enhance your tomato flavor. Plus, they just smell amazing together.
👉🏾 Avoid planting tomatoes near corn or cabbage—they don’t play nice.
🥕 Carrots + Onions = A Root Veggie Dream Team
Onions repel carrot flies, and carrots help fend off onion maggots. Double win, all underground.
👉🏾 Avoid dill—it can stunt carrot growth.
🥒 Cucumbers + Nasturtiums = Pretty + Practical
Nasturtiums work as a “trap crop,” luring aphids away from your cukes while adding a splash of color to your garden.
👉🏾 Avoid planting cucumbers near potatoes—they compete too much.
🌶️ Peppers + Marigolds = Color + Protection
Marigolds help protect peppers from nematodes and aphids, and the cheerful blooms just make your garden feel extra magical.
👉🏾 Skip fennel near peppers—it can inhibit their growth.
🥬 Lettuce + Radishes = A Small-Space Dream Team
These two grow happily side-by-side without crowding each other out. Radishes mature quickly, while lettuce takes a little longer—so you can harvest the radishes first and make room for the lettuce to spread. Perfect for tight spaces and raised beds where every inch counts.
👉🏾 Avoid planting lettuce near broccoli or other brassicas—they fight over nutrients.
❌ Common Companion Planting Mistakes
Let’s avoid the “oops” moments:
- Not giving plants enough space – Good neighbors still need elbow room.
- Forgetting soil needs – Just because they’re friends doesn’t mean they want the same dinner.
- Mixing mismatched plants – Trust the combos that actually work together.
- Being too rigid – These are helpful guidelines, not rules carved in stone. If you’ve got limited space or a plant pairing that’s technically not ideal, go ahead and try it anyway. Gardening is one big experiment—observe, learn, and adjust as you go.
🌼 You Don’t Have to Be an Expert—Just Start
You don’t need to plan out the perfect grid or memorize 100 pairings. Start small. Add some basil next to your tomatoes. Tuck in some marigolds. See what works in your garden and build from there.
Want some easy plants to pop in the garden? See the easiest veggies to grow! If you’re wanting a bit more help to start? Grab the 7-Step Salad Garden Kit and start growing with confidence! (Comes with a bonus companion planting guide!)
💬 What plant pairings have worked for you?
👇🏾 Drop a comment below and let’s grow a smarter garden together!
