Companion Planting: Naturally Pairings Plants for a Thriving Garden

Companion planting is naturally pairing plants for a thriving garden. A well-planned garden is more than just a collection of plants, it’s a balanced ecosystem where each plant can support and benefit from its neighbors. Companion planting is a time-tested method that improves plant health, boosts yields, and naturally keeps pests at bay. By choosing the right combinations, you can create a thriving, resilient garden that requires less maintenance and produces better results. 

Best Companion Planting Combinations
By implementing strategic plant combinations, you can enrich different forms of life, control pests naturally, improve soil fertility, and maximize the productivity of your garden. Here are some of my favorite combinations:

Tomatoes & Basil – Basil improves the flavor of tomatoes and repels pests like aphids and hornworms.

Carrots & Onions – Onions deter carrot flies, while carrots help aerate the soil.

Corn, Beans & Squash – Corn provides support for beans, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and squash acts as a living mulch to suppress weeds.

Lettuce & Radishes – Radishes help loosen the soil for lettuce roots, and lettuce shades the radishes to keep them tender.

Cabbage & Dill – Dill attracts beneficial insects and repels cabbage worms.

Marigolds & Almost Anything – Marigolds deter nematodes, aphids, and other pests while adding beauty to the garden. I plant marigolds in all my gardens throughout my yard.

Additional Tips
I plant herbs, tall and flowering plants in all my gardens as well around my yard.  Herbs boost natural fragrances, and flowering plants add beautiful colors. When you plant natural pollinator plants you create a thriving ecosystem that benefits both your garden and the environment.

Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and mint help repel pests and improve the health of many vegetables.

Tall plants like sunflowers or corn can provide natural shade and windbreaks for more delicate crops.

Flowering plants such as nasturtiums and calendula attract pollinators and beneficial insects.

Plants That Shouldn’t Be Planted Together
In Gardens, just as in life, some companions simply don’t work out. There are some plant combinations to avoid because they can be detrimental to the growth of one or each other. Take into consideration a plant’s growth habit, for example overbearing kale plant will heavily compete with humble lettuce when planted too close together.  Here are some plants that should not be planted together.

Tomatoes & Potatoes – They are both prone to blight and can spread diseases to each other.

Beans & Onions – Onions can inhibit the growth of beans.

Carrots & Dill – Dill can stunt carrot growth if planted too close.

Cabbage & Strawberries – They compete for nutrients and attract similar pests.

Companion planting is a simple yet effective way to create a healthier, more productive garden. By pairing plants that support each other, you can naturally deter pests, improve soil health, and maximize your harvest. Whether you're growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, thoughtful planting combinations can make a big difference in your garden’s success. 

Let’s Garden Together, I’m Rooting For You! LeeAnn DeLeo

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