Did you know that pairing the right plants together can help you achieve the best crop? Companion planting is a great way of helping your garden thrive. But, you have to pick the right combinations!
Want to give it a try? Here’s all you need to know about companion planting with vegetables and flowers.
What is companion planting?
Companion planting is a gardening method where certain plants are grown together to help one another thrive. By carefully choosing plant combinations, gardeners can naturally improve soil for neighbouring crops, boost growth, deter pests, attract pollinators and make better use of space in the garden.
How does companion planting work?
Companion planting is pretty easy - it’s all about picking plants that compliment each other rather than fight with each other for space or nutrients. There are several factors that make plants good companions such as how they grow (vertically or horizontally), how greedy they are or, how helpful they can be at deterring pests.
Here’s how companion planting works:
1. Companion planting helps pest repel plants
One of the biggest benefits of companion planting is natural pest control. Certain plants release strong scents or chemicals that confuse and deter common garden pests, helping to protect nearby crops without the need for harsh chemicals.
For example, marigolds are often planted near tomatoes and courgettes because their scent can help deter whitefly and aphids. Onions and garlic are commonly used in companion planting to help repel carrot root fly and other insects, while nasturtiums act as a trap crop by attracting aphids away from vegetables.
Companion planting tomatoes with basil is another popular combination, as basil may help deter pests while also making good use of growing space.
Check out our blog on how to prevent slugs and garden pests!
2. Companion planting can attract pollinators
Many companion plants help attract pollinators to the garden such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies. These beneficial insects are essential for pollinating crops to ensure they produce stunning flowers and healthy crops all season, with a little less helping hand!
Some of the best pollinator-friendly flowers are lavender, borage, calendula and cosmos are excellent companion plants because they provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Borage is particularly popular in companion planting strawberries, as it attracts pollinators while adding vibrant colour to the garden.
3. Companion planting improves soil health
Every plant requires different levels of nutrients, so planting two crops together that are both heavy feeders for example, can leave them fighting for nutrients. Alternatively, companion planting can improve soil quality, for example, peas and beans are especially valuable because they help fix nitrogen into the soil, which benefits neighbouring plants that need lots of nutrients to grow.
Companion planting peas with leafy crops or brassicas can naturally improve soil fertility and reduce the need for additional feeds. Deep-rooted plants can also help break up compacted soil and improve drainage, while dense planting helps reduce soil erosion and moisture loss.
Using companion planting as part of an organic gardening approach can lead to healthier soil over time and stronger, more resilient plants.
4. Companion planting can maximise space in the garden
When it comes to growing, whether that’s in the ground or on raised beds, you want to make best use of the space as possible. Companion planting can help with this by providing a useful way of maximising space so you can grow more in the room you have available - this is particularly helpful in smaller gardens!
By pairing plants with different growth habits, gardeners can grow more crops in the same area without overcrowding. For example, tall crops can provide shade for smaller plants, while fast-growing crops can fill gaps between slower-growing vegetables.
The three sisters growing method is a popular technique - this combines sweetcorn, climbing beans and pumpkins or squash together.
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Corn is grown in a grid and provides support for the beans. It provides structure for beans to climb.
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Beans use the corn stalks as a climbing support and stabilise the corn so they don’t snap in the wind! They also fix the nitrogen into the soil and take up space between the corn stems reducing the space available for weeds, which means less work for you!
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Lastly, squash, courgettes, pumpkins or squash block sunlight to the soil and essentially act as a living mulch to minimise moisture loss.
Garden layout companion planting techniques are especially useful in raised beds, where careful spacing and plant combinations can help improve airflow, reduce weeds and increase overall productivity.
What are the benefits of companion planting?
Companion planting offers a wide range of benefits for vegetable gardens, raised beds and allotments. By growing compatible plants together, gardeners can naturally support healthier crops, improve harvests and create a more balanced garden ecosystem.
From reducing pests to attracting pollinators, companion planting is a simple but effective way to garden more sustainably while making the most of your growing space.
1. Natural pest control
Insects are very helpful in the garden, but when they nibble your crops, it can be incredibly frustrating! Although you can eradicate pests completely, you can reduce them naturally through companion planting.
Certain plants release scents that confuse or deter insects, while others act as sacrificial trap crops that lure pests away from valuable vegetables.
For example, marigolds are widely used in companion planting tomatoes because they may help deter aphids and whitefly. Nasturtiums are often planted near brassicas and courgettes to attract aphids away from crops, while onions and garlic can help repel carrot root fly and other pests.
Using companion planting for natural pest control can reduce plant damage and encourage a healthier garden without relying heavily on sprays or pesticides.
2. Better crop growth and yields
Companion planting can also help improve plant growth and increase harvests. Some plants support each other by improving soil nutrients, providing shade or attracting pollinators that boost fruit production.
Companion planting peas is particularly beneficial because peas help fix nitrogen into the soil, which can support nearby leafy vegetables. Tomatoes grown alongside basil are another popular pairing, as the plants grow well together and make efficient use of garden space.
When plants are healthier and less stressed by pests or poor growing conditions, they are more likely to produce stronger growth and better yields throughout the season.
3. Fewer garden chemicals
By encouraging natural pest control and healthier plant growth, companion planting can help reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilisers in the garden.
Many gardeners use companion planting as part of an organic gardening approach, relying on beneficial insects, pollinators and plant pairings instead of synthetic treatments. This can create a safer environment for wildlife, pets and people while helping maintain healthy soil over time.
Reducing chemical use also supports a more eco-friendly garden and encourages a balanced ecosystem where plants and insects can thrive naturally.
4. Improved biodiversity
Companion planting helps create a more diverse and wildlife-friendly garden by encouraging a mix of flowers, herbs, vegetables and beneficial insects.
Planting a variety of crops together attracts a huge range of pollinators. Flowers such as calendula, lavender and borage are excellent additions to companion planting schemes because they provide nectar throughout the growing season.
Improved biodiversity can lead to a stronger and more resilient garden ecosystem, helping plants cope better with pests, disease and changing weather conditions.
5. Weed suppression and shade protection
Carefully planned companion planting can also help suppress weeds and protect vulnerable plants from harsh weather conditions.
Low-growing companion plants spread across the soil surface, helping block sunlight from reaching weed seeds and reducing competition for nutrients and water. Larger plants can also provide shade and shelter for crops that prefer cooler conditions or are prone to drying out.
For example, sprawling courgette leaves can shade the soil and help retain moisture, while taller crops can protect delicate plants from strong summer sun or wind. This layered planting style is especially useful in raised beds and smaller gardens where space needs to be used efficiently.
Companion Planting Chart
Not sure which plants can be grown together? Use our companion planting chart to help you decide which vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers grow well together.
Companion planting tomatoes
Best companion plants for tomatoes
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Basil: Basil is one of the best known companion plants for tomatoes because both plants thrive in warm growing conditions. It may also help deter pests such as aphids and whitefly while attracting pollinators into the garden.
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Marigolds: Marigolds are commonly used in companion planting tomatoes due to their strong scent. They are thought to help repel pests and attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies and ladybirds.
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Lettuce: Lettuce grows well beneath tomato plants because it benefits from partial shade during hot weather. It can also help maximise space and reduce moisture loss from the soil surface.
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Garlic: Garlic is another useful companion plant for tomatoes because its strong scent may help confuse pests. Its upright growth habit also means it can be tucked between tomato plants without taking up too much space.
What not to plant with tomatoes
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Potatoes: Tomatoes and potatoes are both part of the nightshade family, meaning they are vulnerable to similar diseases such as blight. Growing them together can increase the risk of disease spreading through crops.
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Brassicas: Brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower can compete heavily with tomatoes for nutrients and space. These crops also prefer different growing conditions, making them less suitable companions.
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Sweetcorn: Sweetcorn and tomatoes can attract some of the same pests, including caterpillars and certain moth species. Growing them together may increase pest problems in the vegetable garden.
Companion planting potatoes
Best companion plants for potatoes
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Beans: Beans can help improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen into the soil, which may benefit nearby potato plants.
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Horseradish: Horseradish is traditionally grown near potatoes because it is thought to help deter potato pests and improve disease resistance.
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Cabbage: Cabbage and other brassicas can grow well alongside potatoes when given enough space and good airflow.
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Marigolds: Marigolds may help repel pests while attracting pollinators and beneficial insects into the vegetable garden.
What not to plant with potatoes
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Tomatoes: Tomatoes and potatoes are both prone to blight, so planting them together can increase the risk of disease spreading.
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Cucumbers: Cucumbers may compete heavily with potatoes for nutrients and moisture in the soil.
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Pumpkins: Pumpkins are sprawling plants that can overcrowd potato beds and compete for space.
Companion planting corn
Best companion plants for corn
Beans: Beans naturally climb corn stalks while helping improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen.
Squash: Squash plants spread across the soil surface, helping retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pumpkins: Pumpkins work similarly to squash by shading the soil and reducing weed growth.
Cucumbers: Cucumbers can grow well near corn because they benefit from similar warm growing conditions.
What not to plant with corn
Tomatoes: Tomatoes and corn can attract similar pests, including caterpillars and corn earworm.
Celery: Celery may compete with corn for nutrients and moisture.
Fennel: Fennel is generally considered a poor companion plant because it can inhibit the growth of nearby vegetables.
Companion planting peas
Best companion plants for peas
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Carrots: Carrots grow well with peas because they make efficient use of space and enjoy similar growing conditions.
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Radishes: Radishes are quick-growing crops that fit well between rows of peas and help maximise harvests.
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Lettuce: Lettuce benefits from the partial shade created by pea plants during warmer weather.
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Spinach: Spinach grows well alongside peas and can help create a productive mixed vegetable bed.
What not to plant with peas
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Onions: Onions can inhibit the growth of peas and are usually best planted elsewhere in the garden.
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Garlic: Garlic may interfere with pea growth due to the natural compounds it releases into the soil.
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Shallots: Shallots belong to the allium family and are generally not recommended near peas or beans.
Companion planting courgette
Best companion plants for courgette
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Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums attract pollinators and can act as a trap crop by drawing aphids away from courgette plants.
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Marigolds: Marigolds may help deter pests while attracting beneficial insects into the garden.
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Beans: Beans can improve soil fertility by adding nitrogen, which may support healthy courgette growth.
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Sweetcorn: Sweetcorn can provide light shelter from wind while helping maximise space in the vegetable patch.
What not to plant with courgette
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Potatoes: Potatoes and courgettes are both heavy feeders that compete for nutrients and space.
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Cucumbers: Cucumbers may compete with courgettes for water and nutrients due to their similar growth habits.
Companion planting onions
Best companion plants for onions
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Carrots: Onions may help deter carrot root fly, making carrots one of the best companion plants for onions.
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Beetroot: Beetroot grows well alongside onions and makes efficient use of garden space.
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Strawberries: Strawberries can benefit from being planted near onions because their scent may help deter pests.
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Lettuce: Lettuce is shallow-rooted and grows well between rows of onions.
What not to plant with onions
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Peas: Peas generally do not grow well near onions because onions can inhibit their growth.
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Beans: Beans may struggle when planted close to onions or other alliums.
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Asparagus: Onions can compete with asparagus for nutrients and may slow growth.
Best flowers for companion planting
Companion planting doesn’t have to be with crops, you can also pair flowers with veg too. Adding flowers to vegetable beds, raised planters and allotments can help create a healthier and more productive growing space.
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Marigolds: One of the most popular flowers for companion planting thanks to their strong scent and bright blooms. They are often planted near tomatoes, courgettes and beans to help attract beneficial insects and may help deter pests such as aphids and whitefly.
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Nasturtiums: Widely used as trap crops because they attract aphids away from vegetables. Their colourful flowers are also highly attractive to bees and pollinators, making them ideal for companion planting in vegetable gardens.
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Calendula: Flowers attract hoverflies, bees and ladybirds into the garden. They are easy to grow and provide long-lasting colour while supporting biodiversity and natural pest control.
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Lavender: Excellent for attracting bees and butterflies into the garden. Its strong fragrance may also help deter certain pests, while its purple flowers add colour and structure to borders and raised beds.
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Borage: One of the best flowers for companion planting strawberries and tomatoes because it attracts pollinators and beneficial insects. Its blue star-shaped flowers are especially popular with bees during summer.
Companion planting mistakes to avoid
Trying something new like companion planting can be highly effective, but there are some common mistakes that may reduce its benefits or lead to poor plant growth. Here are some things to be mindful of:
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Overcrowding plants: Packing too many crops together can reduce airflow, increase disease risk and limit plant growth.
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Ignoring plant spacing: Even compatible plants still need enough room for roots, sunlight and airflow.
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Planting crops with similar diseases together: Tomatoes and potatoes, for example, are both prone to blight and are best kept apart.
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Mixing plants with different growing needs: Some crops prefer dry conditions while others need consistent moisture, making them unsuitable companions.
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Forgetting crop rotation: Companion planting works best when combined with crop rotation to maintain healthy soil and reduce disease build-up.
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Relying only on companion planting: Companion planting can support healthier crops, but good watering, feeding and garden maintenance are still important.
Companion planting FAQs
Does companion planting really work?
Companion planting has been used for centuries and many gardeners find it beneficial for attracting pollinators, reducing pests and improving garden productivity. While results can vary depending on conditions, it is widely used as part of organic gardening methods.
Can companion planting reduce pests?
Certain plants may help deter pests naturally through strong scents or by attracting beneficial insects such as hoverflies and ladybirds.
What is the easiest companion planting combination for beginners?
Tomatoes and basil are one of the easiest and most popular companion planting combinations for beginners because they thrive in similar conditions and are simple to grow together.
Can companion planting be used in pots and raised beds?
Yes, companion planting works well in containers, raised beds and small gardens. Choosing compact crops and compatible plants can help maximise growing space.
Is companion planting suitable for organic gardening?
Companion planting is commonly used in organic gardening because it encourages natural pest control, pollination and biodiversity without relying heavily on chemicals.