Companion planting is the strategic pairing of plants to improve growth, deter pests, and enhance garden productivity. By placing specific plants near one another, you can naturally boost soil health, attract pollinators, and reduce the need for chemical interventions.
In this guide, you’ll discover the most effective companion planting combinations and how they work together in your home garden.
1. Tomatoes + Basil + Marigolds
This is one of the most classic and powerful companion groupings in the garden.
Why It Works:
- Basil improves tomato flavor and helps repel pests like whiteflies and aphids
- Marigolds deter nematodes and attract beneficial insects
- Tomatoes benefit from the insect-repelling aroma of both companions
Plant basil near tomato stems and marigolds along the bed borders.
2. Carrots + Onions
Root crops that support each other underground.
Why It Works:
- Onions repel carrot flies
- Carrots help loosen soil for onions
- Both can grow close together without competing for space
This duo is ideal for tight rows in raised beds.
3. Corn + Beans + Squash (The Three Sisters)
An ancient Native American method of companion planting.
Why It Works:
- Corn provides vertical support for climbing beans
- Beans fix nitrogen in the soil to feed corn and squash
- Squash shades the soil, reducing weeds and conserving moisture
This trio creates a self-supporting mini-ecosystem.
4. Cucumbers + Nasturtiums + Radishes
Cucumbers benefit from pest-repelling and space-sharing partners.
Why It Works:
- Nasturtiums deter cucumber beetles and aphids
- Radishes can trap pests away from cucumbers
- The flowers attract pollinators, improving fruit yield
Interplant for a beautiful and functional garden bed.
5. Lettuce + Chives + Carrots
A cool-weather combination perfect for spring and fall gardening.
Why It Works:
- Chives repel aphids and add height variation
- Carrots grow below the soil, maximizing space
- Lettuce benefits from the shade provided by taller plants
These plants thrive together without overcrowding.
6. Peppers + Oregano + Onions
A pest-deterring powerhouse with strong scents.
Why It Works:
- Oregano acts as ground cover and repels pests
- Onions deter aphids and caterpillars
- Peppers benefit from reduced competition and better air circulation
This combination helps minimize the use of sprays.
7. Broccoli + Dill + Beets
A trio that balances soil use and pest control.
Why It Works:
- Dill attracts beneficial wasps and butterflies
- Beets occupy lower soil levels, not competing with broccoli
- Broccoli benefits from improved pollination and fewer pests
Allow dill to flower for maximum benefits.
8. Strawberries + Spinach + Borage
A surprising combination for cool-season success.
Why It Works:
- Spinach grows fast and helps retain soil moisture
- Borage attracts bees and repels worms
- Strawberries spread as ground cover, benefiting from borage’s protection
Perfect for containers or small raised beds.
9. Cabbage + Thyme + Garlic
A natural way to fight cabbage moths and root maggots.
Why It Works:
- Thyme masks the scent of cabbage from flying pests
- Garlic repels aphids and fungal diseases
- Cabbage grows well with bulb crops due to root separation
Ideal for organic pest control gardens.
10. Zucchini + Nasturtiums + Calendula
A flowering combo that keeps zucchini healthy and productive.
Why It Works:
- Nasturtiums trap aphids and squash bugs
- Calendula attracts ladybugs and other predators
- Zucchini appreciates the shade and moisture conservation
Let calendula go to seed to increase diversity in your garden.
Tips for Successful Companion Planting
- Avoid overcrowding: Give each plant space to grow
- Rotate crops each season: Prevents soil-borne diseases
- Group by similar water and sunlight needs
- Track what works in your garden journal
Every garden is different—trial and error will help you refine your combinations over time.
Plants That Don’t Get Along (To Avoid)
Not all plants make good neighbors. Keep these apart:
- Onions and beans: Onions stunt bean growth
- Tomatoes and corn: Compete for resources and attract similar pests
- Potatoes and cucumbers: Increase risk of blight
- Fennel and most herbs: Fennel inhibits nearby plant growth
Use borders or separate beds if you must grow conflicting plants.
Conclusion: Let Nature Do the Work
Companion planting is an ancient technique backed by science and observation. By choosing the right combinations, you can reduce pests, improve yields, and create a thriving ecosystem in your own backyard.
Work with nature—not against it—and your garden will thank you.
