What Is Companion Planting?

What Is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together for mutual benefit. Some plants encourage growth, deter pests, or improve flavor—while others compete and stunt each other.

I've seen it firsthand in my own garden. One year, I planted basil alongside my tomatoes, and the difference was staggering. The tomatoes grew richer in flavor, and I had fewer hornworms tearing through my crop. That wasn’t luck—it was strategy.

How Companion Planting Works

Some plants attract pollinators, others repel pests, and a few even improve soil conditions. The right combinations create a self-sustaining system where plants help each other thrive.

A classic example is the Three Sisters method, used by Indigenous farmers for centuries: corn provides a natural trellis for beans, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and squash sprawls out to suppress weeds.

Benefits of Companion Planting

• Pest control: Marigolds keep aphids at bay, while chives repel carrot flies. No need for chemical sprays.
• Improved growth: Some plants release compounds that boost their neighbor’s vigor. Borage does wonders for strawberries.
• Better flavor: Basil isn’t just a good match for tomatoes on your plate—it enhances their taste as they grow.
• Efficient space use: Tall plants provide shade for those that need it. Lettuce thrives in the cool shade of towering corn.

Companion planting isn’t a trend—it’s an old-world technique that modern gardeners are rediscovering.

Bad Companions: What to Avoid

Not all plants play nice. Just as some combinations thrive, others feud. Make the wrong pairings, and your garden pays the price.

• Beans and onions? Bad idea. Onions stunt bean growth.
• Tomatoes and potatoes may seem related, but they invite the same blights, doubling your trouble.
• Fennel? It’s the loner of the garden, exuding compounds that inhibit most neighbors.

Quick Companion Pairings

• Carrots + Onions: Onions mask the scent of carrots, confusing carrot flies.
• Tomatoes + Basil: Flavor booster, pest repellent, and a no-brainer combination.
• Corn + Beans + Squash: The ancient Three Sisters technique, still unbeatable.
• Cabbage + Dill: Dill attracts beneficial wasps that prey on cabbage worms.

Putting It Into Practice

Start small. Pick one or two combinations and observe the difference. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you’ll learn more from mistakes than guides.

Some years ago, I planted nasturtiums near my zucchini after reading they repel squash bugs. To my dismay, the bugs came in hordes. Turns out, nasturtiums don’t repel them—they attract them, drawing pests away from more valuable plants. An unexpected lesson, but one I never forgot.

Gardening is half science, half instinct. The more you understand plant relationships, the more you can nudge nature toward abundance. Experiment, observe, and let the plants teach you.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your garden, then companion planting is an excellent way to do so. By choosing the right companion plants for your vegetables, you can increase their growth potential and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, you can create a more attractive garden and attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies. So, what are you waiting for? Start companion planting today and reap the benefits of this ancient practice!