Companion Planting: Which Plants Help Each Other
In nature, nothing grows alone. The right plant combinations can, in gardeners’ experience, promote growth, reduce pests and improve the soil.
The Three Sisters
The world's best-known companion planting comes from North America: corn + beans + squash.
- Corn grows tall and gives the beans something to climb
- Beans fix nitrogen from the air and fertilize the soil
- Squash shades the soil with its large leaves, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds
More Proven Combinations
| Plant | Good Neighbors | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Basil, carrot, parsley | Fennel, kohlrabi |
| Carrot | Onions, leeks, lettuce | Large amounts of dill |
| Cabbage | Celery, dill, chamomile | Tomato, strawberry |
| Cucumber | Dill, bush beans | Tomato, sage |
Marigolds – the Universal Companion
Plant marigolds (Tagetes) next to almost anything: they are said to keep nematodes, whitefly and aphids away. Especially valuable next to tomatoes in the greenhouse.