If you want your garden to thrive naturally without relying heavily on chemicals, companion planting is the way to go.
This age-old gardening practice pairs plants together for mutual benefits—boosting growth, repelling pests, attracting pollinators, and even improving flavor.
To make things easier, we’ve created a companion planting chart that you can follow when planning your vegetable garden.
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the strategic placement of different crops close to each other to maximize their natural advantages.
Some plants deter harmful insects, others enrich the soil with nutrients, and a few simply grow better side by side.
For example, tomatoes and basil are a classic pairing—basil enhances tomato flavor and helps repel pests like aphids and mosquitoes.
Benefits of Using a Companion Planting Chart
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Pest Control – Certain plants emit strong scents or chemicals that deter harmful insects.
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Better Growth – Some plants provide shade, structure, or nutrients that their companions need.
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Soil Health – Beans and peas fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for heavy feeders like corn.
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Space Efficiency – You can maximize small garden spaces by growing plants that complement each other.
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Natural Pollination Boost – Flowers like marigolds and nasturtiums attract bees and butterflies.
Also Check: Veggie Garden Layout
Companion Planting Chart (Vegetables & Herbs)
Here’s a quick-reference companion planting chart to guide your garden layout:
| Plant | Good Companions | Plants to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Basil, onions, carrots, marigolds | Corn, potatoes, fennel |
| Carrots | Tomatoes, lettuce, chives, peas | Dill, parsnips |
| Cabbage (and brassicas) | Onions, garlic, dill, potatoes | Strawberries, tomatoes |
| Cucumbers | Beans, peas, radishes, marigolds | Sage, potatoes |
| Beans (bush & pole) | Corn, cucumbers, carrots | Onions, garlic |
| Corn | Beans, squash, cucumbers | Tomatoes |
| Peppers | Basil, carrots, onions, spinach | Beans |
| Potatoes | Beans, corn, cabbage, marigolds | Tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkin |
| Lettuce | Carrots, radishes, strawberries | Cabbage, parsley |
| Onions & Garlic | Beets, carrots, lettuce, strawberries | Beans, peas |
| Squash & Zucchini | Corn, beans, nasturtiums | Potatoes |
| Spinach | Radishes, strawberries, peas | Potatoes |
| Radishes | Spinach, lettuce, cucumbers | Hyssop |
| Herbs (Basil, Dill, Mint, Chives) | Most vegetables (especially tomatoes & carrots) | Fennel (don’t plant near anything) |
✅ Tip: Fennel is the “loner” of the garden—avoid planting it with almost everything since it releases substances that stunt nearby growth.
How to Use This Chart
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Plan Before You Plant – Sketch your garden layout and position plants based on compatibility.
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Rotate Crops Annually – Don’t plant the same crops in the same spot each year to avoid soil depletion.
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Mix Flowers and Vegetables – Marigolds, nasturtiums, and calendula not only add beauty but also repel pests.
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Think Vertical – Use tall plants (like corn or sunflowers) to provide shade for tender crops like lettuce.
Common Companion Planting Combinations
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The Three Sisters (Corn, Beans, Squash): A Native American technique—corn provides support, beans fix nitrogen, and squash shades the soil to reduce weeds.
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Tomatoes & Basil: Basil repels insects and enhances tomato flavor.
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Cabbage & Dill: Dill deters cabbage worms while cabbage provides ground cover.
Final Thoughts
Using a companion planting chart takes the guesswork out of gardening.
By placing the right plants together, you’ll naturally encourage healthier growth, fewer pests, and a more abundant harvest.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, companion planting is one of the easiest ways to make your garden more productive and eco-friendly.
