Companion Planting in Your Vegetable Garden

Veggies need companionship too!

It may be chilly outside but now is the perfect time to plan your garden!   With just a little careful thought, you can ensure that you have a successful organic garden this spring, summer and fall.  One of the methods we've found indispensable in organic gardening is known as companion planting. 

When done correctly, companion planting can help repel pests without harmful chemicals and fortify the soil naturally.  This sounds great, right?  You may think that companion planting sounds like a lot of work.   In truth, companion planting is easy to do and the rewards are well worth the small amount of time it takes to plan. 

Companion Planting Guide

There are many resources both in the library and online that you can utilize when companion planting but for your convenience,  I've included a basic list of what to and what NOT to plant together in your garden.

Vegetable            Likes                          Doesn't Do Well With  
Asparagus         Parsley, Tomatoes                  -------

Beans (Bush)    Beets, Carrots,           Fennel, Garlic, Onions
                       Cucumbers,Marigolds,                
                       Potatoes
 
Beans (Pole)     Marigolds, Radishes         Garlic, Onions

Cabbage Family  Beets, Celery, Corn, Dill ,    Fennel, Pole Beans,
                       Onions,Sage, Sunflowers    Tomatoes

Cantaloupe        Corn, Sunflowers                  Potatoes

Carrots            Lettuce (Leaf), Parsley,           Dill
                        Tomatoes

Corn               Beans, Cucumbers, Peas,     ------
                     Potatoes, Pumpkins,
                     Squash

Cucumbers     Beans, Cabbage, Corn,     Potatoes
                      Peas,Radishes

Eggplant          Beans                                  Potatoes

Lettuce           Carrots, Cucumbers,         -------
                     Onions,Radishes

Onions            Beats, Cabbage, Lettuce,    ------
                      Tomatoes

Peas                 Beans, Carrots, Corn,      Garlic, Onions
                      Cucumbers, Potatoes,
                      Radishes, Turnips

Potatoes            Beans, Cabbage,           Sunflowers
                      Corn, Marigolds,Peas

Pumpkins         Corn                              Potatoes

Radishes          Beets, Carrots, Spinach     -------

Turnips             Peas                                 --------

Squash             Radishes                         --------

Tomatoes         Asparagus, Basil,         Cabbage, Fennel,
                       Garlic,Marigolds,              Potatoes
                       Parsley

In no way is this list complete.  I'm sure there are many more plants that can be beneficial to each other but I believe it will give you a good start with common vegetables you can grow in your home garden. 

Companion plants can be often grown intertwined in the same beds for maximum benefit.   For example, we have grown carrots in the "wasted" empty space around our tomato plants.  Just take a little time to think about the space that you have and the light needs your plants will have.    Sun loving plants such as tomatoes can often shelter plants that need a little more shade. 

Much like people, plants sharing a small space can bring out the best or the worst in each other.  So choose your plants "roommates" wisely.  They will be happier and healthier for it!

Happy planning!