Use Our Companion Planting Chart to Grow a Thriving Vegetable Garden (2024)

Companion Plants That Deter Pests

Hungry wildlife and pests are a problem you'll likely encounter in your garden, but companion planting can help you limit this concern. "Often, pests find pungent odors unappealing—therefore, place herbs and other strong-smelling plants nearby," says Adrienne R. Roethling, the director of curation and mission delivery at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden. Rub the leaves of your herbs often to encourage them to release their natural scent.

Marigolds are also effective at deterring pests, especially when paired with herbs. "One great example of companion planting is the combination of marigolds and basil with tomatoes," says Spoonemore. "The marigolds can help repel pests like aphids, while the basil can enhance the flavor of the tomatoes."

The following plants are often used to deter pests in gardens:

• Basil
• Cilantro
• Marigolds
• Lavender
• Chrysanthemums
• Sage
• Thyme
• Petunias

Companion Plants That Provide Shade

One way to practice companion planting is by growing taller, fuller plants next to ones that require shade. "Companion plants that provide shade can help reduce sun exposure, which can be beneficial for some plants that prefer cooler climates or need protection from the heat," says Spoonemore. "Shading plants can also act as natural mulch, helping keep the soil moist and reducing evaporation." What's more, shading plants can help you prolong the growing season of some cool-season plants into summer by protecting them from hot afternoon sun.

Plants with an upright growing pattern will typically offer coverage for low-growing plants. The following plants are often used to provide shade:

• Parsley
• Borage
• Yarrow
• Cosmos
• Scarlet sage
• Garden phlox
• Coneflower

Companion Plants That Attract Pollinators

Flowers with showy blooms are key if you want to attract pollinators to your yard. "Companion plants that encourage pollinators are essential because they attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden," says Spoonemore. "These insects help pollinate plants, increasing yields and creating a healthier ecosystem."

While you likely don't have a problem attracting pollinators if you have a flower garden, vegetable plants can benefit from some help. "Vegetable plants in the solanum family—tomatoes, peppers and eggplants—have small flowers often hidden in the foliage," says Roethling. "But adding brightly colored flowers nearby will attract the pollinators. Most pollinators see blobs, so the more color, the better."

Most flowers will attract pollinators, but these are some commonly used varieties:

• Bee balm
• Lavender
• Sunflowers
• Zinnias
• Cosmos
• Marigolds
• Violas

Common Companion Planting Mistakes

There are a few common mistakes gardeners encounter when companion planting—and they can cause unintended stress on your plants. First, avoid choosing plants with competing root systems, as this can inhibit growth overall. Additionally, don't forget to think about each plant's growth habits. "Consider plant height and size to make sure plants have enough room to grow," says Spoonemore.

Another common oversight is planting incompatible plants too close together. "It's crucial to remember that plants can have friends and foes," says Spoonemore. Always check to make sure plants are compatible before planting them next to one another.