Companion Planting Guide for Maximum Harvest

By Lindsay Metternich

Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together to enhance growth, deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and boost flavor. Use this guide to create a thriving, harmonious garden with maximum yield.

🥕 Common Companion Pairings

Plant	Best Companions	Why It Works
Tomatoes	Basil, marigold, carrots, onions, lettuce	Basil repels pests; marigolds deter nematodes; carrots aerate the soil.
Carrots	Onions, leeks, lettuce, tomatoes	Onions mask carrot scent from carrot flies; tomatoes provide shade.
Cucumbers	Beans, corn, peas, sunflowers	Beans add nitrogen; sunflowers provide climbing support.
Peppers	Basil, carrots, onions, spinach	Basil deters aphids; spinach provides ground cover.
Lettuce	Carrots, beets, radishes, strawberries	All benefit from similar watering needs and soil structure.
Broccoli	Onions, beets, celery, chamomile	Chamomile enhances flavor; celery improves spacing.
Corn	Beans, squash, cucumbers, peas	The “Three Sisters” method: beans fix nitrogen, corn provides support, squash shades soil.
Strawberries	Borage, lettuce, spinach, thyme	Borage attracts pollinators; thyme deters worms.
Beans	Corn, cucumbers, radishes, marigolds	Fix nitrogen in the soil and repel beetles.
Zucchini	Nasturtiums, borage, marigolds	Nasturtiums trap pests; borage deters worms and attracts bees.

❌ Plants That Should NOT Be Paired

Avoid Pairing	Because…
Tomatoes & Corn	Both attract the same pests like corn earworm and tomato hornworm.
Onions & Beans/Peas	Onions can stunt legume growth.
Potatoes & Tomatoes	Attract the same blight and pests; compete for nutrients.
Carrots & Dill	Dill can stunt carrot growth and confuse pollination.
Cucumbers & Aromatic Herbs	Strong herbs may overwhelm cucumber flavor and stunt growth.

🌼 Flowers That Help Your Garden

Flower	Benefit
Marigolds	Repel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies
Nasturtiums	Trap aphids, attract pollinators
Borage	Attracts bees, deters worms
Chamomile	Enhances flavor, attracts hoverflies
Calendula	Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects

🐝 Herbs That Protect & Enhance

Herb	Benefit
Basil	Repels flies, mosquitoes, and hornworms (great near tomatoes)
Thyme	Deters cabbage worms and attracts pollinators
Dill	Attracts ladybugs and parasitic wasps; best with cucumbers & corn
Sage	Deters beetles and carrot flies; great with brassicas
Mint	Deters ants, aphids, and flea beetles (contain in pots to control spread)

🌾 Bonus Tips for Success

• Rotate crops yearly to avoid depleting soil nutrients and reduce disease.

• Interplant flowers like marigolds and herbs like basil to act as natural pest control.

• Use tall plants like corn or sunflowers as living trellises for climbers like beans or cucumbers.

• Observe your garden—some companion pairings work better in specific climates or soils.