Companion Planting Guide

Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together for mutual benefits. These benefits include pest control (some plants repel insects that harm others), improved pollination, better nutrient use, and space efficiency. For example, basil planted near tomatoes may repel aphids and improve tomato flavor, while marigolds deter many common garden pests.

Yes, companion planting works in containers when you choose compatible plants with similar water, sun, and nutrient needs. Container companion planting requires more careful selection because soil volume is limited. Focus on pairing plants with different root depths and complementary sizes to maximize space without overcrowding.

Great container combinations include: tomatoes + basil + marigolds (classic pest-control trio), lettuce + radishes + chives (different maturity times maximize harvests), peppers + basil + nasturtiums (similar care needs), and cucumber + bush beans + marigolds (beans fix nitrogen for cucumbers). Always match water and sun requirements.

Avoid planting: fennel with any other plants (inhibits most growth), mint with other herbs (too aggressive), tomatoes with brassicas like kale or cabbage (stunt each other), onions/garlic with beans or peas (inhibit legume growth), and rosemary with basil (opposite water needs). Also keep potatoes away from tomatoes as they share diseases.

In containers, companion plants should be 4-8 inches apart for small plants (herbs, lettuce) and 12-18 inches for larger plants (tomatoes, peppers). Ensure each plant has 50-75% of its normal spacing requirements. Don't overcrowd - it leads to poor air circulation, disease, and weak growth.

Top pest-control companions include: marigolds (repel aphids, whiteflies, nematodes), basil (deters tomato hornworms, aphids, mosquitoes), nasturtiums (trap crop for aphids, deter cucumber beetles), chives and garlic (repel aphids, Japanese beetles), and cilantro (attracts beneficial predatory insects when flowering).