In organic gardening, nature is your best ally. Companion planting is the art of pairing plants that help each other grow—whether by repelling pests, enriching the soil, or boosting pollination. Here are 10 of the best companion plants to create a thriving, chemical-free garden.
🌱 1. Basil + Tomatoes
This dynamic duo isn’t just great in the kitchen! Basil repels aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms while improving tomato flavor and growth.
🌼 2. Marigolds + Almost Everything
Known as the guardian of the garden, marigolds deter nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies. They work well alongside tomatoes, beans, and brassicas.
🥕 3. Carrots + Onions
Onions mask the scent of carrots, confusing carrot root flies. In return, carrots help aerate the soil for onions.
🐞 4. Nasturtiums + Cabbage Family (Broccoli, Kale, etc.)
Nasturtiums attract aphids, acting as a sacrificial plant, and deter cabbage loopers and whiteflies from your brassicas.
🫘 5. Beans + Corn
Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits corn. Corn, in turn, provides a natural trellis for beans to climb.
🌿 6. Chives + Carrots
Chives repel carrot flies and enhance the flavor of carrots. They also bloom early, attracting pollinators.
🌻 7. Sunflowers + Cucumbers
Sunflowers offer shade and a natural trellis for cucumber vines. Their deep roots also draw nutrients up for shallow-rooted neighbors.
🧅 8. Garlic + Roses
Garlic repels aphids and protects roses from fungal infections. Bonus: it can help reduce black spot and mildew.
🥬 9. Lettuce + Radishes
Radishes act as a trap crop for pests like flea beetles, giving lettuce a better chance to grow pest-free.
🌾 10. Dill + Cabbage
Dill attracts beneficial insects like wasps and ladybugs, which feast on cabbage worms and aphids.
🌻 Pro Tip
Avoid pairing plants that compete or attract the same pests. For example, keep onions and beans apart—they inhibit each other’s growth!
Companion planting is a simple, powerful way to grow more naturally. With a little planning, your garden can become a self-sustaining ecosystem of health and harmony. 🌎💚
