Companion Planting: Grow Smarter, Not Harder
Companion planting is one of those things I kept coming across—plants that help each other when grown nearby. Some attract pollinators, others keep pests away, and some just grow better together. So I started researching, piecing it together bit by bit… and figured I’d share what I’ve found so far.
This post is part cheat sheet, part learning journey. I’ve organized it by flowers, vegetables, fruits, trees, and herbs—with quick notes on which plants pair well (and which ones really don’t). If you’re figuring this out like I am, I hope this helps you plan a healthier, more harmonious garden.
Let’s see what grows.
The Gardener's Wisdom
In the soil, we plant our dreams, And watch as quiet nature beams. Through every season, hope will grow, With every plant, we come to know. The sun will rise, the rain will fall, And teach us patience through it all. In every root, in every leaf, A lesson found in each belief. So tend your garden, small or wide, For in its growth, we too abide. The earth will guide, the sky will show, How gardens teach what we must know. — Unknown
Quick Summary
| Category | Great Companions | Avoid Pairing |
|---|---|---|
|
Flowers |
↑ Veggies (tomatoes, squash), herbs (basil, dill), other flowers (sunflowers) |
↓ Some herbs that overpower, e.g., mint |
|
Vegetables |
↑ Beans & Corn, Tomatoes & Basil, Carrots & Onions |
↓ Onions & Beans, Tomatoes & Brassicas |
|
Fruits |
↑ Borage, Marigolds, Chives, Strawberries and Blueberries |
↓ Cabbage family with strawberries |
|
Trees |
↑ Garlic, Chives, Clover, Chamomile, Comfrey |
↓ Dense grass or overcrowding |
|
Herbs |
↑ Basil & Tomatoes, Thyme & Cabbage, Dill & Brassicas |
↓ Mint near delicate herbs (keep contained) |