Did you know tomatoes grow better with basil, while carrots thrive near onions? Find the perfect plant pairs! Companion gardening brings plants together that help make each other more successful and keep away pests. A companion gardening chart simplifies planning, maximizes space, and cuts pesticide use. In this guide, we’ll share why it works, a printable chart, pest-specific tips, and small-space hacks.
Why Companion Gardening Works
How Plants Help Each Other
Plants team up in amazing ways. Marigolds repel nematodes, protecting nearby roots. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, feeding hungry corn. These partnerships boost growth, deter pests, and create a balanced garden ecosystem.
Science-Backed Companion Gardening Chart Benefits
There are studies suggesting adding companion gardening charts to a crop field may boost yields as much as 30%. Using suitable plants together helps limit pest damage, which means less need for chemicals. Season extension helps to grow more food using less energy and fewer resources.
Printable Companion Gardening Chart
Vegetable Companion Gardening Chart
| Plant | ✓ Best Pairs | ✗ Avoid | ➔ Helps |
| Tomatoes | Basil, Marigolds | Cabbage, Potatoes | Carrots |
| Carrots | Onions, Leeks | Dill, Parsnips | Tomatoes |
| Cucumbers | Nasturtiums, Beans | Potatoes, Sage | Lettuce |
| Beans | Corn, Squash | Onions, Garlic | Tomatoes |
| Lettuce | Radishes, Chives | Celery, Parsley | Cucumbers |
Herb & Flower Allies
Some of the best plants for keeping pests away are:
- Plant marigolds to keep nematodes and aphids away.
- Plant Nasturtiums to keep whiteflies away and guard cucumbers.
- Basil enhances tomatoes and helps ward off flies, too.
- Mint prevents ants from coming, but because mint spreads easily, it should be grown in containers.
Planting chives around plants such as lettuce and roses keeps aphids away.
The Three Sisters Combo: Corn, Beans, and Squash.
It is difficult to find an engineer who can beat this team of Native Americans. Beans use the corn stalks to climb. Beans play a role in making the soil healthier with nitrogen. Squash helps to darken the soil, which hinders weed growth and keeps it moist. Mixing plants in a bed will give you better results with less work
Pest-Specific Defender Plants
Natural Pest Control Partners
Pair plants to fight pests naturally:
| Pest | Plant That Repels It | Protects |
| Aphids | Nasturtiums, Chives | Cucumbers, Fruit Trees |
| Carrot Flies | Rosemary, Onions | Carrots, Parsnips |
| Japanese Beetles | Garlic, Marigolds | Roses, Grapes |
| Squash Bugs | Nasturtiums, Mint | Squash, Zucchini |
Trap Cropping Guide
According to the companion gardening chart, use trap crops to lure pests away. Plant radishes near eggplant to attract flea beetles. Nasturtiums draw aphids, sparing your veggies. Remove trap crops when infested to keep pests under control.
Plants That Hate Each Other
Common Toxic Pairings
Some plants harm each other. Keep tomatoes away from potatoes—both catch blight easily. Beans and onions don’t mix; onions stunt bean growth. Space these apart to avoid weak plants or low yields. Mention this in your companion gardening chart.
The Allelopathy Effect
Some plants release chemicals that hurt their neighbors. Sunflowers, for example, secrete substances that slow potato growth. Avoid planting them together. Check allelopathic plants in your companion gardening chart, like black walnut or fennel, before planning your garden.
Using Your Companion Gardening Chart
Small Space Hacks
Maximize space by interplanting. Grow fast-growing lettuce between slow-growing tomatoes. Use vertical trellises for cucumbers or beans to save ground space. Companion planting fits perfectly in raised beds or containers.
Succession Planting with Companion Gardening Chart
Keep your garden productive. After harvesting garlic in summer, plant nitrogen-loving cabbage in the same spot. Sow radishes early, then replace with peppers. Use your chart to pair successors with compatible neighbors.
Use the Companion Gardening Chart Now!
A companion gardening chart makes gardening easier and more productive. Pair tomatoes with basil, carrots with onions, or try the Three Sisters for big harvests. Avoid toxic combos like beans and onions. Use our chart to plan a pest-free, thriving garden. Right plant + right neighbor = bigger harvests with less work!