Ultimate Companion Planting Chart for 2024 Based on Evidence, Recent Research and Actual Experience

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves growing different plants in close together to benefit each other in various ways.

It can enhance growth, deter pests, and improve soil health, creating a symbiotic relationship that leads to healthier and more productive gardens.

In this no-fluff and super actionable article we will explore the benefits of specific companion planting combinations, 3 different charts that show exactly which plants fit well together, and a bunch of important information you as a gardener need to know, backed by scientific studies and our practical observations.

Here are 6 most common companions:

1. Lettuce with peas

2. Carrots with rosemary

3. Broccoli with celery

4. Marigolds with peppers

5. Blueberries with strawberries

What Exactly is Companion Planting?

Companion planting involves strategically planting different plants, fruits, flowers and vegetables together so that the plants benefit from each other to create a beneficial relationship.

Certain plants can enhance the growth of others through various mechanisms such as pest control, improved nutrient uptake, and better pollination.

For example, research published in the Journal of Chemical Ecology has shown that certain plants release chemicals through their roots or foliage that can repel pests or attract beneficial insects. (1) These natural chemicals, known as allelochemicals, can significantly reduce pest populations without the need for synthetic pesticides. (2)

Benefits of Planting Vegetables, Fruits and Flowers Together

One of the primary benefits of companion planting is natural pest control. For instance, marigolds are known to secrete a substance called thiophene, which has been proven to deter nematodes and other soil-borne pests. A study from the American Society for Horticultural Science confirmed that marigolds planted among vegetable crops reduced nematode damage by up to 90%.

Similarly, basil has been shown to repel whiteflies, mosquitoes, and spider mites, enhancing the growth and health of nearby plants no matter whether container plants or other herbal plants.

Companion planting also improves soil health and nutrient uptake. Leguminous plants are well-known for their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, making it available for other plants. This symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria benefits crops like corn and spinach, which have high nitrogen requirements.

Enhancing pollination and biodiversity is another key benefit. Planting flowers among vegetable crops attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Research published in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that gardens with diverse plantings had significantly higher pollinator activity, which directly correlated with increased fruit set and yield. (1) Additionally, these flowers can attract predatory insects that help control pest populations.

Companion Planting Chart for Plants and Veggies to Plant in 2024

Here is the great companion planting chart that features the most common plants and vegetables, their companions, and why they work in all types of gardening conditions based on recent studies, our first-hand gardening experience, and other highly trusted resources:

Garlic and onions protect beets from borers and cutworms with their strong aroma. Brassicas and bush beans help manage pests and improve soil quality, while lettuce provides ground cover to retain moisture.

The Science Behind Companion Planting

Companion planting is rooted in ecological science, no matter whether you plant annuals or herbs together. Certain plants produce chemicals that can either attract beneficial insects or repel harmful pests. Intercropping systems can reduce pest incidence by up to 50%, primarily due to these biochemical interactions.

Moreover, after planting and growing hundreds of plants together we experienced that plants like vegetables engage in symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enriching the soil for nearby plants, like already said before, remember?

5 Companion Gardening Tips From Our Specialists

1. Know Your Plant's Needs

Understanding the specific requirements of each plant, including soil type, water needs, and sunlight preferences is based on our experience always the best, this also applies to caring for your garden plants or perennials and growing your own herbs from seeds.

2. Plant A Wide Array of Plants

Create a biodiverse garden to reduce pest infestation and improve pollination like it happened in our garden.

3. Rotation and Planning

Ideally, rotate your crops yearly to prevent soil depletion and reduce disease risk.

4. Use Living Mulch (Ground Cover Plants) for Empty Spaces

Use ground-cover plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds naturally.

5. Observe and Adjust

Regularly monitor plant health and pest activity, and adjust your plant combinations as needed.

• Garlic

• Onions

• Brassicas

• Bush Beans

• Lettuce

Beets

Eggplant

Lettuce

Peas

Radicchio

• Marigolds

• Beans

• Peppers

• Basil

• Tomatoes

Marigolds deter nematodes and other soil pests, protecting eggplant roots. Peppers share similar growing conditions, and basil repels pests while attracting pollinators.

Beets add minerals to the soil, improving the growth of radicchio. Endive helps deter pests. Carrots help aerate the soil, lettuce provides ground cover to retain moisture, and onions deter pests with their strong aroma.

Alyssum attracts beneficial insects, and mint improves health and flavor. Carrots aerate the soil, chives deter aphids, and lettuce provides ground cover.

• Chives

• Radishes

• Onions

• Oregano

• Peas

• Beets

• Endive

• Carrots

• Lettuce

• Onions

• Alyssum

• Mint

• Carrot

• Chives

• Lettuce

• Celery

• Nasturtiums

• Dill

• Hyssop

• Beans

• Strawberries

• Peas

• Beans

• Cilantro

• Eggplant

• Peppers

• Basil

• Cucumbers

• Nasturtiums

• Marigolds

• Garlic

• Sage

• Dill

• Hyssop

• Marigolds

• Calendula

• Petunias

• Tomatoes

• Basil

• Marigolds

• Marigolds

• Radishes

• Beans

• Peas

• Nasturtiums

• Chives

• Leeks

• Rosemary

• Sage

• Peas

Peppers share similar growing conditions, and basil repels pests while attracting pollinators. Cucumbers provide shade, and nasturtiums and marigolds protect against pests, enhancing okra growth.

Calendula, petunias, and tomatoes deter asparagus beetles, while basil repels pests and attracts pollinators. Marigolds deter nematodes.

Celery improves soil structure, and nasturtiums deter pests. Dill attracts beneficial insects, hyssop repels cabbage moths, and beans fix nitrogen in the soil.

Chives deter aphids, and radishes act as a trap crop for flea beetles. Onions mask the scent to deter pests, oregano provides general pest protection, and peas enrich the soil with nitrogen.

Garlic repels pests with its odor, and sage deters cabbage moths. Dill attracts beneficial insects, hyssop enhances cabbage health, and marigolds deter nematodes and other pests.

Chives improve growth and deter pests, and leeks repel flying insects. Rosemary and sage deter carrot flies, and peas enrich the soil with nitrogen.

Marigolds deter nematodes, and radishes repel cucumber beetles. Beans fix nitrogen, peas improve soil structure, and nasturtiums deter bad insects.

We saw that strawberries provide ground cover, and peas and beans fix nitrogen. Cilantro repels pests, and eggplant provides shade.

Okra

Radishes

Carrots

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Broccoli

Asparagus

Spinach

Sweet Potatoes

Swiss Chard

Peppers

Watermelon

We experienced that basil repels whiteflies and attracts pollinators, and oregano and marjoram have protective qualities. Onions and garlic repel pests with their strong aroma.

Parsley improves the growth and flavor of tomatoes, attracts beneficial insects to roses, onions deter pests, beans and peas fix nitrogen, and garlic repels pests with its strong aroma, promoting parsley health.

Beans fix nitrogen, and alyssum attracts beneficial insects. Corn provides shade, marigolds deter nematodes, and radishes repel pests.

Nasturtiums deter squash beetles, oregano provides general pest protection, beans fix nitrogen, marigolds deter nematodes, and buckwheat attracts beneficial insects, enhancing winter squash growth and health.

Basil repels whiteflies and attracts bees, and borage repels hornworms. Calendula deters garden pests, dill supports parasitic wasps, and garlic repels pests with its strong aroma.

Oregano has insecticidal properties, and planting with other brassicas allows for easier pest management. Celery improves soil structure, nasturtiums deter pests, and beans fix nitrogen.

Carrots help aerate the soil, and lettuce provides ground cover. When we planted these together we experienced that Onions deter pests, and beans and peas fix nitrogen.

Chervil improves growth and flavor, and nasturtiums act as a trap crop. Peas fix nitrogen, lettuce provides ground cover, and carrots help aerate the soil.

• Basil

• Oregano

• Marjoram

• Onions

• Garlic

• Beans

• Alyssum

• Corn

• Marigolds

• Radishes

• Chervil

• Nasturtiums

• Peas

• Lettuce

• Carrots

• Nasturtiums

• Oregano

• Beans

• Marigolds

• Buckwheat

• Carrots

• Lettuce

• Onions

• Beans

• Peas

• Basil

• Borage

• Calendula

• Dill

• Garlic

• Oregano

• Other

• Brassicas

• Celery

• Nasturtiums

• Beans

Winter Squash

Tomatoes

Parsley

• Beans (pole)

• Sunflowers

• Cucumbers

• Dill

• Peas

• Nasturtiums

• Radishes

• Dill

• Oregano

• Sunflowers

• Beans

• Calendula

• Horseradish

• Cilantro

• Tansy

• Buckwheat

• Nasturtiums

• Oregano

• Radishes

• Tomatoes

• Roses

• Onions

• Beans

• Peas

• Garlic

Corn

Potatoes

Zucchini

Cucumbers

Pole beans add nitrogen to the soil, sunflowers provide structure and wind protection, cucumbers provide ground cover, dill deters pests, and peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, which promotes healthier corn growth.

When we grew cucumbers multiple times we found that nasturtiums deter aphids, beetles, and bugs, radishes repel cucumber beetles, oregano and dill deter pests, and sunflowers attract beneficial insects.

Beans improve the size of potato tubers through enhanced nitrogen fixation. Calendula, horseradish, and cilantro deter Colorado potato beetles, and tansy deters various pests.

Buckwheat attracts pest predators, nasturtiums deter aphids and beetles, oregano provides general pest protection, marigolds deter nematodes, and radishes repel pests, enhancing zucchini growth and health.

Flower Companion Cart for Marigolds, Lavender, Roses and Many More

Companion planting with flowers is a unique and aesthetically pleasing way to enhance garden health and productivity while maintaining and growing your favorite flowers from seed or transplanting them into your garden.

Unlike vegetable companion planting, which primarily focuses on mutual benefits between food crops, flower companion planting focuses more on pest control, pollination, and overall garden biodiversity.

We experienced that incorporating flowers into your garden not only improves the ecosystem but also adds vibrant colors and scents that can make gardening a more enjoyable and visually appealing hobby.

In this chart are the 10 most common flowers and their companion plants:

Garlic and chives repel aphids while marigolds deter nematodes; together they enhance rose health by reducing pest stress.

• Garlic

• Chives

• Marigolds

• Sage

• Lavender

Roses

Sunflowers

Zinnias

Nasturtiums

Marigolds

• Cucumbers

• Corn

• Peppers

• Melons

• Lettuce

We experienced that sunflowers provide shade and attract pollinators, benefiting cucumbers and melons; they also act as windbreaks for taller crops.

After testing these companions ourselves we saw that marigolds deter nematodes and attract beneficial insects, which enhances the growth and health of tomatoes, beans, and onions.

Nasturtiums attract aphids away from radishes and cucumbers; they also repel beetles and improve the overall pest control for squash.

• Tomatoes

• Peppers

• Squash

• Cucumbers

• Basil

• Tomatoes

• Peppers

• Beans

• Onions

• Potatoes

• Radishes

• Cucumbers

• Squash

• Cabbage

• Beans

• Broccoli

• Roses

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Broccoli

• Thyme

• Sage

• Lettuce

• Brassicas

• Strawberries

• Carrots

• Peppers

• Cucumbers

• Basil

• Peppers

• Tomatoes

• Broccoli

• Beans

• Onions

• Strawberries

• Tomatoes

• Squash

• Cabbage

• Peas

• Beans

• Tomatoes

• Beans

• Peppers

• Onions

• Cucumbers

• Broccoli