Companion Planting: Vegetables That Help (and Hurt) Each Other

Beneficial Companions

Certain plants improve growth or deter pests when grown together:

• Basil + tomatoes — repels thrips, improves flavor.
• Marigolds + beans — repels beetles; roots suppress nematodes.
• Onions + most crops (except legumes) — deters aphids, carrot fly.
• Dill + cabbage/broccoli — repels cabbage moth.
• Corn + beans + cucumbers — classic "Three Sisters" synergy.
• Radishes + squash — radishes deter squash borers.

Plant Combinations to Avoid

• Peas/beans + garlic or onions — stunted growth.
• Carrots + dill — reduced yields when within 10 ft.

Why It Works

Scents from herbs, flowers, and vegetables confuse or repel insects. Some roots release compounds that suppress soil pests (e.g., marigolds kill nematodes).

Resources

• Companion Planting Guide
• Book: Carrots Love Tomatoes by Louise Riotte