By Janet Vargas - Owner Of This Website
GOOD NEWS FOR GARDENERS AND BEGINNER GARDENERS. YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF COMPANION PLANTING BEFORE. IT HAS REALLY INCREASED IN POPULARITY SINCE I FIRST HEARD OF IT. FOR MANY YEARS, DIFFERENT GARDENERS HAVE FOUND THAT CERTAIN PLANTS PLANTED CLOSE TO EACH-OTHER CAN ACTUALLY HELP EACH-OTHER GROW WELL AND SOME ARE KNOWN TO HINDER EACH-OTHER. ORGANIC GARDENERS AND PERMACULTURISTS WATCH AND PRACTICE THESE PRINCIPLES VERY CLOSELY INSTEAD OF MONO-CROPS WHICH CAN ATTRACT A LOT OF BUGS.
CERTAIN HERBS AND VEGGIES WHEN PLANTED TOGETHER CAN DETER A LOT OF INSECTS FROM DAMAGING OUR HERBS AND VEGGIES WE SPEND PRECIOUS TIME AND MONEY ON – NOT TO MENTION HOPEFUL EXPECTATIONS. PLANTING A DIVERSITY OF PLANTS TOGETHER IS ALSO KNOWN TO CONFUSE THE WOULD BE INVADING INSECTS FROM ATTACKING YOUR HOMEGROWN PRODUCE. THESE THINGS HAVE BEEN GAINING THE INTEREST OF SCIENTISTS ACROSS THE WORLD IN RECENT TIMES WHO ARE NOW INCLINED TO RECOMMEND THESE GARDENING PRACTICES IN PREFERENCE TO CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS AND PESTICIDES – IT’S MUCH HEALTHIER FOR YOU. IT IS BETTER TO SIDE WITH NATURE THAN WORK AGAINST IT. BE A FRIEND OF NATURE AND NATURE WILL BE A FRIEND TO YOU.
ANOTHER GOOD TIP TO REMEMBER SOMETIMES IS IF A HERB OR VEGGIE PLANT LISTED HERE SEEMS TO HAVE NO OBJECTIONS TO OTHER PLANTS, IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO MAKE SURE THEIR WATERING NEEDS ARE SIMILAR AKA A PLANT THAT NEEDS LOTS OF WATER SHOULD NOT BE PLANTED NEXT TO A PLANT THAT LIKES LITTLE WATER (DOESN'T LIKE WET FEET)
SHALL WE GO?
I Have Made This Guide/List In Separate Categories Instead Of A-Z. Also, The Information Is Colour-Coded For Easy Reference. GREEN For Good Companions (for various reasons) And RED For Plants That Dislike Growing Together Or It Does Not Work Out Well For Them. So GREEN for YES and RED for NO! If You See A Star * Next To An Item, Read NOTES At End Of The Page. I Have Researched This Info From Various Webpages With Charts Etc Collectively Speaking. A 48 Hour Project Getting It All Together:)
FRUITS FOR SWEET
Strawberries
Lemon Balm/Melissa, Bush Beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Silverbeet/Chard, Onions
Cabbage Family, Tomatoes, Garlic, Cantaloupe
Blueberries
Strawberries, Parsley, Basil, Chives, Spinach, Thyme, Elderberries, Marigold, Azalea and Other Blueberry Varieties
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale
Watermelons
Mints, Oregano, Thyme, Radishes, Tomatoes, Sweetcorn, Okra, Nasturtiums
Walnut Trees, Cabbage and Potatoes
Rockmelon/Cantaloupe, Honeydew
Mints, Oregano, Thyme, Radishes, Tomatoes, Sweetcorn, Okra, Nasturtiums
Zucchini, Strawberries, Cucumbers, Dahlias
Golden Berries/Cape Gooseberries
Garlic, Marigold, Nasturtium
Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, Potatoes, Fennel
Rhubarb *
Strawberries, Garlic, Onions, Broccoli, Kale, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Beans, Turnips
Melons, Cucumbers, Pumpkins, Tomatoes
I didn't add Raspberries or Blackberries because they are Very Invasive.
SALAD HERBS & VEGGIES
Lettuce
Radishes, Strawberries, Beans, Beetroot, Cabbage, Carrots, Cucumbers, Onions, Parsnips, Peas, Mints, Chervil, Lovage, Marjoram, Marigolds
Parsley, Cabbage, Kale, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Kohlrabi, Fennel, Sunflowers
Cucumbers
Lettuce, Peas, Beans, Chives, Carrots, Sweetcorn, Radishes, Tomatoes, Celery, Cabbage Family, Parsnips, Basil, Dill, Oregano, Marjoram, Lovage, Marigolds, Nasturtiums
Potatoes, Basil, Peppermint, Sage, Strongly Aromatic Herbs
Carrots
Lettuce, Parsley, Coriander, Chives, Onions, Leeks, Peas, Beans, Tomatoes, Capsicums, Cucumbers, Radishes, Lovage, Marjoram.
Parsnips, Dill, Celery
Celery
Spinach, Peas, Dwarf Beans, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Chives, Onions, Leeks, Tomatoes, Dill, Lovage, Majoram
Carrots, Parsnip, Potatoes
Radishes
Carrots, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Beans, Onions, Beetroot, Parsnips, Mints, Cucumbers, Melons, Zucchini, Chervil, Nasturtiums
Sweetcorn, Kohlrabi, Turnips, Fennel, Sunflowers, Hyssop
Parsley
Carrots, Peas, Sweetcorn, Tomatoes, Onions, Chives, Capsicums, Chillies, Asparagus, Dill, Basil, Marjoram, Oregano, Lovage, Thyme, Lemon Balm, Lavender
Mint, Lettuce, Carrots, Onions, Garlic, Chives
OTHER HERBS
Coriander/Cilantro/Chinese Parsley
Tomatoes, Spinach, Dill, Basil, Mints, Yarrow
Lavender, Thyme, Rosemary, Fennel
Mints *
Carrots, Lettuce, Peas, Beetroot, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Capsicums, Chillies, Eggplants, Kohlrabi, Squash
Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme, Lavender
Lemon Balm *
Chives, Parsley, Pumpkin, Melons Tomatoes, Cabbage Family, Onions, Dill, Petunias, Chamomile, Marigolds
Thyme, Basil, Mint
Chives
Peas, Carrots, Strawberries, Lettuce, Cucumbers, Cabbage, Tomato, Onions, Garlic, Grapes, Apple Tree
Pole Beans, Beetroot
Garlic
Dill, Beetroot, Kale, Spinach, Potatoes, Carrots, Eggplants, Tomatoes, Capsicums, Chillies, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Kohlrabi
Asparagus, Peas, Beans, Parsley
Dill
Chives, Lemon Balm, Asparagus, Sweetcorn, Cucumbers, Onions, Lettuce, Cabbage Family (Brussels Sprouts, kohlrabi, Broccoli, etc.) Basil, Lemon Thyme, Lovage
Capsicums, Chillies, Potatoes, Eggplant, Coriander, Lavender
Oregano
Parsley, Chives, Eggplant, Capsicums, Beans, Cabbage, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi, Turnips, Thyme, Marjoram, Basil, Squash, Strawberries, Lavender
Peas, Mint, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Spinach, Asparagus, Chokeberry, Arugula, Watercress
Basil
Tomatoes, Capsicums, Chillies, Eggplants, Zucchini, Oregano, Parsley, Coriander (Cilantro) Tarragon
Cucumber, Mint, Fennel, Rue, and Rosemary
LEAFY GREENS
Lettuce
Strawberries, Peas, Beans, Chives, Garlic, Cabbage, Carrots, Cucumbers, Parsnips, Onions, Radishes, Beetroot, Marigolds, Mints, Chervil, Lovage, Marjoram, Marigolds
Parsley, Cabbage, Kale, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Kohlrabis, Fennel, Sunflowers
Spinach
Cabbage, Strawberries, Broccoli, Beetroot, Onions, Bok Choy, Radishes, Turnips, Bush Beans, Snow Peas, Snap Peas, Coriander, Lettuce, Silverbeet
Sweetcorn, Potatoes, Fennel, Pumpkins, Melons, Sunflowers
Kale *
KALE – A No No! Contains something called Progoitrin, which can interfere with Thyroid Hormone Synthesis and essentially block the Iodine your Thyroid needs to function efficiently. This can result in fluctuating Blood Sugar Levels and Weight. Many claim it's healthy but ignorance isn't bliss!
Silverbeet/Swiss Chard
Onions, Garlic, Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Kohlrabi, Onions, Marigolds, Lavender
Spinach, Pumpkin, Sweetcorn, Potatoes, Beetroot, Squash, Cucumbers, Melons, Amaranth, Fennel, Sunflowers
GOURMET VEGGIES
Onions, Garlic
Beetroot, Chamomile, Carrots, Lettuce, Radishes, Cabbage Family, Tomatoes, Silverbeet
Peas, Beans, Strawberries, Cabbage, Potatoes
Capsicums and Chillies
Carrots, Onions, Tomatoes, Eggplants, Mints, Okra, Beans, Peas, Oregano, Basil, Thyme, Dill, Coriander, Parsley, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Calendula, Petunias, Geraniums
Potatoes, Brassicas, Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Kohlrabi, Kale, Collards, Fennel, Apricot Trees
Tomatoes
Carrots, Onions, Chives, Parsley, Mints, Celery, Parsnips, Asparagus, Sweetcorn, Basil, Marigolds, Nasturtiums
Rosemary, Potatoes, Dill, Kohl Rabi, Fennel, Strawberries
Eggplants
Beans, Spinach, Marjoram, Mints, Beans, Lettuce, Radishes, Beetroot, Cabbages, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi, Capsicums, Marigolds, Nasturtiums
Potatoes, Melons, Sweetcorn, Pumpkins, Zucchini, Cucumber, Fennel
Celery
Beans, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Leeks, Tomatoes, Dill
Sweetcorn
Parsley, Beans, Cucumber, Peas, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Squash, Melons, Parsnips, Zucchini
Asparagus
Strawberries, Parsley, Chives, Tomatoes, Basil, Lovage, Marjoram, Coriander, Dill, Beetroot, Lettuce, Spinach, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Rhubarb
Garlic, Onions, Potatoes
LEGUMES - NITROGEN PLANTS
Green Beans
Carrots, Celery, Spinach, Cabbage Family, Peas, Cucumbers, Sweetcorn, Potatoes, Parsnips, Lettuce, Parsley, Eggplants, Lovage, Majoram, Marigolds
Beetroot, Onion, Chives, Garlic, Kohlrabi
Peas
Lettuce, Spinach, Beans, Carrots, Mints, Cucumbers, Cabbage, Sweetcorn, Radishes, Swedes, Turnips, Squash, Coriander
Onions, Shallots, Garlic, Potatoes
ALLIUM FAMILY
(Onions, Chives, Garlic Chives)
Beetroot, Chamomile, Carrots, Lettuce, Radishes, Cabbage Family, Tomatoes, Silverbeet
Peas, Beans, Strawberries, Cabbage, Potatoes
Green Onions/Scallions
(Long slender green onions without bulb)
Tomatoes, Carrots, Beetroot, Leeks, Lettuce. Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi, Brussels Sprouts, Silverbeet, Strawberries, Chamomile, Marigolds
Peas, Beans, Asparagus, Sage
Spring Onions
(Long Onions with Green Top and Small White Bulb)
Tomatoes, Carrots, Beetroot, Leeks, Lettuce. Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi, Brussels Sprouts, Silverbeet, Strawberries, Chamomile, Marigolds
Peas, Beans, Asparagus, Sage
Leeks
(Thick Long Veggie with Layers and Tastes like Onion)
Carrots, Celery, Onions, Parsnips, Lovage, Majoram, Strawberries
Beans, Peas, Parsley, Potatoes
BULB PLANTS
(Alliums Continued)
Garlic
Tomatoes, Spinach, Cabbage, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Carrots, Beetroot, Dill, Yarrow
Beans, Peas, Parsley, Asparagus, Sage
Shallots
Carrots, Beets, Lettuce, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Cabbage, Parsley, Dill, Chamomile, Marigolds
Peas, Beans, Asparagus
BRASSICA FAMILY
(Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Bock Choy, Kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts)
Mints, Peas, Coriander, Lettuce, Celery, Dill, Onions, Thyme, Beetroot, Potatoes, Lavender, Marigolds and Nasturtiums
Beans, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Garlic, Basil
PUMPKINS/SQUASH
(Pumpkin/Squash, Butternut, Zucchini, Acorn Pumpkin)
Sweetcorn, Nasturtiums, Marjoram
Potatoes
Zucchini
Peas, Beans, Dill, Garlic, Oregano, Marigolds, Mint, Nasturtiums
Potatoes, Fennel, Pumpkin, Cantaloupe
ROOT VEGGIES
Carrots
Chives, Lettuce, Cucumbers, Onions, Leeks, Peas, Beans, Tomatoes, Capsicums, Radishes, Coriander, Lovage, Marjoram
Parsnips, Dill, Celery, Potatoes
Potatoes *
Please See TUBER PLANTS
Beetroot/Beets
Tomatoes, Onions, Garlic, Lettuce, Silverbeet, Carrots, Bush Beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi, Asparagus
Peas, Beans, Tomatoes, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Turnips, Mustard
Parsnips *
Radishes, Peas, Bush beans, Tomatoes, Capsicums, Lettuce, Garlic, Potatoes
Carrots, Celery, Dill, Fennel
Swedes
Onions, Dill, Peas, Celery
Tomatoes, Peppers/Capsicums
Turnips
(Some Are Sweeter Like Japanese Turnip, Tokyo Cross)
Peas, Beans, Spinach, Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Nasturtiums, Marigolds
Broccoli, Kale, Cabbage, Strawberries, Potatoes, All Root Veggies Including Radishes, Mustard
TUBER PLANTS
Potatoes *
Better Grown Separately - See Notes!
Beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Cabbage Family, Eggplants, Sweetcorn, Peas, Parsnips, Parsley, Basil, Thyme, Chamomile, Yarrow, Petunias, Marigolds, Alyssum, Nasturtiums
Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sunflower, Onions, Tomatoes, Spinach, Squash, Rosemary
Sunchokes/Jerusalem Artichokes *
(A Superfood) Great for Our Gut
Please Grow Separately - Strictly in Containers. Read the Notes!
UNUSUAL TASTES
Lovage
(Tastes like Celery, with undertones of Parsley and hint of Anise)
Chives, Thyme, Oregano, Marjoram, Tomatoes, Peppers, Carrots, Beans, Cabbages, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts
Celery, Berries, Rhubarb
Chervil/French Parsley
(A flavor with hints of Parsley, Tarragon and Anise)
Fennel *
(A distinct, sweet Licorice flavor with notes of Anise)
Lettuce, Cucumber, Nasturtiums
Beans, Tomatoes, Capsicums, Chillies, Potatoes, Basil, Mint, Oregano
BITTER and PUNGENT
Radicchio
Beans, Dill, Onions, Carrots, Beets, Lettuce, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Mustard Greens, Nasturtiums
Parsley, Celery, Radishes, Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Fennel
Endive
Onions, carrots, Beans, Radishes, Marigolds, Leeks, Turnips, Parsnips
Artichoke, Lettuce, Salsify, Tarragon, Pumpkin, Butternut, Zucchini, Squash
Rocket (Arugula)
Beetroot, Lettuce, Strawberries, Celery, Onions, Beets, Tomatoes, Carrots, Beans, Radish, Basil, Djll, Chervil, Thyme, Mint, Chives, Parsley, Coriander, Oregano, Marigolds, Nasturtiums
Potatoes, Cabbage, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Eggplants, Peppers, Capsicums, Radish, Mustard
Watercress
Chives, Peppermint, Nasturtiums, Radishes
Cabbage, Kale, Mustard Greens
Sage *
(A pungent, earthy taste, with hints of mint, peppery, woodsy, piney)
Carrots, Broccoli, Beans, Cabbage, Tomatoes. Lettuce, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Yarrow
Cucumbers, Onions, Leeks, Garlic, Basil
Like Any Honest Website Will Tell You "There Are No Guarantees"
I Did My Best To Research For You And Myself. ENJOY!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
I left out Invasive Plants like SUNCHOKE (Jerusalem Artichoke) AMARANTH and SUNFLOWERS that can take over a Veggie Patch or even fill a yard - they're Very Invasive. If you can grow Sunchokes in Containers (Strongly Advised) they contain a Special Prebiotic fiber that supports Gut Health and promotes healthy digestion and Immune Function, and provide a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Some people's Digestion can't handle them, and those with certain Allergies. They are a nutrient-rich Superfood celebrated for their nutty flavor.
Because FENNEL freely reseeds itself, it is Invasive and pretty much permanent. I also left out Rosemary that grows Big; BORAGE and STINGING NETTLE that are extremely prickly and invasive too; SAGE and GLOBE ARTICHOKE because they taste so awful to most people. Also, please note that ROCKET (Arugula) and WATERCRESS are not included in my List because or their Strong Pungent Taste. Please be Informed. I did things this way in the interest of Beginner Gardeners, so they can Enjoy their New-Found Experience without off-putting hazards.
At the same time, I have included things like Parsnips, Turnips and Swedes... Strawberries, Rhubarb and Watermelon... Lemon Balm... a few interactive flowers, that are missing in various Companion Growing Charts we find Online. MINT is usually Invasive when it thrives - you could separate it some way because it is beneficial in your garden. Don't grow Mints together, they clash. LEMON BALM sometimes springs up in a few different spots but is not invasive and is very well loved. If planted with Strawberries, will promote more Fruit. There is an Excellent Extensive INFO Page on this lesser known Herb HERE How good is that? If you wish to avoid using Tea Bags (with Micro Plastics) consider placing a few Lemon Balm leaves in hot water - it can help strengthen our Nervous System.
LEMON VERBENA smells delightful but it can be very difficult to grow, it drops it's leaves when stressed, and it takes some time to establish. LEMONGRASS grows very tall and usually prefers a spot on it's own. You can divide it like Ginger and Turmeric (those three need that so they don't become overcrowded) RHUBARB grows big with really big leaves and thrives on it's own where planted and when cared for correctly. Be prepared, SWEETCORN grows tall and needs plenty of space... be careful that it does not tower over other plants and compete for sunshine. If you are considering growing CELERY it goes without saying, they will need plenty of space and they can tower over small herbs and Veggies that need sunshine.
Please be careful when planting POTATOES because they multiply and come back every season and deplete the soil of Nutrients. According to expert gardeners, we should not let them go any more than 3 Seasons because plants then become affected. Temporary Grow Bags, available from eBay and Amazon, are great to grow them in. If you decide to grow CARROTS or PARSNIPS, make sure to avoid infestations they can get, by clicking on this link HERE where you will find helpful information how to avoid that with natural methods. Or simply note: Planting Carrots and Parsnips together is not ideal. Carrots are extremely vulnerable to disease and pests. The parsnips can get infected thus rendering the parsnips ineffective in protecting your garden. Is KALE Healthy? Absolutely Not! A Health Writer tells a rather surprising story of how, after years of juicing kale, she found that it contributed to a serious medical condition - Hypothyroidism. A major cause of Overweight and problems with very Low Energy Levels!
I do hope these practical Tips came in handy for Beginners especially. The Companion Items I've listed in this Post should satisfy most.
A very strict Copyright applies to this Post. Readers, for your convenience, you have my permission to make a personal MS Word document copy for yourself. You may also feel free to print a copy for a gardening friend without a computer. ENJOY!