Veggies Not To Plant Together

ing your own vegetable garden can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it's important to keep in mind that not all vegetables are compatible when planted together. In fact, certain combinations of veggies can actually hinder growth or attract pests. In this article, we will discuss the veggies not to plant together, best practices and tips for successful gardening.

Why Should You Avoid Certain Combinations?

Plants have different needs when it comes to soil nutrients, sunlight, and water. When you plant two vegetables with different nutrient requirements close together, one may take up more nutrients than the other, leading to stunted growth or even death. Additionally, some plants may emit chemicals that can either attract or repel pests, which can affect the health of neighboring plants. Here are some common veggie combinations to avoid:

Tomatoes and Cabbage

Tomatoes and cabbage should not be planted together because they both require a lot of nutrients from the soil, which can lead to competition and poor growth. Cabbage also releases chemicals that can attract pests like the cabbage worm, which can harm tomato plants.

Potatoes and Tomatoes

Potatoes and tomatoes should not be planted together because they are both members of the nightshade family, which makes them susceptible to similar diseases and pests. Planting them together can increase the risk of blight, which can quickly spread and destroy entire crops.

Beans and Onions

Beans and onions should not be planted together because beans require a lot of nitrogen from the soil, which can deplete the nitrogen levels needed by onions. Onions also release chemicals that can stunt the growth of beans.

Carrots and Dill

Carrots and dill should not be planted together because dill can attract carrot rust flies, which can damage the roots of carrots. Similarly, fennel or coriander can also attract carrot rust flies, so it's best to keep them away from your carrot patch.

Cucumbers and Potatoes

Cucumbers and potatoes should not be planted together because they both attract the Colorado potato beetle, which can quickly decimate entire crops. Additionally, cucumbers require a lot of water while potatoes prefer a dry environment, so planting them together can result in poor growth for both plants.

Other Veggies Not To Plant Together

Here are some other common combinations of veggies that should not be planted together:

Peppers and Fennel

Peppers and fennel should not be planted together because fennel can stunt the growth of peppers.

Beets and Pole Beans

Beets and pole beans should not be planted together because pole beans can wrap around the beet roots, hindering their growth.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower should not be planted together because they both release chemicals that can stunt each other's growth.

Lettuce and Celery

Lettuce and celery should not be planted together because they both require a lot of water, which can lead to competition and poor growth.

Tips For Successful Gardening

Now that we've discussed the veggies not to plant together, let's talk about some tips for successful gardening:

Rotate Your Crops

Rotating your crops each year can help prevent soil-borne diseases and pests from building up in the soil. For example, if you plant tomatoes in one area of your garden this year, plant them in a different area next year to give the soil time to recover.

Plant Companion Plants

Some plants can actually benefit each other when planted together. For example, planting marigolds with your tomatoes can help repel pests like nematodes, while planting basil with your peppers can improve their flavor.

Use Mulch

Mulching around your plants can help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds, which can compete with your plants for nutrients.

Water Regularly

Most vegetables require at least 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Make sure to water your plants regularly, especially during hot or dry spells.

FAQs

1. Can I plant cucumbers and zucchini together?

Yes, cucumbers and zucchini can be planted together without any issues. In fact, they are both members of the squash family and have similar growing requirements.

2. Can I plant tomatoes and peppers together?

Yes, tomatoes and peppers can be planted together without any issues. They have similar nutrient requirements and can even benefit from each other's presence by repelling pests.

3. Can I plant onions and garlic together?

Yes, onions and garlic can be planted together without any issues. They are both members of the Allium family and have similar growing requirements.

4. Can I plant lettuce and spinach together?

Yes, lettuce and spinach can be planted together without any issues. They both prefer cooler temperatures and moist soil.

5. Can I plant broccoli and kale together?

Yes, broccoli and kale can be planted together without any issues. They are both members of the Brassica family and have similar nutrient requirements.



In planting incompatible veggies together can lead to poor growth and pest problems. By avoiding certain combinations and following best practices like crop rotation, companion planting, and regular watering, you can ensure a successful and bountiful harvest from your vegetable garden.