Companion Planting Charts: A Guide to Growing Vegetables

Have you ever heard of companion planting? It's a gardening technique that involves pairing specific plants together in order to improve growth and reduce pest problems. Companion planting has been used for centuries, and it's still popular today among gardeners looking to grow healthy and productive gardens.

One of the most important aspects of companion planting is knowing which plants work well together. That's where companion planting charts come in. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at companion planting charts for vegetables and how they can help you grow a successful garden.

What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together in order to benefit one or both plants. The goal of companion planting is to create a healthy and balanced ecosystem in your garden. There are many different ways to companion plant, but some common practices include:

- Planting herbs or flowers near vegetables to repel pests and attract beneficial insects
- Pairing nitrogen-fixing plants (like beans) with heavy feeders (like corn) to improve soil health
- Planting tall plants (like sunflowers) next to shorter plants (like lettuce) to provide shade

The Benefits of Companion Planting

There are several benefits to companion planting. Here are just a few:

- Pest control: By planting certain herbs and flowers near your vegetables, you can repel pests naturally without using harmful chemicals.
- Improved soil health: Some plants, like legumes, have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can improve soil fertility for other plants.
- Increased yields: When plants are paired together effectively, they can help each other grow stronger and produce more fruit or vegetables.
- Diversity: Companion planting can help you create a diverse garden that attracts a variety of beneficial insects and wildlife.

Companion Planting Charts for Vegetables

One of the most helpful tools for companion planting is a chart or table that outlines which vegetables work well together. Here are some of the most common companion planting charts for vegetables:

The Three Sisters

The Three Sisters is a traditional Native American companion planting method that involves planting corn, beans, and squash together. The corn provides support for the beans, the beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and the squash acts as a natural mulch to help retain moisture.

Corn

- Companion plants: Beans, peas, squash, pumpkin
- Avoid planting with: Tomatoes, peppers

Beans

- Companion plants: Corn, cucumbers, radishes
- Avoid planting with: Onions, garlic

Squash

- Companion plants: Corn, beans, peas
- Avoid planting with: Potatoes

Nightshade Family

The Nightshade family includes tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. These plants are all susceptible to similar pests and diseases, so it's important to be careful when companion planting them.

Tomatoes

- Companion plants: Basil, carrots, lettuce
- Avoid planting with: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower

Peppers

- Companion plants: Basil, marjoram, oregano
- Avoid planting with: Fennel, kohlrabi

Eggplants

- Companion plants: Beans, thyme, marigolds
- Avoid planting with: Potatoes

Potatoes

- Companion plants: Beans, corn, peas
- Avoid planting with: Tomatoes, peppers

Brassica Family

The Brassica family includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and other similar vegetables. These plants are all heavy feeders, so it's important to pair them with nitrogen-fixing plants.

Cabbage

- Companion plants: Dill, chamomile, celery
- Avoid planting with: Strawberries, tomatoes

Broccoli

- Companion plants: Chamomile, marigolds, thyme
- Avoid planting with: Strawberries, tomatoes

Cauliflower

- Companion plants: Mint, rosemary, sage
- Avoid planting with: Strawberries, tomatoes

Tips for Effective Companion Planting

Now that you have a better understanding of companion planting charts for vegetables, here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your garden:

- small: If you're new to companion planting, with just a few plants and see how they do together before expanding.
- Rotate crops: To prevent soil-borne diseases, it's important to rotate your crops each year.
- Pay attention to spacing: Make sure you give each plant enough space to grow and avoid overcrowding.
- Keep records: Keep track of which plants you pair together and how they perform so you can make adjustments in future seasons.



Companion planting is a great way to improve the health and productivity of your vegetable garden. By using companion planting charts and following these tips, you can create a diverse and balanced ecosystem in your garden that will benefit both you and your plants.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to use companion planting in my garden?

The best way to use companion planting in your garden is to small and experiment with different pairings. Keep track of which plants work well together and which ones don't, and make adjustments as needed.

2. Can companion planting really help control pests without using chemicals?

Yes! Many herbs and flowers have natural pest-repelling properties that can help keep your garden healthy without the need for harmful chemicals.

3. Do I need to follow a companion planting chart exactly, or can I make adjustments?

While companion planting charts are a helpful guide, you don't necessarily need to follow them exactly. Feel free to experiment with different pairings and adjust as needed based on how your plants are growing.

4. How do I know if two plants will be good companions?

There are several factors to consider when determining whether two plants will be good companions, including their soil and light requirements, growth habits, and susceptibility to pests and diseases. Companion planting charts can be a helpful guide, but it's also important to do your own research and observe how your plants grow together.

5. What are some easy companion plant pairings for beginners?

Some easy companion plant pairings for beginners include:
- Tomatoes and basil
- Cucumbers and radishes
- Carrots and onions