Perfect Pepper Partners: Companion Plants for Your Capsicums

Peppers are a popular crop in many home gardens, and for good reason. They're tasty, versatile, and available in a range of colors and heat levels. But did you know that planting peppers with certain companion plants can help them grow better? In this article, we'll explore the benefits of companion planting for peppers and highlight some of the best plants to pair with your capsicums.

The Benefits of Companion Planting:

Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique that involves planting different crops together to achieve mutual benefits. When correctly, companion planting can help improve soil health, control pests, increase yields, and promote overall plant growth. Here are some of the specific benefits of companion planting for peppers:

Improved Soil Health:

Peppers prefer well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. Fortunately, there are several companion plants that can help improve soil health and fertility. For example, legumes like beans and peas fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit pepper plants. Additionally, herbs like basil and chamomile can help repel harmful insects while also adding nutrients to the soil.

Pest Control:

Pepper plants are susceptible to a range of pests, including aphids, spider mites, and thrips. However, by planting certain companion plants, you can naturally repel these pests and protect your peppers. For instance, marigolds are known to repel nematodes, while garlic can deter aphids and other insects.

Increased Yields:

By pairing certain plants with your peppers, you may be able to increase your overall yield. This is because some companion plants can help attract beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, which are crucial for pollination. Additionally, planting certain herbs near your peppers may help improve their flavor and aroma.

Top Companion Plants for Peppers:

1. Tomatoes:

Tomatoes and peppers make excellent companions in the garden. This is because they have similar soil and nutrient requirements, as well as similar pest and disease problems. Additionally, tomatoes can help provide shade for your pepper plants during hot summer days.

How to Plant:

Plant your tomato and pepper plants together, leaving about 18 inches between each plant. Make sure to provide support for your tomato plants, as they can become quite large and heavy.

2. Beans:

As we mentioned earlier, legumes like beans and peas can help fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit your pepper plants. Additionally, beans can help provide a trellis for your peppers to climb up, which can be especially useful if you're growing vining varieties.

How to Plant:

Plant your bean and pepper seeds together, leaving about 6-8 inches between each plant. Provide support for your bean plants, either with stakes or a trellis.

3. Basil:

Basil is a fragrant herb that can help repel harmful insects while also attracting beneficial ones. Additionally, basil's shallow roots won't compete with your pepper plants for nutrients.

How to Plant:

Plant your basil and pepper plants together, leaving about 12 inches between each plant. Make sure to keep your basil trimmed back, as it can become quite bushy.

4. Nasturtiums:

Nasturtiums are beautiful flowers that can help attract beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, while also deterring harmful ones like aphids. Additionally, nasturtiums are edible, so you can add their leaves and flowers to salads for a pop of color and flavor.

How to Plant:

Plant your nasturtium and pepper seeds together, leaving about 12 inches between each plant. Make sure to provide support for your nasturtium plants, as they can become quite sprawling.

5. Onions:

Onions are a member of the allium family, which also includes garlic and chives. Alliums are known for their ability to repel harmful insects like aphids and thrips, making them excellent companions for peppers.

How to Plant:

Plant your onion and pepper plants together, leaving about 6 inches between each plant. Make sure to keep your onions well-watered, as they don't tolerate dry soil.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I plant peppers with other nightshade vegetables?

Yes, peppers can be planted with other nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. However, make sure to rotate these crops every year to avoid soil-borne diseases.

2. Do companion plants really work?

Yes, companion planting has been shown to have numerous benefits for plants, including increased yields, pest control, and improved soil health.

3. How do I know which companion plants to choose?

Choose companion plants based on their ability to benefit your pepper plants. For example, if you're looking for a natural pest repellent, choose plants like marigolds or garlic.

4. Do I need to use organic gardening techniques to companion plant?

No, you can use conventional gardening techniques to companion plant. However, organic techniques may be more beneficial for the overall health of your plants and soil.

5. Can I companion plant peppers in containers?

Yes, you can companion plant peppers in containers. Just make sure to choose plants that have similar growing requirements and provide enough space for each plant.


Companion planting is a simple yet effective way to improve the health and yield of your pepper plants. By choosing the right companion plants and following proper planting techniques, you can create a thriving garden that's both beautiful and productive.