Beetroot Companion - The Perfect Pairings for Your Garden!

Are you looking to add some vibrancy to your garden? Look no further than the humble beetroot! This versatile and easy-to-grow vegetable is not only delicious but also makes a great companion plant to many other vegetables in your garden. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of planting beetroot alongside certain crops and how these pairings can help your garden thrive.

The Benefits of Beetroot Companion Planting

Companion planting has been used for centuries as a way to improve soil health and increase crop yields. Beetroot makes an excellent companion plant because it is a nutrient-rich vegetable that can help to improve soil quality while also repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects. Here are just a few of the benefits of planting beetroot alongside other vegetables:

Improved Soil Health

Beetroot is a member of the Amaranthaceae family, which means that it is rich in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. When planted alongside other vegetables, beetroot can help to increase the soil's fertility by adding these essential nutrients back into the soil. Additionally, beetroot has a deep taproot system that can help to break up hard or compacted soil, allowing for better water and nutrient absorption.

Pest Control

One of the biggest benefits of planting beetroot alongside other vegetables is its ability to repel certain pests. Beetroot contains a compound called geosmin, which gives it its earthy aroma, but also acts as a natural insecticide against pests such as carrot flies and cabbage maggots. By planting beetroot alongside susceptible crops, you can help to deter these pests and keep your garden healthy.

Attracting Beneficial Insects

In addition to repelling pests, beetroot can also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. These insects feed on aphids and other harmful pests, helping to keep your garden free from infestations. By planting beetroot alongside other vegetables, you can create a diverse ecosystem that supports a variety of beneficial insects.

The Best Beetroot Companion Plants

Now that we've explored the benefits of planting beetroot alongside other vegetables, let's take a closer look at some of the best companion plants for this versatile vegetable:

Carrots

Beetroot and carrots make an excellent pairing in the garden because they both have deep taproots that can help to improve soil quality. Additionally, planting these two vegetables together can help to deter carrot flies and other pests that are attracted to the smell of carrots.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a shallow-rooted vegetable that can benefit from being planted alongside beetroot. The deep taproot of the beetroot can help to break up compacted soil, allowing for better water and nutrient absorption for the lettuce. Additionally, the shade provided by the lettuce can help to keep the soil cool and moist, which is beneficial for both crops.

Cabbage

Cabbage maggots are a common pest that can wreak havoc on your garden. Planting beetroot alongside cabbage can help to deter these pests and keep your cabbage crop healthy. Additionally, the deep taproot of the beetroot can help to loosen the soil, allowing for better drainage and preventing root rot in the cabbage.

Onions

Onions and beetroot make a great pairing because they have similar nutritional needs. Additionally, planting onions alongside beetroot can help to deter pests such as onion maggots and thrips, which can be harmful to both crops.

How to Plant Beetroot Companion Plants

Now that you know which vegetables make great companions for beetroot, let's talk about how to plant them together in your garden:

with Healthy Soil

Before planting any vegetables, it's important to with healthy soil. This means testing your soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content, and then making any necessary adjustments. Adding compost or other organic matter can also help to improve soil quality and promote healthy plant growth.

Choose the Right Location

When planting beetroot and its companion plants, it's important to choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Avoid planting in areas that are prone to flooding or have poor drainage, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.

Plant at the Right Time

Beetroot is a cool-season crop that thrives in temperatures between 50-70°F. It's best to plant beetroot and its companion plants in early spring or late summer when temperatures are mild. Be sure to follow the recommended planting depth and spacing for each vegetable to ensure optimal growing conditions.

Maintain Proper Watering and Fertilization

Proper watering and fertilization are essential for healthy plant growth. Be sure to water your beetroot and its companion plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Use a balanced fertilizer that is appropriate for the specific needs of each vegetable, and be sure not to over-fertilize as this can lead to nutrient burn and other problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I plant beetroot with tomatoes?

While beetroot and tomatoes are both nutrient-rich vegetables, they are not ideal companions in the garden. Tomatoes prefer slightly acidic soil, while beetroot prefers a more alkaline soil. Additionally, tomatoes are susceptible to certain pests such as whiteflies and spider mites, which can be attracted to beetroot.

2. How often should I water my beetroot?

Beetroot requires consistent moisture to grow properly. Water your beetroot regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. In general, aim to water your beetroot at least once per week, or more frequently during dry spells.

3. Can I plant beetroot with herbs?

Yes! Beetroot and herbs such as basil, dill, and cilantro make great companions in the garden. Herbs can help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects, while also adding flavor to your beetroot dishes.

4. Can I plant beetroot in containers?

Yes! Beetroot can be grown in containers as long as the container is at least 12 inches deep and has good drainage. Be sure to choose a variety of beetroot that is well-suited for container gardening, such as 'Babybeat' or 'Boltardy'.

5. When is the best time to harvest beetroot?

Beetroot is ready to harvest when the roots are about 1-3 inches in diameter. This usually takes around 60-70 days from planting. To harvest, gently pull the beetroot out of the soil by the leaves, being careful not to damage the roots.



In planting beetroot alongside other vegetables can have numerous benefits for your garden. From improving soil health to deterring pests and attracting beneficial insects, beetroot companion planting is a great way to support healthy plant growth and increase crop yields. By following the tips and advice outlined in this blog post, you can create a thriving ecosystem in your garden that will benefit both you and your plants.