Beets Companion Plants: Growing Healthy Beets with the Right Plant Partners

Beets are a popular root vegetable that can be grown in various climates, making them an excellent choice for many gardens. Beets are known for their rich earthy flavor and deep red color, and they are packed with essential nutrients. However, like all plants, beets have certain requirements for optimal growth. One of the most important factors to consider when growing beets is companion planting.

Companion planting involves strategically planting plants together that have a beneficial relationship. Certain plants can help improve soil quality, repel pests, attract pollinators, and enhance the flavor and growth of other plants. In this blog post, we will explore the best companion plants for beets and how to grow healthy beets by using plant partners.

Companion Plants for Beets

When it comes to companion planting with beets, there are several options to choose from. Here are some of the best companion plants for beets:

1. Carrots

Carrots are an excellent companion plant for beets because they both prefer similar growing conditions. Both plants require well-drained soil that is free of rocks and hard clumps. Additionally, carrots and beets both benefit from loose soil that allows their roots to grow deep.

How to Plant Beets and Carrots Together

To plant beets and carrots together, create raised beds or mounds in your garden. Mix compost into the soil before planting, as both plants need plenty of nutrients to thrive. Plant beet seeds about 2 inches apart and carrot seeds about 1 inch apart. Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

2. Cabbage

Cabbage is another excellent companion plant for beets. Cabbage plants release a chemical called indole-3-acetic acid, which helps stimulate root growth in beets. Additionally, cabbage can help repel pests that are attracted to beets, such as beet leafhoppers and aphids.

How to Plant Beets and Cabbage Together

To plant beets and cabbage together, create raised beds or mounds in your garden. Mix compost into the soil before planting. Plant the cabbage first, spacing the plants about 18 inches apart. Then, plant the beet seeds about 6 inches away from the cabbage. Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

3. Onions

Onions make a great companion plant for beets because they repel pests that are harmful to beets, such as carrot rust flies and flea beetles. Additionally, onions can help improve the flavor of beets by masking any bitter flavors.

How to Plant Beets and Onions Together

To plant beets and onions together, create raised beds or mounds in your garden. Mix compost into the soil before planting. Plant onion sets about 6 inches apart and then plant beet seeds about 6 inches away. Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

4. Lettuce

Lettuce is an excellent companion plant for beets because it helps to conserve moisture in the soil. Additionally, lettuce can help to shade the beets from the sun, which can be beneficial during hot weather.

How to Plant Beets and Lettuce Together

To plant beets and lettuce together, create raised beds or mounds in your garden. Mix compost into the soil before planting. Plant the lettuce first, spacing the plants about 6 inches apart. Then, plant the beet seeds about 6 inches away from the lettuce. Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

5. Garlic

Garlic is another excellent companion plant for beets because it helps to repel pests that are harmful to beets, such as aphids and spider mites. Additionally, garlic can help improve soil health by reducing the population of harmful bacteria and fungi.

How to Plant Beets and Garlic Together

To plant beets and garlic together, create raised beds or mounds in your garden. Mix compost into the soil before planting. Plant garlic bulbs about 6 inches apart and then plant beet seeds about 6 inches away. Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Benefits of Companion Planting with Beets

There are several benefits to companion planting with beets. Here are some of the most significant benefits:

Better Soil Quality

Companion planting can help improve soil quality by adding nutrients, enhancing soil structure, and increasing microbial activity. By planting complementary plants together, you can create a healthy ecosystem that nourishes your beets.

Pest Control

Companion planting can help deter pests that are attracted to beets, such as flea beetles and aphids. Certain plants, like onions and garlic, release chemicals that repel pests, making them an effective natural pest control solution.

Improved Flavor and Growth

Certain companion plants can help improve the flavor and growth of beets. For example, cabbage can stimulate root growth in beets, while lettuce can help conserve moisture in the soil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I plant beets with tomatoes?

No, beets and tomatoes are not good companion plants. Tomatoes prefer alkaline soil, while beets prefer acidic soil. Additionally, tomatoes attract pests that can harm beets.

2. Can I plant beets with beans?

Yes, beets and beans can be planted together. Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they add nitrogen to the soil. This can be beneficial for beets, which require plenty of nitrogen to grow.

3. What should I avoid planting near beets?

You should avoid planting beets near plants that attract pests that are harmful to beets, such as tomatoes, corn, and pole beans.

4. How often should I water my beet plants?

Beet plants need consistent moisture to thrive. Water your beet plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

5. When is the best time to harvest beets?

Beets are ready to harvest when they are about 1-3 inches in diameter. You can harvest them earlier if you prefer smaller beets or later if you prefer larger beets.


Companion planting can be a powerful tool for growing healthy and flavorful beets. By choosing the right companion plants, you can improve soil quality, control pests, and enhance the growth and flavor of your beets. Consider experimenting with different companion plants to find the ones that work best for your garden. Happy planting!