Plant Compatibility Chart: A Guide to Successful Companion Planting

Are you struggling to figure out which plants should be grown together in your garden? If so, a plant compatibility chart could be just what you need. This tool helps gardeners determine which plants are compatible and which ones should be kept apart. By using a plant compatibility chart, you can improve the health and yield of your crops, reduce pests and diseases, and create a more beautiful and productive garden.

What is a Plant Compatibility Chart?

A plant compatibility chart, also known as a companion planting chart or a plant guild chart, is a visual guide that shows which plants grow well together and which ones are incompatible. The chart takes into account factors such as the plants' nutrient needs, soil pH, water requirements, and growth habits. By selecting plants that complement each other, gardeners can create a thriving ecosystem in their garden.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting has many benefits for gardeners. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Increased crop yield

• Natural pest control

• Improved soil health

• Better use of garden space

• Reduced water usage

• Attractive garden design

Increased Crop Yield

When plants are grown together in compatible combinations, they can enhance each other's growth and yield. For example, some plants are nitrogen fixers, meaning they can take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that other plants can use. By planting nitrogen-fixing plants alongside crops that need nitrogen, such as corn or tomatoes, gardeners can improve the yield of those crops.

Natural Pest Control

Companion planting can also help control pests and diseases in the garden. Some plants have natural repellent properties that keep pests away, while others attract beneficial insects that prey on pests. For example, marigolds are often planted in vegetable gardens because they repel nematodes, aphids, and other harmful insects.

Improved Soil Health

Companion planting can also help improve the health of the soil. Some plants have deep roots that can break up compacted soil and improve drainage, while others add organic matter to the soil when they decompose. By planting a variety of plants together, gardeners can create a rich and diverse soil ecosystem that supports healthy plant growth.

Better Use of Garden Space

Companion planting can also help gardeners make the most of their available space. By intercropping or planting in guilds, gardeners can create a more efficient use of space than if they were to grow each plant separately. For example, a guild might consist of a fruit tree, an understory plant, a nitrogen-fixer, and groundcover plants. This combination provides food, nutrients, and pest control in a small area.

Reduced Water Usage

Companion planting can also help reduce water usage in the garden. By planting drought-tolerant plants together, gardeners can create a more resilient garden that requires less watering. In addition, some plants have shallow root systems that can compete with other plants for water. By selecting plants with complementary water needs, gardeners can reduce the amount of water needed to irrigate their garden.

Attractive Garden Design

Finally, companion planting can help create a more attractive and visually appealing garden. By selecting plants with complementary colors, textures, and growth habits, gardeners can create a beautiful and harmonious garden design.

How to Use a Plant Compatibility Chart

Using a plant compatibility chart is easy. Simply find the plant you want to grow in the chart and look for compatible plants listed nearby. You can also use the chart to identify plants that should not be grown together because they are incompatible.

Factors to Consider When Using a Plant Compatibility Chart

When using a plant compatibility chart, it's important to consider several factors:

• Soil pH

• Nutrient requirements

• Growth habits

• Water requirements

• Sunlight exposure

Soil pH

Plants have different soil pH requirements, so it's important to select plants with similar pH needs. For example, blueberries require acidic soil, while most vegetables prefer slightly alkaline soil.

Nutrient Requirements

Different plants have different nutrient requirements, so it's important to select plants that have similar nutrient needs. For example, legumes are nitrogen-fixers, so they do not require additional nitrogen fertilizers. On the other hand, tomatoes require a lot of nitrogen, so they benefit from being planted near nitrogen-fixing plants.

Growth Habits

Plants have different growth habits, such as tall or short, sprawling or compact, and upright or trailing. It's important to select plants with complementary growth habits to prevent overcrowding and competition for resources.

Water Requirements

Plants have different water requirements, so it's important to select plants with similar water needs. For example, succulent plants are adapted to dry conditions and do not require frequent watering, while water-loving plants like rice require constant moisture.

Sunlight Exposure

Plants have different sunlight requirements, so it's important to select plants that can thrive in the same amount of sunlight. For example, shade-loving plants like lettuce and spinach should not be planted in full sun, while sun-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

15 Best Companion Plant Combinations

Here are 15 of the best companion plant combinations for your garden:

1. Tomatoes and Basil

Tomatoes and basil are a classic combination in Italian cuisine, and they also make great companions in the garden. Basil repels pests like aphids, spider mites, and tomato hornworms, while tomatoes benefit from the extra nutrients provided by the basil.

2. Carrots and Onions

Carrots and onions are another classic culinary combination, and they also grow well together in the garden. Onions deter pests like carrot flies and root maggots, while carrots benefit from the extra nutrients provided by the onions.

3. Cucumbers and Radishes

Cucumbers and radishes are a great combination because they do not compete for resources. Radishes mature quickly and can be harvested before the cucumbers to sprawl, leaving more space for the cucumbers to grow.

4. Beans and Corn

Beans and corn are often grown together by Native American tribes, and for good reason. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the corn, while the corn provides a trellis for the beans to climb.

5. Spinach and Strawberries

Spinach and strawberries are a great combination because they both prefer slightly acidic soil and do not compete for resources. In addition, the spinach provides a living mulch that helps keep the soil moist and cool.

6. Marigolds and Tomatoes

Marigolds and tomatoes are a classic companion planting combination. Marigolds repel nematodes, which can damage tomato roots, while also attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

7. Peppers and Carrots

Peppers and carrots make great companions because they have similar nutrient requirements and do not compete for resources. In addition, peppers help deter pests like aphids and carrot flies.

8. Squash and Nasturtiums

Squash and nasturtiums are a beautiful and functional combination. Nasturtiums attract pollinators and deter pests, while the squash provides a living mulch that helps keep the soil moist and cool.

9. Eggplant and Beans

Eggplant and beans make great companions because the beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the eggplant. In addition, the beans provide a trellis for the eggplant to climb.

10. Broccoli and Chamomile

Broccoli and chamomile are a great combination because chamomile repels cabbage moths, which can damage broccoli plants. In addition, chamomile has shallow roots that do not compete with the deep roots of broccoli.

11. Beets and Dill

Beets and dill are a great combination because dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which prey on beet pests like aphids and leafminers. In addition, the dill provides a living mulch that helps keep the soil moist and cool.

12. Lettuce and Chives

Lettuce and chives are a great combination because chives repel pests like aphids and slugs, while also attracting beneficial insects like hoverflies. In addition, the chives provide a natural border for the lettuce.

13. Radicchio and Fennel

Radicchio and fennel make great companions because they both prefer slightly alkaline soil and do not compete for resources. In addition, the fennel attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

14. Melons and Oregano

Melons and oregano are a great combination because oregano repels pests like cucumber beetles and spider mites, while also attracting beneficial insects like bees and parasitic wasps.

15. Peas and Mint

Peas and mint make great companions because mint repels pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage moths, while also attracting beneficial insects like hoverflies. In addition, the mint provides a living mulch that helps keep the soil moist and cool.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I grow any plants together in my garden?

No, not all plants can be grown together. Some plants are incompatible because they have different nutrient requirements, growth habits, or soil pH preferences.

2. Do companion plants need to be planted at the same time?

No, companion plants do not need to be planted at the same time. In fact, some plants can be intercropped or planted in guilds after the main crop has been established.

3. Can companion planting prevent all pests and diseases?

No, companion planting cannot prevent all pests and diseases. However, it can help reduce the incidence of pests and diseases in the garden.

4. How do I know if my soil is acidic or alkaline?

You can test your soil pH using a soil test kit or by sending a soil sample to a reputable laboratory for analysis.

5. Can companion planting improve the taste of my crops?

Yes, companion planting can improve the taste of some crops. For example, herbs like basil and oregano can enhance the flavor of tomatoes and other vegetables.



A plant compatibility chart is an essential tool for any gardener who wants to create a thriving and productive garden. By selecting plants that complement each other, you can improve the health and yield of your crops, reduce pests and diseases, and create a more beautiful and resilient garden. So why not try companion planting in your garden today?