Plants That Get Along: A Guide to Compatible Plants

Are you tired of planting your garden only to find that certain plants just don't seem to grow well together? Or maybe you're new to gardening and want to make sure you're planting things in the right place. Whatever your situation, understanding which plants are compatible with each other can make a big difference in the success of your garden. In this guide, we'll take a deep dive into some of the most popular plants and explore which ones work well together.

The Basics

What Are Compatible Plants?

When we talk about compatible plants, we mean plants that grow well together and complement each other. This could mean plants that have similar soil requirements, or plants that help control pests when planted together.

Why Is It Important to Plant Compatible Plants?

Planting compatible plants is important for several reasons. First, it helps ensure that all of your plants thrive and grow as they should. Second, planting compatible plants can help naturally control pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Finally, planting compatible plants can help improve soil health by encouraging beneficial microorganisms to thrive.

Companion Planting

What Is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is the practice of planting certain crops together in order to benefit each other. For example, some plants may act as natural pest repellents, while others may help fix nitrogen in the soil.

Examples of Companion Planting

Here are a few examples of companion planting:

• Planting marigolds with tomatoes can help repel nematodes and other pests.

• Planting beans with corn can help fix nitrogen in the soil and provide a natural trellis for the beans to climb.

• Planting basil with tomatoes can improve the flavor of both plants.

Plants That Work Well Together

Tomatoes and Basil

Tomatoes and basil are an excellent example of companion planting. Not only do they taste great together, but planting them together can actually improve the flavor of both plants. Basil also acts as a natural pest repellent, helping to keep tomato-loving insects at bay.

Carrots and Onions

Carrots and onions are another great pair. Planting them together can help deter pests and improve soil health. Plus, they're both delicious and easy to grow!

Cucumbers and Radishes

If you're looking for a natural way to control pests, try planting cucumbers and radishes together. Radishes are known to repel cucumber beetles, which can be a major problem for cucumber plants.

The Importance of Soil Health

Why Is Soil Health Important?

Soil health is crucial for plant growth and overall garden success. Healthy soil contains a diverse range of microorganisms that help break down organic matter and make nutrients available to plants. When soil health is poor, plants may struggle to grow and may be more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Improving Soil Health

There are several ways to improve soil health, including:

• Adding organic matter, such as compost or manure, to the soil

• Rotating crops to prevent soil-borne diseases

• Planting cover crops to add nitrogen to the soil

Plants That Don't Play Well Together

Why Are Some Plants Incompatible?

Some plants are incompatible because they have different soil requirements or because they attract pests or diseases that can harm other plants. For example, planting tomatoes and potatoes together is not a good idea because they are both members of the nightshade family and can attract the same pests and diseases.

Examples of Incompatible Plants

Here are a few examples of plants that don't play well together:

• Tomatoes and potatoes

• Beans and onions

• Cucumbers and sage

Container Gardening

What Is Container Gardening?

Container gardening is the practice of growing plants in containers rather than in the ground. This can be a great option for people who have limited space or poor soil.

Which Plants Work Best in Containers?

Many plants can be grown successfully in containers, including:

• Tomatoes

• Herbs

• Lettuce

Pest Control

Natural Pest Control

There are several ways to control pests without resorting to chemical pesticides. Companion planting, as we've discussed, is one way to naturally repel pests. Another option is to use physical barriers, such as row covers or netting, to keep pests away from your plants.

Organic Pesticides

If you do need to use a pesticide, consider using an organic option. These are made from natural substances, such as neem oil or pyrethrin, and are generally less harmful to beneficial insects and the environment.



Planting compatible plants is a great way to ensure that your garden thrives and grows as it should. By understanding which plants work well together and which ones don't, you can create a beautiful and productive garden that you'll enjoy for years to come.

FAQs

1. What Is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is the practice of planting certain crops together in order to benefit each other. For example, some plants may act as natural pest repellents, while others may help fix nitrogen in the soil.

2. Which Plants Are Compatible with Tomatoes?

Several plants are compatible with tomatoes, including basil, marigolds, and carrots.

3. Can I Grow Vegetables in Containers?

Yes! Many vegetables can be grown successfully in containers, including tomatoes, herbs, and lettuce.

4. How Can I Improve Soil Health?

Improving soil health can be by adding organic matter, rotating crops, and planting cover crops.

5. What Are Some Natural Pest Control Options?

Companion planting and physical barriers, such as row covers or netting, are both effective natural pest control options.