What is Companion Planting? Why Should You Consider It?

Companion planting is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to garden more naturally. By planting certain vegetable, herb, & flower crops side by side, you can encourage healthier growth, reduce pests, and even improve flavor. Companion planting also avoids planting vegetables or herbs near each other that can cause stunted growth & lower yields.

For example, marigolds are known to help deter harmful insects, while herbs like basil can enhance the growth and taste of nearby vegetables. Some plants, like beans, even enrich the soil by adding nitrogen, benefiting the plants around them.

Beyond the practical benefits, companion planting creates a more balanced and diverse garden ecosystem. When plants support each other, your garden becomes more resilient, productive, and beautiful which means more produce with less work.

Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, a little planning can go a long way. Think of companion planting as teamwork in the garden – when the right plants grow together, everyone thrives.

We’ve combined a chart with some of the most common vegetable plants and what should – or should not – be planted with/near them.