LEARN-TO-GARDEN SERIES: COMPANION PLANTING GUIDE
Hao’ tewaientho! Let’s all plant!
Welcome to MCA Environment’s Companion Planting Guide, as part of their Learn-to-Garden Series. Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different crops together to enhance growth, reduce pests, and improve soil health. One of the best examples of companion planting is the Three Sisters method:
- Corn provides structure for beans to climb.
- Beans return nitrogen to the soil, supporting corn and squash in future years.
- Squash‘s prickly leaves protect crops from pests, shade the ground, retain moisture, and prevent weed growth.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes thrive when planted with certain companions. Here are some plants that do well with tomatoes:
|
Good Companions |
Bad Companions |
|---|---|
| Basil | Broccoli |
| Beans | Brussel Sprouts |
| Carrots | Cabbage |
| Cucumbers | Cauliflower |
| Lettuce | Corn |
| Marigold | Dill |
| Nasturtiums | Kale |
| Parsley | Potatoes |
| Peppers | |
| Tomatoes |
Tomatoes are well known for being planted with basil and marigolds. Marigolds deter tomato worms and other pests while attracting beneficial pollinators. Basil is said to improve the growth and flavor of tomatoes.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers also benefit from companion planting. Here are some plants that pair well with cucumbers:
|
Good Companions |
Bad Companions |
|---|---|
| Asparagus | Aromatic herbs |
| Beans | Potatoes |
| Cabbage | Sage |
| Cauliflower | |
| Celery | |
| Corn | |
| Dill | |
| Lettuce | |
| Nasturtiums | |
| Onions | |
| Peas | |
| Radishes | |
| Sunflowers | |
| Cucumbers |
Beans
Beans are part of the Legume plant family and are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they add nitrogen back into the soil. Here are some plants that do well with beans:
|
Good Companions |
Bad Companions |
|---|---|
| Brassicas | Any bulb-forming plants (onions, garlic, etc. |
| Carrot | Peppers |
| Celery | Sunflowers |
| Chard | |
| Corn | |
| Eggplant | |
| Peas | |
| Peppers | |
| Potatoes | |
| Radishes | |
| Strawberries | |
| Tomatoes | |
| Beans |
Beets
Beets also benefit from companion planting. Here are some plants that pair well with beets:
|
Good Companions |
Bad Companions |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | Pole Beans |
| Brussel sprouts | Field mustard |
| Bush beans | Chard |
| Cabbage | |
| Cauliflower | |
| Chives | |
| Corn | |
| Garlic | |
| Kale | |
| Leeks | |
| Lettuce | |
| Mint | |
| Onions | |
| Beets |
Companion planting results can be subtle and difficult to observe or measure. This guide is designed to get you thinking and planning. Always remember to do what works best for you and your garden.