Gardening is a rewarding and fulfilling hobby that can provide you with fresh and healthy vegetables all year round. However, not all vegetables can be grown together, as they have different soil requirements, watering needs, and susceptibility to pests and diseases. To make the most of your garden space, it’s important to know which vegetables grow well together and which ones should be kept apart.

Companion Planting for Beginners

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together that complement each other’s growth and repel pests and diseases. When you plant vegetables that grow well together, they can enhance each other’s growth and yield while preventing pests and diseases. Here are some vegetable combinations that are known to thrive together:

Which Vegetables Grow Well Together

1. Tomatoes and Basil: Tomatoes and basil are the classic example of companion planting. Basil repels tomato hornworms and other pests that attack tomatoes, while tomatoes give off a chemical that enhances the flavor of basil. Plant basil around your tomato plants to repel pests and improve flavor.
2. Cucumbers and Beans: Cucumbers and beans are a great combination because they both grow quickly and take up minimal space. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial to cucumbers, and the cucumbers provide a living trellis for the beans to climb.
3. Carrots and Onions: Carrots and onions are another classic companion planting combination. Onions repel carrot flies, while carrots repel onion flies. Plant onions around your carrot plants to repel pests and improve growth.
4. Radishes and Lettuce: Radishes and lettuce are a good combination because they both grow quickly and take up minimal space. Radishes mature quickly and loosen the soil, which is beneficial to lettuce. Plant radishes around your lettuce plants to improve growth.
5. Peppers and Okra: Peppers and okra are a great combination because they both like hot and humid weather. Okra attracts beneficial insects that prey on pests that attack peppers, while peppers repel nematodes that attack okra. Plant peppers and okra together to improve growth and prevent pests.
6. Corn, Beans, and Squash: Corn, beans, and squash are known as the “three sisters” of companion planting because they have been traditionally grown together by Native Americans. Corn provides a trellis for beans to climb, while beans fix nitrogen in the soil that is beneficial to corn and squash. Squash spreads out to shade the soil and prevent weeds. Plant corn, beans, and squash together to improve growth and yield.
7. Spinach and Strawberries: Spinach and strawberries are a good combination because they both prefer slightly acidic soil and cool weather. Strawberries attract pollinators that are beneficial to spinach, while spinach provides a living mulch that shades the soil and prevents weeds. Plant spinach and strawberries together to improve growth and yield.
8. Broccoli and Beets: Broccoli and beets are a good combination because they both prefer slightly alkaline soil and cool weather. Beets attract beneficial insects that prey on pests that attack broccoli, while broccoli provides a living mulch that shades the soil and prevents weeds. Plant broccoli and beets together to improve growth and yield.
9. Kale and Potatoes: Kale and potatoes are a good combination because they both prefer slightly acidic soil and cool weather. Potatoes provide a living mulch that shades the soil and prevents weeds, while kale attracts beneficial insects that prey on pests that attack potatoes. Plant kale and potatoes together to improve growth and yield.
10. Eggplants and Marigolds: Eggplants and marigolds are a great combination because marigolds repel nematodes that attack eggplants, while eggplants attract beneficial insects that prey on pests that attack marigolds.

Now that you have some ideas of which vegetables grow well together, it’s important to keep in mind some other factors that can affect your garden’s success. Here are some additional tips to help you create a thriving vegetable garden:

Vegetable Gardening Tips

• Consider the soil: Different vegetables have different soil requirements. For example, tomatoes prefer slightly acidic soil, while carrots prefer slightly alkaline soil. Test your soil to determine its pH level and amend it as necessary.
• Water wisely: Different vegetables have different watering needs. Some vegetables, like cucumbers and squash, need a lot of water, while others, like tomatoes and peppers, prefer drier soil. Water your vegetables according to their individual needs to prevent over- or under-watering.
• Rotate your crops: To prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil, it’s important to rotate your crops each year. Don’t plant the same vegetables in the same spot year after year. Instead, move them to a different location in your garden.
• Weed regularly: Weeds compete with your vegetables for nutrients and water. Keep your garden weed-free by pulling weeds regularly or using mulch to prevent weed growth.
• Harvest frequently: Harvesting your vegetables frequently not only ensures that you have fresh produce on hand but also encourages your plants to produce more. Don’t let your vegetables become overripe or go to waste.

In conclusion, knowing which vegetables grow well together can help you create a thriving vegetable garden. By companion planting, you can enhance your vegetables’ growth and yield while preventing pests and diseases. Don’t forget to consider soil requirements, watering needs, crop rotation, weed control, and frequent harvesting to maximize your garden’s success. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful harvest of fresh and healthy vegetables!

Pin this for later and follow our PINTEREST page

The Best Summer Grilled Vegetables

Outdoor Living- Getting Your Backyard Ready for Summer Fun

Pantry Organization & Food Storage Tips with Orkin

LG Combination Double Wall Oven – Convection Cooking, Microwave Speed!