Companion Garden Chart: Full Companion Planting Guide

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Use the FREE companion garden chart in this post to maximize production, bring in beneficial insects, and reduce pest damage in your garden. Companion planting is a powerful gardening method that will increase the health and productivity of your garden.

a companion planting garden under a sunset with corn, green beans, squash, and flowers all growing in close proximity

I discovered the power of companion planting by accident. Many years ago I was planting my corn seeds in neat rows like I had always done. I started looking at all the empty space between those rows. It seemed like a waste of resources to leave that space empty, so I decided to plant pumpkins, squash, and watermelons between those rows.

That simple experiment in my vegetable garden not only doubled my crop yield but taught me an invaluable lesson about maximizing garden space through strategic plant partnerships. My garden has transformed from neat, tidy rows that are high-maintenance to a low-maintenance space more reminiscent of a jungle ecosystem.

My plants are thriving and my garden workload is drastically reduced.

New Gardeners: Don’t let this stress you out!

If you are a new gardener and the idea of hard and fast rules about what plants can be near each other stresses you out, you are not alone! When I first started learning about companion planting, all the rules and recommendations seemed a little daunting. Before I dive into all the details about companion planting, I want to tell you that these are just suggestions!

I have broken every companion planting, spacing, and timing rule in my garden. I know some gardeners swear by certain plant partnerships or spacing requirements, but you really need to experiment with your gardening space and see what works.

These general recommendations will get you started, but feel free to break all the gardening rules and push the boundaries. Every garden is so different and the only way to find out what will work best is to put seeds in the ground and keep records. Don’t let the companion planting suggestions become a barrier to starting a garden to grow your own food.

If you are a new gardener, be sure to check out this post about Gardening for Beginners with tons of helpful tips and tricks to get your garden started!

a watermelon growing on a vine in between rows of corn

Understanding Companion Planting

Companion planting is a time-tested form of growing food that combines scientific evidence with anecdotal evidence from generations of gardeners. Indigenous people across North America perfected this type of gardening centuries ago, particularly with the Three Sisters garden method.

The Three Sisters method of growing corn, pole beans, and squash demonstrates how different types of plants can work together for mutual benefit. This creates a thriving garden ecosystem where each plant supports the others.

My journey into companion gardening showed me that this traditional knowledge remains invaluable for modern home gardeners. Whether you’re working with small gardens or large garden beds, the benefits of companion planting can increase productivity while reducing pest and disease problems.

The Science Behind Plant Partnerships

The cool thing about companion planting is that it’s supported by science! Scientific evidence supports many of these plant combinations.

Different root systems interact in fascinating ways.

Root Interactions and Nutrient Uptake

  • Deep-rooted vegetables like carrots and other root crops help break up soil and bring up essential nutrients from lower soil layers, benefiting nearby shallow-rooted edible plants.
  • Shallow-rooted leafy greens maximize topsoil usage while benefiting from the soil conditioning of deeper roots, creating a complementary growing system.
  • Legumes like pole beans fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility for nearby vegetable plants through natural nutrient cycling.
  • Root vegetables paired with aromatic herbs show improved growth rates and enhanced flavor development due to beneficial soil interactions.

Natural Pest Control Through Plant Partnerships

  • Basil’s strong scent confuses and deters tomato hornworms and other harmful insects, making it an excellent companion for nightshade family plants (like tomatoes).
  • Marigolds emit compounds that repel various common pests while attracting beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and ladybugs.
  • Nasturtiums serve as trap crops, drawing aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms away from main crops such as brassicas and leafy greens.
  • Bee balm and other flowering plants attract parasitic wasps that prey on cabbage loopers and other destructive pests.

Structural Support and Space Optimization

  • Tall plants like sweet corn and sunflowers serve as natural trellises for climbing crops, creating vertical growing spaces.
  • Larger plants provide shade for shade-loving companions, extending the growing season for heat-sensitive crops.
  • Living mulch from sprawling plants like squash and pumpkins helps suppress weeds and retain moisture, improving overall garden health.
  • Compatible plants in close proximity can maximize limited garden space while improving crop production.
a pumpkin growing on a vine in between rows of corn

Plant Families and Companion Planting

Understanding plant families can help you identify good companions. Here’s some examples of common plant families found in a vegetable garden and companion planting suggestions.

Nightshade Family

Common vegetables in this family include:

  • Tomatoes
  • Sweet peppers
  • Eggplants
  • Potatoes

Best companion plants for nightshades:

  • Herbs (Basil, oregano, mint)
  • Carrots
  • Marigolds

Brassica Family

Common vegetables in this family include:

  • Cabbage
  • Brocolli
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Cauliflower
  • Kale
  • Radishes

Best companion plants for brassicas:

  • Beets
  • Onions
  • Potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Marigolds
  • Dill
  • Sage
  • Rosemary
  • Garlic
  • Tomatoes
  • Beans

Allium Family

Common vegetables in this family include:

  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Leeks
  • Chives

Best companion plants for alliums:

  • Fruit Trees
  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Potatoes
  • Brassicas
  • Carrots
  • Strawberries
  • Herbs

Grass Family

Common vegetables in this family include:

  • Corn
  • Rye
  • Oats

Best companion plants for grasses:

  • Beans
  • Tomatoes
  • Dill
  • Peas
  • Parsley
  • Potatoes
  • Squash

Umbel Family

Common vegetables in this family include:

  • Carrots
  • Parsnips
  • Celery
  • Parsley
  • Dill
  • Fennel
  • Cilantro

Best companion plants for umbels:

  • Lettuce
  • Alliums
  • Tomatoes
  • Beans

Legume Family

Common vegetables in this family include:

  • Beans
  • Peas

Best companion plants for legumes:

  • Beets
  • Lettuce
  • Potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Brassicas
  • Carrots
  • Tomatoes
  • Corn
  • Strawberries
  • Radish
  • Squash
a companion planting garden with squash, green beans, and flowers all growing in close proximity

Specialized Garden Plans

Using companion planting to grow combinations of vegetables that will be used together is always a fun way to plan your garden layout. Growing a pizza garden or a salad garden can be rewarding and fun!

Pizza Garden Design

Create a themed garden containing all your pizza favorites:

  • Tomatoes as the central crop, surrounded by basil which improves their flavor and deters pests.
  • Sweet peppers planted on the south side to receive full sun without shading other plants.
  • Oregano and other aromatic herbs form a protective border while providing essential seasonings.
  • Onions and garlic help deter pests from the entire garden while contributing to your pizza toppings.

Salad Garden Layout

Design a productive salad garden with these companion planting combinations:

  • Leafy greens in partial shade of taller plants.
  • Root vegetables like carrots and radishes inter-planted between lettuce rows.
  • Beneficial companion crops like chives and parsley to deter pests.
  • Marigolds and nasturtiums for both pest control and edible flowers.

Beneficial Insects and Natural Pest Control

Creating a garden that attracts beneficial insects is crucial for natural pest management. Beneficial insects can pollinate your food crops. They can also help control insect pests.

By creating a diverse mix of plants in your garden, you are creating a thriving ecosystem that supports beneficial insects. Using the pairings in the companion garden chart will increase beneficial insect populations in your garden.

Common Beneficial Insects

  • Parasitic wasps consume tomato hornworms and cabbage loopers.
  • Ladybugs feast on spider mites and aphids.
  • Ground beetles patrol for slugs and other ground-dwelling pests.
  • Praying mantises provide general pest control.

Best Plants for Attracting Beneficial Insects

  • Dill and fennel support beneficial insect populations.
  • Bee balm attracts pollinators and predatory insects.
  • Yarrow provides habitat for pest-eating insects.
  • Cosmos, marigolds, and zinnias draw in numerous beneficial species.

Other Companion Planting Strategies

Vertical Growing Solutions

  • Sunflowers can serve as natural poles for pole beans and cucumbers.
  • Sweet corn can supports climbing beans, or squash vines.
  • Tall trellises between rows can support multiple climbing crops in close proximity to each other.
  • Vining plants like cucumbers and squash can shade heat-sensitive crops like lettuce and spinach below.

Cover Crops and Soil Building

Adding cover crops to your garden during the off season is a great way to feed your soil and attract beneficial insects. In some cases, you can leave these cover crops in the ground and plant your food crops with them come spring.

Common Cover Crops

  • Clover fixes nitrogen while suppressing weeds.
  • Winter rye provides organic matter and prevents erosion.
  • Buckwheat attracts pollinators and improves soil structure.
  • Hairy vetch adds nitrogen for spring crops.
a closeup of a ripe delicata squash hanging on a vine on a corn stalk

Seasonal Companion Planning

Planting cold-hearty companion plants in the early spring can set your garden up for success. After all danger of frost has passed, summer crops can be added to the mix. When fall and winter arrive, cover crops and cold-hardy vegetables can be intermingled to feed the soil and extend your growing season. The companion garden chart can help inform your garden planning.

Check out this guide to succession planting to increase you garden productivity and harvest!

Spring Planting Combinations

  • Root crops like carrots can grow alongside onions and leeks, using different soil layers.
  • Leafy greens can grow in the shade of trellised peas and will benefit from the light shade.
  • Brussels sprouts and other cabbage family crops will thrive with aromatic herb companions.

Summer Growing Strategies

  • Pole beans can climb up sweet corn stalks, fixing nitrogen to feed the heavy-feeding corn.
  • Tomatoes will benefit from basil and marigold companions.
  • Peppers will benefit from tomato, bean or onion companions.

Fall/Winter Planning

  • Cold-hardy cabbage plants can be surrounded by protective aromatic herbs.
  • Cover crops can be planted in harvested areas to maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion.
  • Root vegetables like potatoes and carrots can be paired with cold-tolerant aromatic herbs.
  • Cover crops can serve as living mulch systems that protect the soil through the winter.

Creating Successful Companion Planting Garden Layouts

Whether your garden is big or small, you can incorporate and enjoy all the benefits of companion planting.

Small Garden Companion Planting

If you have a small growing area, companion planting can maximize your limited garden space. Through vertical growing systems using poles and supports, you can grow up instead of out. Using the suggestions on the companion garden chart, you can create diverse groupings of plants in your raised beds or containers.

Inter-planting compatible crops with different growth rates (like carrots and radishes) can double your productivity on the same area of soil.

Don’t forget about the edges of your garden! Edges and fence lines are great areas to plant herbs and flowers that will add beauty and attract beneficial insects.

Companion planting can be very beneficial and beautiful in a container garden. Group basil and oregano with tomatoes for a lovely container garden.

Large Garden Companion Planting

If you have more area to work with, you have even more options to explore with your companion planting. Using the companion garden chart, you can create micro climates and mini ecosystems inside your larger garden area.

With more space you could dedicate beneficial insect strips between your garden beds. Plant marigolds, dill, an fennel in these strips. You could also consider planting fruit trees with complimentary understory plants.

You can grow squash, watermelon, and pumpkins between your sweet corn rows to maximize production. Grow onions in between tomato plants and herbs next to brassicas.

The more diversity you introduce to your space, the more health and vitality you will bring to your garden.

Solving Common Garden Challenges with Companion Planting

Poor soil, pests, and diseases are things every gardener has to deal with at some point. Using the suggestions in the companion garden chart can help with all of these common garden problems.

Pest Management

You can naturally control pests with thoughtful garden planning. Diverse plantings including flowering plants will attract beneficial insects. Some plants can confuse or repel harmful insects.

Planting a “trap crop” of plants that are desirable for a harmful insect can keep them away from your food crops. Nasturtiums are a commonly used trap crop plant for insects that are attracted to brassicas.

Disease Prevention

Most common plant diseases spread by proximity. By creating a garden space with different types of plants intermingled rather than garden mono cultures, plant disease risk will be dramatically reduced.

Nutrient Management

Companion planting can optimize soil fertility through nitrogen fixing legumes. Deep rooted plants break up compacted soil and bring nutrients to the surface where other shallow rooted plants can access them. Using cover crops during winter months can prevent soil erosion and add vital nitrogen and organic matter back to the soil.

Start your Diverse Garden Ecosystem

Are you a new gardener? Begin your companion planting journey by starting with proven combinations like tomatoes and basil. Add in some flowers and herbs like marigolds, nasturtiums, dill, sage, and fennel for beneficial insects. Use the companion garden chart to inform your garden layout and planning.

You should also incorporate nitrogen-fixing plants like peas and green beans. Start using some vertical growing systems or trellis structures to maximize your growing space. Think of your garden as an ecosystem rather than neat one-crop rows.

My discovery with corn and squash led to a complete transformation of my garden space. Through careful observation and continued learning about companion planting principles, I’ve created a thriving garden ecosystem that produces abundantly while requiring less intervention for pest and disease control.

Remember that successful companion planting combines traditional wisdom with modern understanding. Use our printable companion planting chart as your guide, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Every garden space is unique, and the best way to discover what works is through thoughtful observation and adaptation.

Start small, document your successes, and gradually expand your companion planting practice. Whether you’re growing a small herb garden or managing extensive vegetable plots, these principles can help you create a more productive and sustainable growing space.

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