We all want a garden that looks beautiful, grows healthy crops, and stays resilient against pests and diseases. One of the simplest ways to achieve a thriving garden is through companion planting. When you plant certain species near each other, they can boost each other’s health in natural ways.

In this post, we’ll explore the best companion plants you can use to help your garden flourish. We’ll explain how each combination works and give you practical tips you can apply right away.

Let’s dive in and learn how thoughtful planting can make all the difference in your garden.

Basil and Tomatoes

Basil and tomatoes are a classic pairing that gardeners have used for generations. We plant basil near tomatoes to help repel pests like aphids, mosquitoes, and whiteflies. The strong scent of basil keeps these unwanted visitors away, protecting your juicy red tomatoes. In return, tomatoes provide partial shade that helps basil plants stay lush under the hot summer sun.

To plant them together, space your tomato plants about 18–24 inches apart, then tuck basil seedlings in between at the same distance. Water both regularly, aiming for moist but not waterlogged soil. As the plants grow, pinch off basil flowers to focus energy on leaf growth. You’ll notice healthier tomato plants and a fresh supply of fragrant basil for your kitchen.

Marigolds and Peppers

Marigolds aren’t just colorful and cheerful—they’re also natural pest repellents. We often place marigolds around pepper plants because they emit a chemical called pyrethrum, which deters nematodes and other harmful insects. This protective barrier means you can grow peppers with fewer worries about underground pests damaging the roots.

Plant marigolds about 6–12 inches from the base of your pepper plants. Choose French marigolds (Tagetes patula) or African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) for the strongest effect. Keep the marigolds trimmed and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. With this pairing, you’ll have bright blooms and spicy peppers thriving side by side.

Carrots and Onions

Carrots and onions make a great team because they demand different nutrients and occupy different soil levels. Carrot roots go deep, while onion bulbs stay near the surface. This complementary growth pattern helps you use garden space more efficiently.

Even better, onions release sulfur compounds that repel carrot flies, while carrots can help deter onion flies. We recommend planting onions in rows every 4–6 inches, then sowing carrot seeds between those rows. Keep the soil well-weeded and lightly hilled around onions to support bulb development. This pairing reduces common pests and boosts overall yield.

Nasturtiums and Brassicas

If you grow cabbage, broccoli, kale, or cauliflower, nasturtiums are an ideal companion. We plant nasturtiums nearby because they act as a trap crop. Pests like aphids and cabbage worms prefer nasturtiums over brassicas. By drawing pests away, nasturtiums protect your main crops.

Sow nasturtium seeds at the edge of the brassica bed, spacing them about 10–12 inches apart. As they grow, you’ll see bright, peppery flowers that attract beneficial insects, too. Harvest nasturtium leaves and flowers for salads to enjoy their peppery flavor. Meanwhile, your brassicas will face fewer pests and benefit from improved pollination.

Beans, Corn, and Squash (The Three Sisters)

The Three Sisters planting method is a traditional technique used by Native American farmers. Beans climb up the sturdy corn stalks, saving you from needing extra supports. The beans then fix nitrogen in the soil, providing a natural fertilizer. Meanwhile, the squash plants spread out and create a living mulch that suppresses weeds and retains moisture.

To set this up, plant corn seeds in a block rather than a single row. Wait until the corn is about 6 inches tall, then plant pole bean seeds around each corn stalk. Finally, sow squash seeds around the perimeter of each corn-and-bean mound. This guild of plants supports each other in a cycle of growth and nutrient exchange that leads to healthy yields and efficient garden space.

Borage and Strawberries

Borage is an herb with bright blue star-shaped flowers. We add borage around strawberries for several reasons. First, it attracts pollinators like bees, increasing the amount of fruit your strawberries will set. Second, borage is said to improve the flavor and disease resistance of nearby strawberries.

Plant borage at least 12–14 inches away from strawberry rows. The tall borage flowers won’t shade the low-growing strawberries, and their love for mild climates makes them an ideal neighbor. Keep an eye on borage volunteers, though—they self-seed easily. Pull extras as needed to maintain balance in your garden beds.

Chives and Roses

We often overlook the benefits of combining flowers with vegetables, but chives and roses make an excellent pair. Chives produce sulfur compounds that help deter pests like aphids and black spot fungus from roses. At the same time, roses add a splash of color and height to your garden.

Plant chive clumps about 12 inches from your rose bushes. They have shallow roots and won’t compete for nutrients. Snip chive flowers before they go to seed to keep the plants vigorous. Enjoy fresh chives in your kitchen and healthier roses in your garden.

Garlic and Fruit Trees

Garlic is a powerful pest repellent, and we plant it around the base of fruit trees for added protection. The sulfur compounds in garlic help ward off borers and aphids. Plus, garlic’s shallow roots don’t interfere with deeper tree roots.

Plant individual cloves of garlic about 6–8 inches apart around the dripline of young fruit trees. Make sure you don’t plant too close to the trunk to avoid moisture buildup. In spring, watch for garlic scapes that emerge and remove them if you prefer bigger bulbs. You’ll end up with both a protective barrier for your trees and a delicious garlic harvest.

Dill and Cabbage

Dill and cabbage enjoy each other’s company because they attract opposite beneficial insects. We place dill near cabbage to draw in predatory wasps and hoverflies. These helpful insects feast on cabbage worms and aphids, reducing the need for chemical controls.

Sow dill seeds about 18–22 inches from your cabbage heads. Dill can grow quite tall, so make sure it doesn’t cast heavy shade. Harvest dill leaves and flowers for pickles and fish dishes. As you enjoy your dill harvest, your cabbage will benefit from fewer pests and improved growth.

Thyme and Cabbage

Thyme makes a fantastic low-growing mulch around cabbage, broccoli, and other brassicas. We plant thyme at the edge of the bed to repel cabbage moths and other pests. Thyme also attracts beneficial insects like bees, which help pollinate other garden plants.

Space thyme plants about 8–10 inches apart, creating a living carpet around your vegetable garden. Thyme’s woody stems help retain soil moisture and add structure to the garden bed. Snip thyme sprigs for cooking, and you’ll have a fragrant kitchen herb while your vegetables stay protected.

Try Companion Planting in Your Garden

Ready to get more out of your garden with less effort? Start using companion planting. Matching the right plants can naturally reduce pests, boost pollination, and make your space more efficient. Whether you’re growing herbs, veggies, or flowers, smart pairings can lead to stronger growth and better harvests.

Test a few of these combinations in your own garden and see what works best. With a little planning, you’ll notice healthier plants and a more productive plot.

Get your hands in the soil and let nature do the heavy lifting.