The Complete Companion Planting Guide (With Free Companion Planting Chart PDF)

Companion planting is one of those gardening topics that almost everyone has heard about, yet few people completely understand.

Some gardeners swear that planting basil next to tomatoes makes them taste sweeter. Others insist marigolds keep pests away. You’ll even find books claiming certain plants simply “don’t like” growing beside each other.

So what’s actually true?

The reality sits somewhere in the middle.

Some companion planting combinations are supported by scientific research. Others come from centuries of observation by gardeners who repeatedly noticed certain plants growing better together. A few combinations are probably little more than gardening folklore.

Fortunately, you don’t need to know exactly why every combination works to benefit from them.

Over the years I’ve found companion planting to be one of the simplest ways to build a healthier vegetable garden. It attracts pollinators, encourages beneficial insects, improves biodiversity and often reduces pest problems without reaching for pesticides.

It’s also one of the easiest techniques for beginner gardeners because you don’t need expensive equipment or special products—just thoughtful planning before you plant.

What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is simply the practice of growing two or more plants together so they benefit each other.

Those benefits may be direct or indirect.

Sometimes one plant attracts pollinating insects that improve fruit production nearby. Other times a strong-smelling herb helps confuse insect pests looking for their favourite vegetable.

Some plants even improve the soil for their neighbours, while tall crops can shelter more delicate vegetables from strong winds or intense afternoon sun.

Think of it as building a miniature ecosystem instead of growing vegetables in isolation.

Nature rarely grows just one species in neat rows. Forests, meadows and natural grasslands contain enormous plant diversity, and that diversity creates healthier, more resilient ecosystems.

Your vegetable garden can benefit from the same principle.

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Does Companion Planting Actually Work?

This is one of the most common questions people ask, and it’s a good one.

The honest answer is that some companion planting techniques are strongly supported by science, while others rely mainly on generations of gardening experience.

Research has shown clear benefits from increasing plant diversity in vegetable gardens. Diverse gardens generally attract more beneficial insects, support more pollinators and often experience fewer severe pest outbreaks than large monocultures.

There is also strong evidence for:

• Trap crops reducing pest pressure.
• Flowering plants attracting predatory insects.
• Legumes adding nitrogen to the soil through nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
• Diverse plantings supporting healthier ecosystems.
• Flower strips improving pollination.

Some of the more specific claims—such as basil always making tomatoes sweeter—have less scientific support.

That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re wrong. It simply means they haven’t been consistently demonstrated under controlled conditions.

My advice is simple:

Use companion planting as one tool among many. Combine it with healthy soil, crop rotation, mulching, watering correctly and encouraging biodiversity, and you’ll usually see much better results than relying on companion planting alone.

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The 8 Biggest Benefits of Companion Planting

1. Natural Pest Control

Many companion plants either repel pest insects or attract insects that feed on them.

For example, flowering herbs attract tiny parasitic wasps that help control aphids, caterpillars and whiteflies. I found this super beneficial trying to combat aphids in my tunnel house. I grow a variety of small flowers and the predators arrive and keep the aphids in check!

2. Better Pollination

Many vegetables only produce well if insects regularly visit their flowers.

Adding nectar-rich flowers throughout your vegetable garden keeps bees, hoverflies and native pollinators visiting throughout the growing season.

3. Improved Soil Health

Different plants use nutrients differently.

Legumes such as peas and beans work alongside nitrogen-fixing bacteria, gradually contributing nitrogen to the surrounding soil for future crops. A variety of plants makes for a variety of biota in the soil which means there are a bigger range of exudates and bio-available nutrients in the soil, so the plants are all healthier.

4. Better Use of Space

Companion planting allows you to grow vertically as well as horizontally.

Climbing beans can use corn as a natural support while pumpkins spread underneath, covering bare soil and reducing weeds.

5. Weed Suppression

Living groundcovers shade the soil, reducing weed germination while helping retain valuable moisture.

6. Greater Biodiversity

A vegetable garden containing vegetables, herbs and flowers is usually far more resilient than one planted with vegetables alone.

7. Reduced Disease Pressure

Although companion planting won’t eliminate plant diseases, increased airflow, greater biodiversity and healthier beneficial insect populations often create a more balanced growing environment.

8. A More Beautiful Garden

One benefit that’s often overlooked is simply how attractive companion planting looks.

Bright flowers mixed through vegetables create a productive garden that’s also enjoyable to spend time in.

Companion Planting Myths vs Facts

One reason companion planting can be confusing is that you’ll often find completely different advice depending on which book or website you read.

Some recommendations have decades of practical experience behind them, while others have gradually become accepted simply because they’ve been repeated often enough.

Rather than treating every companion planting rule as absolute, it’s better to think of them as guidelines that you can test in your own garden.

Claim	Evidence
Flowers attract pollinators	★★★★★ Strong scientific evidence
Trap crops reduce pests	★★★★★ Well supported
Beans improve soil nitrogen	★★★★★ Well established
Basil always improves tomato flavour	★★☆☆☆ Mostly anecdotal
Every companion chart is identical	✘ False

If you discover a combination that consistently performs well in your own garden, keep using it—even if another chart says otherwise.

Your climate, soil, rainfall and local pest species all influence whether a particular pairing succeeds.

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The Best Flowers for Companion Planting

Flowers do far more than make a vegetable garden look attractive.

Many provide nectar and pollen that feed beneficial insects throughout the season, helping create a balanced ecosystem that naturally keeps pest populations under control.

Marigolds

Marigolds are probably the world’s best-known companion flower.

They are commonly planted beside tomatoes, peppers, brassicas and many other vegetables.

Benefits include:

• Attracting hoverflies.
• Supporting pollinating insects.
• Helping confuse some insect pests.
• Adding colour throughout summer.

French marigolds are also commonly recommended for reducing some soil nematodes, although results vary depending on species.

Nasturtiums

If I could only grow one companion flower, nasturtiums would be very close to the top of my list.

They’re beautiful, edible and incredibly useful.

Nasturtiums act as a classic trap crop because aphids, caterpillars and whitefly often choose them instead of your vegetables.

Rather than protecting every plant individually, you simply encourage pests to concentrate on the nasturtiums where they’re easier to monitor and remove.

They also:

• Provide edible flowers.
• Attract bees.
• Offer shelter for beneficial insects.
• Grow easily from seed.

Calendula

Calendula flowers almost continuously and provides an excellent food source for bees, hoverflies and predatory insects.

Its bright orange flowers also make excellent cut flowers and the petals are edible.

Borage

Borage is one of my favourite flowers for productive gardens.

Bees absolutely love it.

It grows quickly, self-seeds readily and flowers for months.

It’s particularly well known as a companion for strawberries because increased bee activity often leads to improved pollination and better fruit production.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers perform several useful functions.

• Provide food for pollinators.
• Offer climbing support for beans.
• Create afternoon shade in hot climates.
• Feed birds later in the season.

Cosmos

Cosmos flowers attract lacewings, hoverflies and tiny parasitic wasps—all valuable predators of aphids and caterpillars.

They’re also among the easiest flowers to grow from seed.

Alyssum

Sweet alyssum forms a low carpet of flowers that produces nectar almost continuously. They smell wonderful and attract all sorts of beneficial insects and bees.

This steady nectar supply helps keep beneficial insects living in the garden rather than simply passing through.

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Why Pollinators Matter

Many vegetables depend on insects for pollination.

Without regular visits from bees and other pollinators, crops such as pumpkins, cucumbers, zucchini and melons often produce very poor harvests.

Rather than planting flowers in a separate ornamental garden, scatter them throughout your vegetable beds.

This keeps pollinators exactly where they’re needed.

Some of the best pollinator-friendly flowers include:

• Borage
• Calendula
• Marigolds
• Nasturtiums
• Echinacea
• Sunflowers
• Queen Anne’s Lace
• Purple tansy
• Poppies
• Clover

If possible, choose flowers that bloom at different times of the year so insects always have something to feed on.

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Trap Crops Explained

Trap crops are one of the few companion planting techniques that has strong scientific support.

The idea is surprisingly simple.

Instead of trying to stop insects entering your garden altogether, you deliberately give them something they prefer eating.

The pests concentrate on the sacrificial plant, leaving your main crop relatively untouched.

Examples include:

Trap Crop	Protects	Targets
Nasturtium	Tomatoes, beans, brassicas	Aphids, caterpillars, whitefly
Radish	Brassicas	Flea beetles
Mustard	Cabbage family	Some caterpillars

The important part is monitoring trap crops regularly. Once they’re heavily infested, remove the pests—or the entire trap crop—before the insects spread throughout the garden.

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The Best Herbs for Companion Planting

Herbs are some of the hardest-working plants in any vegetable garden.

Besides providing fresh ingredients for the kitchen, many attract beneficial insects, feed pollinators and help confuse pest insects through their strong aromas.

Unlike annual vegetables, many herbs are perennial, meaning they continue supporting your garden year after year with very little maintenance.

Some of the best companion herbs include:

• Basil — excellent beside tomatoes and capsicums.
• Dill — attracts hoverflies and parasitic wasps.
• Rosemary — commonly grown near brassicas.
• Sage — useful around cabbage family crops.
• Thyme — attracts pollinators while forming useful groundcover.
• Hyssop — traditionally grown beside brassicas to discourage cabbage butterflies.
• Chives — useful around carrots and fruit trees.

Even allowing herbs like dill, coriander and parsley to flower before removing them can dramatically increase the number of beneficial insects living in your vegetable garden.

Companion Planting in Raised Beds

Raised beds are ideal for companion planting because every centimetre of growing space counts.

Instead of planting a single crop across the entire bed, combine vegetables, herbs and flowers to create a more diverse ecosystem.

A simple raised bed might include:

• Tomatoes in the centre.
• Basil planted around the base.
• Marigolds at each corner.
• Lettuce filling empty spaces.
• Nasturtiums spilling over the edges.

This approach increases biodiversity while making excellent use of limited space.

Remember that companion planting doesn’t replace good spacing. Every plant still needs enough room for sunlight and airflow.

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Companion Planting in Containers

Companion planting isn’t limited to large vegetable gardens.

Many combinations work surprisingly well in pots and containers.

Main Crop	Good Container Companions
Tomatoes	Basil, marigolds, parsley
Capsicums	Basil, calendula
Strawberries	Borage nearby, chives
Lettuce	Spring onions, parsley

Container gardens dry out faster than garden beds, so don’t overcrowd pots simply to include more companion plants.

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Companion Planting in Greenhouses

Greenhouses create a different environment from outdoor gardens.

Because there are fewer natural predators inside, pests such as aphids and whiteflies can build up rapidly.

Companion planting can help by encouraging pollinators and beneficial insects whenever doors and vents are open.

Some of the best greenhouse companions include:

• Basil beside tomatoes.
• Marigolds throughout the greenhouse.
• Calendula for pollinators.
• Nasturtiums as trap crops.
• Dill allowed to flower.

Just remember that good ventilation, watering and hygiene remain far more important than companion planting alone.

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Companion Planting vs Crop Rotation

Companion planting and crop rotation are often confused, but they’re completely different gardening techniques.

Companion Planting	Crop Rotation
Plants are grown together.	Plants are grown in different locations each year.
Focuses on beneficial interactions.	Breaks pest and disease cycles.
Improves biodiversity.	Protects soil health.

The best vegetable gardens use both methods together.

Companion planting helps crops during the current growing season, while crop rotation reduces long-term pest and disease problems.

RELATED: Learn how crop rotation improves soil health

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10 Common Companion Planting Mistakes

1. Planting too closely. Companion plants still need enough room to grow.
2. Ignoring sunlight. Don’t let taller plants permanently shade sun-loving crops.
3. Relying on companion planting alone. Healthy soil remains far more important.
4. Never rotating crops. Companion planting isn’t a replacement for crop rotation.
5. Growing only vegetables. Herbs and flowers are often the most valuable companions.
6. Removing flowers too early. Let herbs flower whenever possible for beneficial insects.
7. Expecting miracles. Companion planting reduces risk—it doesn’t eliminate pests.
8. Using only one chart. Different climates produce different results.
9. Ignoring biodiversity. Diversity is often more important than individual pairings.
10. Not observing your own garden. Your experiences are the best guide over time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does companion planting really work?

Many aspects do. Attracting pollinators, encouraging beneficial insects and increasing biodiversity are all well supported. Some traditional plant pairings are based more on long-term observation than formal scientific studies.

Can companion planting replace pesticides?

No. It can reduce pest pressure but works best as part of an integrated gardening approach that includes healthy soil, crop rotation and encouraging natural predators.

Which flowers are best for vegetable gardens?

Marigolds, nasturtiums, calendula, borage, alyssum, cosmos and sunflowers are all excellent choices.

Which herb is the best companion plant?

If you could only grow one, basil is extremely versatile. However, dill, thyme, rosemary, sage and chives are also outstanding additions.

Should every vegetable have a companion plant?

Not necessarily, but including flowers and herbs throughout the vegetable garden almost always improves biodiversity.

Why do companion planting charts disagree?

Climate, soil type, local pests and growing conditions all influence plant interactions. That’s why different gardeners sometimes report different results.

Can I companion plant fruit trees?

Absolutely. Herbs, flowering perennials and nitrogen-fixing plants are often grown beneath fruit trees to attract pollinators and beneficial insects.

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Download Your Free Companion Planting Chart

If you’re looking for a quick reference while you’re planning your vegetable garden, download the free printable companion planting chart below.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COMPANION PLANTING CHART PDF HERE:
Companion Planting Chart PDF

This printable chart is designed as a handy reference while you’re planting. Keep it nearby in the shed or greenhouse so you can quickly check which vegetables, herbs and flowers grow well together.

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Complete Vegetable Companion Planting Chart

The comprehensive companion planting table below lists the best companions, plants to avoid and the reasons behind each pairing.

Keep your existing companion planting table exactly here (unchanged).

It remains one of the most useful quick-reference resources for planning your vegetable garden.

Continue with the existing content below in this order:

• Existing companion planting table
• Existing internal links
• Existing YouTube embed
• Existing Amazon affiliate book links
• Existing Pinterest images
• Newsletter signup
• Gardening resources link
• Related posts shortcode

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Final Thoughts

Companion planting isn’t about finding one magical combination that guarantees a perfect harvest.

It’s about creating a healthier, more diverse garden where plants support one another, beneficial insects thrive and pests are naturally kept in balance.

Some companion planting combinations have been backed by scientific research, while others have simply stood the test of time through generations of gardeners observing what works.

My advice is to use this guide as your starting point.

Experiment. Observe. Keep notes.

Over time you’ll discover which combinations perform best in your own climate, soil and growing conditions.

Before long you’ll have your own personalised companion planting guide—one that’s perfectly suited to your garden.

Happy gardening!

 

Vegetable	Good Companions	Antagonists	Reason
Asparagus	Basil, Coriander, Dill, Parsley, Carrots, Tomatoes, Marigolds	Garlic, Potatoes, Onions	Marigolds, Parsley, Tomato protect from asparagus beetles
Beans	Beets, Brassicas, Carrot, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cucumber, Celery, Chards, Corn, Eggplant, Peas, Potatoes	Alliums (chives, garlic, leeks, onions), Peppers, Tomatoes For Broad Beans: Fennel	Corn is a natural trellis, and provides shelter for beans. Beans provide nitrogen to the soil.
Beets	Brassicas (ie. broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kohlrabi, turnip), Kohlrabi, Garlic, Lettuce, Onion, Sage	Pole and Runner Beans	The beans and beets compete for growth. Composted beet leaves add magnesium to the soil when mixed.
Broccoli	Basil, Bush Beans, Chamomile, Cucumber, Dill, Garlic, Lettuce, Marigold, Mint, Onion, Potato, Radish, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Tomato	Grapes, Mustard, Oregano, Strawberry, Tomato	Rosemary repels cabbage fly. Dill attracts wasps for pest control.
Brussels Sprouts	Dill, Potato, Thyme	Strawberry, Tomato	—
Cabbage	Beets, Bush Beans, Celery, Chamomile, Dill, Mint, Onion, Potato, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage	Beans (Pole and Runner), Mustards, Peppers, Strawberry, Tomato	Celery, onion and herbs keep pests away. Rosemary repels cabbage fly.
Carrots	Beans (Bush and Pole), Garlic, Lettuce, Onion, Parsley, Peas, Rosemary, Tomato	Dill, Parsnip	Beans provide nitrogen in soil which carrots need. Onion, parsley and rosemary repel the carrot fly
Cauliflower	Beans, Celery, Oregano, Peas, Tomato	Strawberries	Beans provide the soil with nitrogen, which cauliflower needs.
Celery	Bush Beans, Cabbage, Dill, Leeks, Marjoram, Tomatoes	Parsnip, Potato	—
Chives	Basil, Carrots, Marigold, Parsley, Parsnip, Strawberries, Tomato	Beans	—
Corn	Beans, Cucumbers, Marjoram, Parsnip, Peas, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Squash, Zucchini	Tomato	Tomato worm and corn earworm like both plants. Beans and peas supply nitrogen.
Cucumber	Beans, Celery, Corn, Dill, Lettuce, Peas, Radish	Potato, Sage, strong aromatic herbs, Tomato	Cucumbers grow poorly around potatoes and sage.
Dill	Cabbage, Corn, Cucumbers, Dill, Fennel, Lettuce, Onions	Coriander, Tomato	Cross-pollinates with coriander, ruining both. One only a few plants that grows well with Fennel.
Eggplant	Beans, Marjoram, Pepper, Potato	—	—
Kohlrabi	Beets, Lettuce, Onions	Strawberries, Pole Beans, Tomato	Lettuce repels earth flies.
Leek	Carrots, Celery, Lettuce, Onions	Beans, Peas	Companion attributes are the same as garlic, onion, chives (alliums).
Lettuce	Beans, Beets, Carrots, Corn, Marigold, Onions, Peas, Radish, Strawberries	Parsley	Mints repel slugs (which feed on lettuce).
Marigold	Brassicas (broccoli, etc), Cucurbits (cucumber, etc), Peppers, Tomato, and most other plants	—	It is said that you can plant Marigolds throughout the garden, as they repel insects and root-attacking nematodes (worm-like organisms). Be aware they may bother allergy sufferers.
Onions	Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Lettuce, Marjoram, Rosemary, Savory, Strawberry, Tomato	Beans, Peas	Repels aphids, the carrot fly, and other pests.
Parsley	Asparagus, Beans, Radish, Rosemary, Tomato	Lettuce	Draws insects away from tomatoes.
Peas	Beans, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Corn, Cucumber, Lettuce, Marjoram, Parsnip, Potato, Sage	Alliums (Chives, Garlic, Onion, Shallots)	—
Potato	Beans, Cabbage, Corn, Eggplant, Horseradish, Marjoram, Parsnip	Celery, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Rosemary, Strawberries, Tomato	Cucumber, tomato and raspberry attract harmful pests to potatoes. Horseradish increases disease resistance.
Pumpkin	Beans, Corn, Radish	Potato	—
Radish	Cabbage, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Lettuce, Marjoram, Parsnip	—	Radish is often used as a trap crop against some beetles(flea and cucumber).
Sage	Beans, Cabbage, Carrots, Peas, Rosemary, Strawberries	—	Repels cabbage fly, some bean parasites.
Spinach	Beans, Lettuce, Peas, Strawberries	—	Natural shade is provided by beans and peas, for spinach.
Squash	Fruit trees, strawberries	—	Similar companion traits to pumpkin.
Strawberries	Borage, Bush Beans, Caraway	Broccoli, Cabbages	The herb, Borage, is likely the strongest companion.
Tomatoes	Alliums, Asparagus, Basil, Borage, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Marigold, Peppers	Brassicas, Beets, Corn, Dill, Fennel, Peas, Potatoes, Rosemary	Growing basil about 10 inches from tomatoes increases the yield of the tomato plants.
Turnip	Peas	—	—
Zucchini	Flowering herbs (for pollination)	—	Attracts bees

For more information about when to plant and harvest different crops read here.

For more information about crop rotation read here

Here is a great video on some of the research behind the benefits of companion planting:

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