If you’ve ever wondered why some parts of your garden thrive while others seem to struggle—even when the plants are healthy and the soil’s good—it could all come down to who’s planted next to who (or is it whom??…).
Companion planting is a simple, natural way to boost growth, reduce pests, and make better use of your space.
The Ultimate Guide to Companion Planting in Your Backyard Garden
This isn’t about making things more complicated. It’s about using what already works in nature—and putting it to work in your backyard.
What Is Companion Planting (And Why Does It Work)?
Companion planting is exactly what it sounds like: planting certain crops near each other because they like each other help one another grow. Sometimes they improve the soil, sometimes they keep pests away, and sometimes they just play nice and don’t compete for the same nutrients.
Here’s what it can do:
- 🐛 Help deter pests (some plants act like natural bug repellents)
- 🌿 Improve plant health by enhancing nutrients in the soil
- 🧑🌾 Maximize space by mixing different plant heights and root depths
- 🐝 Attract pollinators that help your veggies flourish
Classic Companion Plant Combos That Actually Work
Some of these are tried-and-true favorites for a reason—they really do make a difference.
- Tomatoes + Basil: Basil is said to repel tomato pests and even enhance flavor.
- Carrots + Onions: The scent of onions confuses carrot flies.
- Corn + Beans + Squash (The Three Sisters): Beans climb the corn, fix nitrogen in the soil, and squash shades out weeds with its wide leaves.
- Cucumbers + Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums help repel cucumber beetles and attract pollinators.
- Lettuce + Radishes: Radishes grow fast and break up the soil, making room for lettuce roots.
Common Companion Planting Mistakes to Avoid
Even though it sounds simple, companion planting can backfire if you don’t pay attention to a few key things.
- 🚫 Don’t crowd plants with different needs (like pairing a dry-soil herb with a moisture-loving veggie)
- 🚫 Avoid planting members of the same family too close (they attract the same pests and pull the same nutrients)
- 🚫 Don’t plant heavy feeders next to each other—they’ll fight over nutrients
Where to Start If You’re New to This
Start small. Pick one or two pairings to try in your garden this season. You don’t have to overhaul your layout—just think a little more strategically when planting your next bed or container.
If you want an easy reference, the Companion Planting for Herbs and Veggies Cheat Sheet makes it simple. It lays out the best pairings for all kinds of vegetables and herbs.
Want Help Planning It All Out?
The Backyard Vegetable Gardener’s Planner is made specifically for gardeners who want to take the guesswork out of where to plant what. You can sketch out your garden layout, track what goes where, and make sure you’re not accidentally setting up a bad pairing.
More Helpful Posts in This Series
Looking to tie everything together?
- Backyard Gardening Tips Every Gardener Needs to Know
- Planning Your Garden Backward? Most People Do—Here’s What to Do Instead
- Tips for Growing Vegetables and Herbs at Home
Companion planting doesn’t have to be complicated. And once you see it working in your own garden, you’ll wonder how you ever planted without it.
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