This site contains affiliate links, view the disclaimer page for more information.
As a full-time working mom with two little boys, my garden needs to work for me, not the other way around. I don’t have time to constantly battle pests, deal with stunted plants, or waste space on crops that don’t grow well together. That’s why I swear by companion planting. It’s like setting up the perfect friendship group: everyone has a role, and they all thrive together.
Through trial and error, I’ve learned which plant pairings truly make a difference in my garden. Along the way, I’ve also found some must-have tools that make this process easier and more efficient. Here’s what has worked for me, plus a few ideas to help you get started.
Table of Contents
Why Companion Planting Works
Companion planting is all about growing certain plants together to improve their health, deter pests, and maximize space. The benefits include:
✔ Pest Control – Some plants naturally repel insects that would otherwise damage crops.
✔ Improved Growth & Flavor – Certain herbs enhance the taste and growth of vegetables.
✔ Soil Health – Some plants enrich the soil with nutrients, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
✔ Better Space Management – Taller plants provide shade for smaller ones, preventing overheating.
After some experimenting, here are the plant pairings I’ve found most useful in my garden.
1. Tomatoes & Basil – A Perfect Pair
I never plant tomatoes without basil. Not only does basil repel flies and hornworms, but I truly believe it enhances the flavor of homegrown tomatoes. Plus, I love being able to snip fresh basil right next to my tomato plants for an easy summer salad.
To keep my tomato plants sturdy, I use stackable tomato cages that provide great support as the vines grow heavy with fruit. I’ve also found that this raised garden bed with self watering makes a big difference in keeping my basil (and tomatoes and other herbs) from drying out, especially during hot summer months.
2. Carrots & Onions – Natural Pest Control
Carrot flies and onion flies are a nightmare, but planting these two together confuses pests with their strong scents. I noticed a huge difference when I started alternating rows of carrots and onions, fewer damaged crops and healthier plants.
I plant these in a raised garden bed (that my husband built specifically for our space) to keep the soil loose and well-drained, which helps carrots grow straighter and stronger. Prior to our home built garden bed I used these raised garden beds, which worked great! If you’re short on space, grow bags also works well for growing root vegetables.
3. The Three Sisters – Corn, Beans & Squash
This traditional Native American planting method is one of my favorite ways to grow food efficiently:
• Corn acts as a natural trellis for beans to climb.
• Beans fix nitrogen into the soil, which helps feed the corn and squash.
• Squash shades the ground, keeping the soil moist and preventing weeds.
I use a simple wooden trellis to give the beans extra climbing support, and a compost tumbler to keep my soil enriched year after year. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, high-yield garden setup, this trio is a game-changer.
4. Lettuce & Radishes – Quick & Easy
Lettuce and radishes make a great team because radishes grow quickly and break up the soil, allowing the lettuce to grow better. This combo is perfect for impatient gardeners (or kids who want to see fast results!).
Since these crops need regular watering, we use a drip irrigation system (that my husband manages year to year) that keeps moisture levels consistent without requiring me to stand there with a hose every day. It’s been a lifesaver during busy weeks when I don’t have time to water everything by hand.
5. Cucumbers & Nasturtiums – A Natural Bug Barrier
Cucumber beetles used to be my biggest frustration, but planting nasturtiums nearby works as a trap crop, drawing pests away from my cucumbers. These bright flowers also bring in pollinators, which helps boost cucumber production.
For extra protection, I sometimes cover my plants with garden netting early in the season before the pests get too bad. It’s an easy way to keep bugs out without using chemicals.
6. Peppers & Marigolds – A Colorful & Protective Combo
Marigolds repel aphids, nematodes, and other pests, making them a must-have in my garden. I plant them throughout my pepper beds for a splash of color and extra protection.
I’ve also found that using a raised planter for my peppers helps them grow strong while keeping them safe from critters that like to nibble at the leaves.
What NOT to Plant Together
While some plants thrive side by side, others just don’t get along. Here are a few pairings I avoid:
🚫 Tomatoes & Potatoes – They attract the same diseases, like blight, which can wipe out both crops.
🚫 Carrots & Dill – Dill can stunt carrot growth if left to mature near them.
🚫 Beans & Onions – Onions release compounds that slow bean growth.
🚫 Cucumbers & Potatoes – They compete for nutrients and attract similar pests.
To keep track of my garden layout each year, I use a garden planner journal, which helps me rotate crops effectively and avoid bad pairings.
As a busy mom, I don’t have time for high-maintenance gardening. That’s why I love companion planting, it lets nature do the work for me by improving plant health, deterring pests, and making my garden more productive.
If you’re just starting out, try incorporating one or two of these plant pairings this season. And if you’re looking for ways to make gardening easier, consider tools like self-watering planters, trellises, or raised beds to help you maximize space and simplify maintenance.
I’d love to hear what companion planting combinations have worked best in your garden- let me know in the comments!
With love,
Bri & Cat
Affiliate Disclaimer:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products that we believe will add value to our readers.
Leave a Reply