Companion Planting Tips for Beginners
Companion planting may seem like magical way to improve the health of your garden, attract pollinators, and keep pests at bay (and it kind of is!). But what’s not often discussed are the nuances that go beyond the basics of what to plant next to what. As I’ve learned on my own gardening journey, companion planting can be a bit more complicated than just putting a few flowers next to your veggies.
Here’s what I’ve discovered through trial and error (and a little research) about companion planting—what works, what doesn’t, and what you may want to keep in mind as you plan your garden.
1. Companion Planting Isn’t Just About Pollinators
When I first dove into companion planting, I thought the main goal was to attract pollinators. Marigolds, for example, are a classic choice because they bring in beneficial insects. But what I didn’t realize at the time is that companion planting can serve so many other purposes beyond pollination.
Companion planting can help with:
When you’re planning your garden, think beyond just the flowers. Herbs like rosemary and thyme aren’t just pretty additions—they can help with pest control too. Alliums, such as garlic or onions, can deter some critters like chipmunks and squirrels, which I’ve found to be a huge bonus when trying to protect my blueberry bushes.
If you’re new to gardening, my advice is to start small. If your vegetable garden doesn’t yet have flowers, add some in! Simple choices like marigolds, rosemary, or thyme are great starting points for anyone looking to experiment with companion planting.
2. How Close Should Companion Plants Be?
One question I had early on was how close I should plant companion plants to each other. Are we talking inches, feet, or yards? And all the advice I found said “two to three rows apart,” what did that even mean for my small garden (I don’t have a farm!)?
The key is to plant companion plants as close to each other as possible while also respecting each plant’s specific spacing requirements. For example, if your plant needs room to spread out, give it that space! But you can typically get away with planting a few inches closer than the recommended spacing for better weed control and overall garden health.
That being said, don’t plant things too close together. Overcrowding plants can lead to poor airflow, which invites pests and diseases. You want to strike a balance between maximizing space and giving each plant room to thrive.
3. What Plants NOT to Grow By Each Other
Companion planting is often about what to plant, but most information leaves out what NOT to plant.
Here are a few basics of what NOT to plant by one another:
- Mint and ANYTHING ELSE. Mint is notorious for spreading like wildfire. While it’s great for culinary uses and as a natural pest repellent, you definitely don’t want to plant it next to anything else unless it’s contained in a pot. Mint, catnip, and lemon balm are all part of the mint family and will take over your garden if given the chance.
- Beans and onions because onions are antibacterial and can kill the urease bacteria that baby beans need to grow.
- Tomatoes and potatoes because they have similar pests and diseases that can spread to one another.
- Heavy feeders or same feeders like squash and cucumbers that take a lot of the same nutrients from the soil.
You should keep these plants at least 5 feet away from the others (and for mint, even farther!).
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4. Use Tall Plants to Create Shady Spots
If you’re growing a garden with limited space, like I am, it’s important to think about how plants will interact with each other in terms of sunlight. Some plants, like squash and tomatoes, can grow tall enough to shade other plants. This can be beneficial for plants that need some respite from full sun, especially as the summer heat increases.
So, when planning your garden layout, keep in mind how your plants will cast shadows on each other. You may be able to use taller plants to create shade for more delicate, shade-loving plants. It’s just one more way to make your companion planting strategy work for you.
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5. Keep Experimenting and Observing
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that gardening, and especially companion planting, is all about trial and error. Even seasoned gardeners will tell you that things don’t always go as planned. That’s why I encourage you to experiment, observe, and adjust as you go.
Don’t be afraid to mix things up and see how different combinations work. The more you observe how plants respond to each other, the better you’ll understand the specific needs of your garden.
Use these companion planting tips to up-level your garden!
Companion planting isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can help make your garden more resilient, productive, and diverse. As I continue to experiment and learn, I hope to share more insights with you on this topic. There’s so much to explore, from attracting beneficial insects to creating a self-sustaining ecosystem in your garden.
I would love to know what you’re planting this year. Is there a particular combination of plants you’ve found works well together? Or maybe you’ve learned the hard way about some plants that just don’t get along? Let’s keep the conversation going. You can share your experiences with me on Instagram or in our Facebook group.
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About the Author
Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.
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