Edible Gardening

Home

Sep

17
2013

About

Garden Design

Get Involved

Garden Greener

Community

Plants

Solving Problems

Garden Businesses

Soil

Water Conservation

Local Government

Events

Search

Companion Planting
Posted by Helen Tuton

Monthly Guides

Add comments

FREE E-NEWSLETTER

VOLUNTEER

WRITE AN ARTICLE

DONATE

Tag Cloud

Australian Natives Beneficial Critters

Bushfoods Carbon Climate change

Once the realm of the hardcore, hippy, home gardener, companion planting is now an incredibly popular
practice from beginner gardeners right up to large-scale agriculture. But, despite its popularity (it is huge in
Europe), companion planting is often misunderstood, misused and misrepresented as the cure-all solution to
problems in the patch.

Community Building Community

garden Composting Design
Ideas Diseases Edible

Gardening Info Exotics Fertility

Fruit Gardening Stories

Greywater Habitat Gardening Herbs

So what is companion planting? Essentially, its a method of growing plants together, with the idea that they

Indoor Plants Invasive plants

will assist each other in some way, like deterring pests, improving growth, enhancing flavour, attracting

Landscaping Lawns and Turf Mulching

beneficial insects, fixing nitrogen, disrupting patterns and trap cropping. But, just as we have good

Pests Plant propagation Rainwater

neighbours, there are bad neighbours as well. Some plants really dislike each other, and shouldnt be planted

Recycling Seeds

Soil health Tools

in close quarters, lest one of them struggle or meet its untimely demise.

Trees Veggie Patch Water

Conservation Weeds Wellbeing

Mythbusters Does it Actually Work?

Wicking Beds

Worms

Now, the Big Question: does it work? Well, yes and no. There is a fairly limited amount of actual scientific
information on companion planting, but it is safe to say that some combinations do seem to work, while others

Meta

can be a bit hit and miss. Why? Well, for starters, companion planting is a northern hemisphere concept that

Register

works a treat up there, but not as well down here in Australia.

Log in
Entries RSS

Secondly, it doesnt work so well because it isnt understood. Weve all heard that basil and tomatoes should

Comments RSS

be planted together, but why? How many of each is required? Is one basil per tomato enough? Who benefits?

WordPress.org

What are we deterring? Does it enhance flavour? For years, I planted one basil plant next to each of my
tomatoes, and guess what? Nothing happened. There was no discernable difference in taste. Nothing seemed
to be encouraged or deterred. Nothing grew better or worse than it had before, there was simply no
advantage, other than me not having to walk so far to make a pasta sauce!

Do you know why? Because, for basil to successfully repel flies from tomatoes, an absolute shovel-load of
basil is required in your patch. Im talking several basil plants for each tomato, and even then it wont repel
fruit fly. I love basil as much as the next gardener, but I dont love it that much, and, to be honest, Ive never
had an issue with flies on my tomatoes. But who knew this? And how many of us think that this is the quick fix
for all our garden woes?

Get Your Fix Companions that Work!

Well, companion planting CAN be the quick fix, and heres how: biodiversity! The best thing about companion
planting is that it increases the biodiversity of your patch; that is, the variety of life forms in your garden. Some
of the greatest companion plants in my garden are those which have nothing to do with my vegetable patch,
but are the awesome locally native trees and shrubs I have planted about the place. Clever planning (if I do
say so myself) has meant that my garden is never without blossom, and is therefore never without the array of
critters that come with that: birds, pollinating insects (like butterflies, bees, and native wasps), reptiles, beetles
and all sorts of helpful garden buddies.
By encouraging this assortment of good guys, my garden is almost completely without the bad guys, who
never get a foothold in numbers that matter to me anyway! Remember, a lettuce leaf with a hole in it doesnt
require chemical warfare, nor does it signal an attack of the dreaded munchies! So now that Ive put you off
companion planting all together, let me say that I reckon there are some combinations that really work,
especially those that involve plants that have a fair odour to them. Also, there are definitely combinations that
dislike each other, so Ive made for you, dear readers, what is possibly the most comprehensive companion
planting chart in the known universe.

Now heres my disclaimer there is very little scientific garble to back this up, and some of them just work, so
dont come bleating if nothing happens, or things have problems! But here is a pretty comprehensive list of
some common companions and antagonists, some of which I have seen working, others well, let me know.
Enjoy! Oh, since you asked, my favourite companion in my garden is healthy soil, full of organic matter, worms

and good stuff. And beer!

Sustainable Gardening Australia presents:

The most comprehensive companion planting chart in the known universe

(maybe)
Plant

Good Neighbours

Apple

Nasturtium, Chives

Apricot

Basil, Tansy, Asparagus

Asparagus

Balm
(Lemon)
Basil

How it works
Nasturtium climbs tree and is said to
repel codling moth

Potatoes

damaging insects
Basil and Parsley are said to improve

Lovage, Marjoram, Parsley,

flavour. Onions and garlic release

Tomatoes

substances reducing growth.

Tomatoes

Neighbours

Basil and tansy are said to repel

Apricot, Basil, Chives, Comfrey,

Tomatoes

Bad

Garlic, Onions

Attracts bees, said to enhance flavour

and growth
Basil said to repel flies and
mosquitoes
Beetroot,

Beans
(climbing)

Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage,

Chives, Garlic,

Carrots, Cauliflower, Corn, Lettuce,

Gladiolus,

Lovage, Majoram, Parsley

Onions,
Sunflower

Beans (bush), Broccoli, Brussel

Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kohl
Beetroot

Rabi, Lettuce, Lovage, Marjoram,

Onion, Peas, Potato, Spinach,

Bad Neighbours roots release

substances reducing growth

Beans
(Climbing),
Tomato

Silverbeet
Said to deter tomato worm and
Borage

Squash, Strawberries, Tomato

improve tomato flavour and yield. Said

to increase strawberry yield.

Brassicas
(Incl:
Broccoli,
Cabbage,
Cauliflower)

Beans, Beetroot, Carrots,

Chamomile, Coriander, Cucumber,
Dill, Lettuce, Lovage, Marjoram,
Marigold (French), Mint, Nasturtium,
Pea, Potato, Rosemary, Sage,

Dill attracts a Cabbage White Butterfly

controlling wasp. Nasturtium disguises
and repels aphids. Sage repels the
Cabbage White Butterfly. Zinnias
attract ladybirds, which we love! Bad
Neighbours roots release substances

Garlic, Rue,
Strawberry

Tansy, Thyme,TomatoZinnias
Capsicum,
Chilli

reducing growth

Carrots, Onions, Tomato

Beans, Chives, Coriander,

Carrots

Cucumber, Leeks, Lettuce, Lovage,

Bad Neighbours roots release

Marjoram, Onion, Pea, Radish,

substances reducing growth

Dill, Celery

Rosemary, Sage, Tomato

Cabbage, Chives, Dill, Dwarf Beans,
Celery

Leek, Lovage, Majoram, Onion, Pea,

Sage, Spinach, Tomato

Chamomile

Cabbage, Onion

Chives

Apples, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Peas

Bad Neighbours roots release

substances reducing growth

Carrots,
Parsnip,
Potato

Deters flies and mosquitoes.

Strengthens neighbouring plants
Prevents Apple Scab. Said to deter
aphids

Beans

Basil, Bens, Borage, Broccoli,

Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot,
Cucumber

Potato, Sage,

Cauliflower, Corn, Dill Kohl Rabi,

Bad Neighbours roots release

Strongly

Lettuce, Lovage, Marjoram,

substances reducing growth

Aromatic

Nasturtium, Parsnip, Pea, Radish,

Herbs

Sunflower, Tansy
Dill
Eggplant

Garlic

Kohl Rabi

Leek

Brassicas (Incl: Broccoli, Cabbage,

Dill attracts a Cabbage White Butterfly

Cauliflower)

controlling wasp

Beans, Spinach
Apricot, Cherry, Mulberry, Parsnip,

Deters aphids, especially from roses

Peach, Pear, Raspberry, Rosemary,

and raspberry. Repels Cabbage White

Rose

Butterfly

Beans,
Cabbage,
Peas,
Strawberry
Beans,

Beetroot, Onion

Tomato

Carrot, Celery, Lovage, Majoram,

Beans, Peas,

Onion, Parsnip, Strawberry

Parsley

Achillea, Beans, Beetroot, Cabbage,

Carrot, Chervil, Coreopsis,
Lettuce

Cucumber, Lovage, Marjoram,

Marigold (French), Onion, Parsnip,

Achillea, Coreopsis & Zinnia attract

pollinators and offer shade for lettuce

Parsley

Pea, Radish, Strawberry, Zinnia

Marigolds

Numerous vegetables, including

Kills root knot nematodes and eel

(French)

tomato

worm

Melon

Radish, Sweet Corn

Mint

Cabbage, Tomato

Deters pests such as Cabbage White

Butterfly, ants and fleas
Flowers repel aphids and codling

Nasturtium

Cabbages, Fruit Trees, Radishes,

moth. Cabbage white butterfly is

Zucchini

attracted to this plant, and will seek it

out over cabbages

Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot,

Onion

Chamomile, Leeks, Lettuce, Lovage,

Smell of onion said to deter numerous

Asparagus,

Marjoram, Parsley, Parsnip,

pestsOnions release substances

Beans,

Silverbeet, Strawberry, Summer

reducing growth of Bad Neighbours

Gladioli, Peas

Savory, Tomato

Parsley

Asparagus, Sweet Corn, Tomato

Beans, Beetroot, Brussel Sprouts,
Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower,

Peas

Celery, Cucumber, Lettuce, Lovage,

Marjoram, Parsnip, Potato, Radish,
Sage, Squash, Sweet Corn

Said to improve flavour of asparagus

and tomato
Bad Neighbours roots release
substances reducing growth. Sweet
Corn has traditionally been used as
living stakes for peas

Chives, Garlic,
Onion,
Shallots

Apple, Celery,

Potato

Beans, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts,

Sweet Alyssum and Marigolds attract

Cabbage, Cauliflower, Corn,

beneficials and suppress

Eggplant, Horseradish, Lovage,

weedsPotatoes release substances

Marjoram, Marigold (French),

reducing growth of Bad Neighbours.

Nasturtium, Parsnip, Peas, Sweet

Horseradish should be planted at the

Alyssum, Sweet Corn, Watermelon

corners of the patch

Cherry,
Cucumber,
Pumpkin,
Raspberry,
Rosemary,
Squash,
Sunflower,
Tomato

Pumpkin

Beans, Cabbage, Eggplant, Peas,

Bad Neighbours roots release

Radish, Sweet Corn

substances reducing growth

Potato

Beans, Carrot, Chervil, Cucumber,

Radish

Sweet Corn, Cucumber, Lettuce,

Radish is said to attract leaf miners

Lovage, Marjoram, Nasturtium,

from Spinach

Hyssop

Parsnip, Pea, Spinach, Sweet Corn

Blackberries,
Raspberry

Potato,
Tomato

Rosemary

Sage

Silverbeet
Spinach

Beans, Cabbage, Carrot, Sage

Said to deter Cabbage white butterfly.

Attracts beneficials

Brassicas (Incl: Broccoli, Cabbage,

Sage repels the Cabbage White

Cauliflower), Carrot, Rosemary

Butterfly

Cucumber

Beetroot, Cherry, Lavender, Lovage,

Basil,

Marjoram, Onion

Wormwood

Celery, Eggplant, Strawberries

Borage, Lovage, Marjoram,

Squash

Nasturtium, Peas, Sunflower, Sweet

Potato

Corn, Tansy
Brassicas
(Incl: Broccoli,
Strawberry

Beans, Borage, Chives, Leek,

Cabbage,

Lettuce, Marigold (French), Onion,

Cauliflower),

Pyrethrum, Sage, Spinach

Brussel
Sprouts,
Garlic

Sunflower

Sweet Corn

Apricots, Cucumbers, Squash

Beans, Potato

Beans, Cucumbers, Lovage,

Sweet Corn has traditionally been

Marjoram, Melon, Parsnip, Peas,

used as living stakes for peas. Bad

Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Squash,

Neighbours roots release substances

Zucchini

reducing growth

Asparagus, Basil, Celery, Borage,

Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage,
Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Chives,
Tomato

Dill, Gooseberry, Grape, Hyssop,

Lovage, Mariglod (French),

Cabbage

Apricots,
Marigolds said to repel white fly and
root knot nematode. Bad Neighbours
roots release substances reducing

Beetroot,
Fennel, Kohl
Rabi, Potato,
Rosemary,

Marjoram, Mint, Nasturtium, Onion,

growth

Sweet Corn

Parsley, Parsnip, Turnip

Turnip

Cucumbers, Lettuce, Nasturtium,

Peas, Tomato

Watermelon Potato
When planted along pathways, is said
Yarrow

Most aromatic herbs

to enhance essential oil production

and herb flavour.

Zucchini

Lovage, Marjoram, Nasturtium,

Sweet Corn

and
a couple of general plants that make great companions for other reasons
Basil helps repel flies and mosquitoes.
Borage in the strawberry patch will increase the yield.
Catnip repels fleas, ants and rodents.
Caraway helps breakdown heavy soils.
Chamomile deters flies and mosquitoes and gives strength to any plant growing nearby.
Chives grown beneath apple trees will help to prevent apple scab; beneath roses will keep away
aphids and blackspot.
Elderberry a general insecticide, the leaves encourage compost fermentation, the flowers and berries
make lovely wine!
Fennel (not F. vulgare or F.officionale) repels flies, fleas and ants.
French M arigold root secretions kill nematodes in the soil. Will repel white fly amongst tomatoes.
Garlic helps keep aphids away from roses.
Hyssop attracts cabbage white moth keeping brassicas free from infestation.
M int repels cabbage white moth. Dried and placed with clothes will repel clothes moth.
Nasturtium secrete a mustard oil, which many insects find attractive and will seek out, particularly the
cabbage white moth. Alternatively, the flowers repel aphids and the cucumber beetle. The climbing
variety grown up apple trees will repel codling moth.
Pyrethrum will repel bugs if grown around the vegetable garden.
Rosemary repels carrot fly.
Rue (Rutus, not Peganum) keeps cats and dogs off garden beds if planted round the borders.
Sage protects cabbages from cabbage white moth.
Tansy (Tanacetum, not Senecio) repels moths, flies and ants. Plant beneath peach trees to repel
harmful flying insects. Tansy leaves assist compost fermentation.
Wormwood (Artemesia, not Ambrosia) although it can inhibit the growth of plants near it, wormwood
does repel moths, flies and fleas and keeps animals off the garden.
Information sources:
Bagnall, Lyn, Easy organic gardening and moon planting, published by Scribe Publications, VIC.
www.figtree.org.au
Pictures
Companion Planting pic: Elaine Shallue (SGA)
Borage pic: Elaine Shallue (SGA)
Alyssum pic: Elaine Shallue (SGA)
M arigold pic: Elaine Shallue (SGA)

Tagged w ith: Design Ideas, Edible Gardening Info, Exotics, Herbs

6 Responses to Companion Planting

1.

Wellbeing Wednesday, planting the vegetable garden and a little upcycling - Recycled Interiors says:
30/10/2013 at 6:31 am
[] for companion planting. If you want to know more about this hop across to the wonderful Sustainable Gardening

Australia (I was pleased to see the Nasturtiums I just planted under the apple trees were a great idea as []

2.

Companion Planting | on the ning nang nong says:

09/11/2013 at 10:55 pm
[] to use, rather than operating on a graph type system. Theres also a helpful breakdown at Sustainable Gardening
Australia if youd like a bit more information on it []

3.

keith says:
17/11/2013 at 6:39 pm

thanks !! started looking for companions for tomatoes. found this site. very interesting. hope to improve my garden
keith
Log in to Reply

4.

Vegetable and herb garden with a difference | culinaryscience.com.au says:

02/12/2013 at 11:06 pm
[] Companion gardening is combining certain plants that result in repelling pests. For example sage is meant to
repel white cabbage butterfly and pyrethrum will repel a range of garden insect pests. Mix these plants with your
vulnerable veges or herbs to help protect them naturally. More information here. []

5.

ishtar says:
12/03/2014 at 7:30 pm

I just started a container garden and so far am nurturing baby chillies, tomatoes, mint and basil. thought I would
search companion gardening to check my plants will get along, thanfully it sounds like theyre all friends
Log in to Reply

6.

How to Grow Peas - Rosehips and Rhubarb says:

11/08/2014 at 10:13 pm
[] Companion planting: According to Peter Cundall in The Practical Australian Gardener, peas will sulk if they are
grown next to onions, garlic or shallots but respond well to sweetcorn, turnips, cucumbers, carrots and radishes. []

Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.

Sustainable Gardening Australia

Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha