Even in the northern climates, the ground is starting to warm up enough to plant those tender little seedlings you’ve been nursing in your sunniest window for the past few weeks. Have you thought of where you’re going to put them in your garden? Plants interact with one another, sometimes in helpful and sometimes in detrimental ways. Take our advice and spending a little time thinking about companion planting before you go down on your hands and knees to play in the dirt.
Tomatoes
Good Companions: Basil, Parsley, Onion, Carrots, Asparagus
Bad Companions: Cabbage, Beans, Broccoli, Corn
Lettuce
Good Companions: Beans, Cucumber, Peas, Spinach, Strawberry
Bad Companions: Fennel–fennel is a poor garden companion for most plants, actually, so grow it in a pot if you must grow it.
Cucumber
Good Companions: Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Lettuce, Onion, Peas, Radish, Tomato
Bad Companions: Potato, Aromatic Herbs
Peppers
Good Companions: Tomato, Carrots, Onion, Marigold
Bad Companions: Beans, Kale, Cabbage
Spinach
Good Companions: Cauliflower, Eggplant, Peas, Strawberry
Bad Companions: Fennel
Onion
Good Companions: Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Cucumber, Lettuce, Pepper, Radishes, Squash, Strawberries, Tomato
Bad Companions: Beans, Peas, Parsley