If you’re hoping to achieve a bountiful vegetable crop, strategic companion planting for vegetables in the UK can give your vegetable patch a welcome boost. Companion planting is a clever horticultural technique that involves planting different species of mutually beneficial plants together. This ancient technique promotes a harmonious ecosystem, helps to keep pests at bay, attracts beneficial predatory insects and will enhance growth for a happier, healthier garden, allotment or vegetable patch.
We take a look at some of the best plants to grow alongside common vegetables so you can enjoy excellent results with the help of nature on your side.
What are the benefits of companion planting?
Nature is amazing, and there is no underestimating its power. If you're struggling with pests or under-performing crops, knowing which plants to grow side by side can make your life easier and enhance your green fingered pleasure. The benefits of companion planting include:
- Pest control: One of the most important benefits gained from companion planting is its ability to naturally control pests. Certain plants can repel different types of pests, while some will entice pests away from your prized crops. Many species attract beneficial insects that prey on nuisance pests, helping to lower the risk of infestation while pollinating your plants. This type of natural pest control can help you grow organic crops without the need for man-made pesticides.
- Disease control: Planting mutually beneficial plants can help to prevent diseases from ruining your plants. Many plants have antimicrobial and antifungal properties that suppress and fight a wide range of diseases.
- Nutrient Optimisation: Planting specific plants with different nutritional needs close to one another ensures that the plants won't compete against each other. This helps to maximise nutrient uptake.
- Better use of space: Tall plants grown alongside lower dwelling crops can provide protective shade. In addition, intercropping fast growing plants alongside slower crops allows you to harvest the faster crops first. This will then make space for the slower crops to flourish at the right time.
- Increased yield: Pest and disease control along with optimised nutrients and space all combine to achieve healthier plants and a higher yield.
Vegetable Companion Planting
Whether you’re new to growing vegetables or you’re a seasoned gardener, vegetable companion planting will help to boost crop health resulting in higher yields and a tastier crop.
So what plants will help your veg grow and deter pests? We explore the best plants to co plant with popular UK vegetables including tomatoes, beans, brassicas, and potatoes.
Basil
Basil has a strong scent that helps to repel aphids, whiteflies, hornworms, cabbage worms, and a number of other pests. It contains a chemical compound called eugenol which is a volatile oil responsible for the aromatic characteristics of basil plants. It also contains volatile compounds such as citronellol, geraniol and linalool which are also believed to contribute to its pest deterrent properties.
Research conducted has proven that planting basil alongside tomatoes can reduce fungal disease. The research also showed that basil helps to combat Fusarium oxysporum f. Sp. lycopersici (FOL) which is a pathogen that causes tomato wilt.
Another benefit is that basil is a tasty herb that can be used in all sorts of salads and cooked dishes. So having a handy supply can help your culinary creations.
Try planting basic next to the following crops
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Beans
- Cucumbers
- Asparagus
- Lettuce
- Brassicas
Classico Italiano Basil | Tomato Red Cherry | Jalapeno Chilli |
French Marigolds
French Marigolds belong to the Asteraceae family of plants, specifically the Tagetes genus. They are great for planting alongside a variety of vegetables because they produce a chemical called alpha-terthienyl. Alpha-terthienyl is a proven organic pesticide that can inhibit certain soil-borne pathogens and is toxic to a number of pests such as nematodes which are microscopic worms that feed on roots causing wilting and stunted growth.
Planting French marigolds next to vegetables will help to attract predatory insects such as ladybirds that will prey on parasitic pests. They are also known for their ability to improve soil health because their deep roots assist soil drainage and help to break up compacted soil.
French Marigolds make good companions for:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Carrots
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
- Cauliflower
- Potatoes
- Beans
Calendulas
Calendulas, sometimes mistaken for marigolds, also belong to the Asteraceae family of plants and are members of the calendula genus. This plant contains several pest repelling chemical compounds such as terpenoids, triterpenoids, and volatile oils including linalool, limonene and alpha-pinene.
The calendula plant also produces a sticky resin that coats that plant. This resin acts as a barrier to make it difficult for pests to travel across and feed from the plant. The resin can also trap pests and prevent them from causing further damage.
Their bright flowers attract pollinators and beneficial predatory insects including ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies.
Team calendula with these vegetables:
- Tomatoes
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Brussel sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Beans
- Carrots
- Strawberries
- Lettuce
Savoy Cabbage Pasqualino | Carrot Nantes 2 | Spinach America |
Garlic
Garlic is known as one of nature’s secret weapons. It contains allicin which is a volatile sulphur compound that is renowned for its natural antibacterial, antifungal, nematicidal, antimicrobial, and insecticidal properties.
Garlic emits a strong odour that is excellent for repelling pests such as aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, leaf miners, and nematodes. Its antifungal properties will help to combat fungal diseases such as leaf blight, grey mould, and leaf spot.
It is also a tasty ingredient for cooking, so serves as a handy herb to have in the garden.
Try planting garlic next to:
- Tomato
- Peppers
- Carrots
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Brussel sprouts
- Spinach
- Beetroot
Celery
Celery is another great companion plant for various vegetables because it contains phthalides, volatile oils, and phytochemicals which are believed to repel pests such as aphids, carrot flies, caterpillars, and whiteflies, leafhoppers, leaf miners, and some species of beetle.
Its shallow root system complements vegetables with deeper root systems because it won’t directly compete for moisture and nutrients. In addition, celery tends to grow tall and upright which can help to protect lower dwelling plants from intense sunlight. Likewise, taller plants such as tomatoes can simultaneously provide shade for the celery. Due to its upright shape celery can also help to provide structural support for taller plants.
Celery is a beneficial plant for:
- Tomatoes
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Brussel sprouts
- Onion
- Garlic
- Beans
Cress | Spigariello Broccoletti | Biogreen Garlic |
Garden Cress
Although there is no solid scientific evidence to support the claim, some believe that the strong scent of garden cress can repel pests such as woolly aphids. Woolly aphids are tiny insects that feed on the sap from the leaves and stems of tomato plants. They extract vital nutrients that can result in stunted growth, leaf yellowing and curling, and poor overall health. Aphids can also secrete honeydew (a by-product of feeding) that attracts other pests, exacerbating the problem.
You can try planting garden cress next to:
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Cauliflower
- Brussel sprouts
- Lettuce and leafy greens
- Herbs
- Radish
- Spinach
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
Mint
Mint is a popular aromatic herb that has been found to contain insect repellent properties such as menthol, pulegone, and other volatile oils. As a result, it’s great for deterring common pests including whitefly, cabbage moths, and aphids.
The flowers on the mint plant help to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects.
Mint can be invasive, so if you plant it in your beds you will need to ensure it doesn't take over.
Mint is a useful companion plant for:
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Tomatoes
- Peas
- Herbs
- Carrots
Sugar Pea Gigante Svizzero | Tomato Principe Borghese | Parsley Prezzemolo Gigante di Napoli |
Horseradish
Horseradish contains several chemical compounds that contain insecticidal properties, making it a great companion plant for a range of vegetables.
One of the most useful chemical compounds is the glucosinolate, sinigrin. When the cells of a horseradish are damaged, it triggers a chemical reaction that converts the sinigrin into allyl isothiocyanate which acts as a deterrent due to its strong odour and taste.
Allyl isothiocyanate is also known to have antimicrobial properties that help combat soil-borne diseases, fungi and bacteria that can cause disease in plants.
The horseradish plant has deep tap roots, making it ideal for teaming with vegetables with shallow root systems as it won’t compete for nutrients and moisture. In addition, the substantial root system of a horseradish can help to suppress weed growth, limiting competition for essential nutrients.
Horseradish is good for co-planting with:
- Potatoes
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Brussel sprouts
- Kale
- Beetroot
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Fruit trees
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Grapes
Chives
Chives not only taste good but they also serve as an excellent companion for many vegetable species. Members of the Allium family, along with onions and garlic, chives contain allicin, a compound that is produced when the plant cells become damaged. They also contain other sulphur compounds such as diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide and allyl methyl trisulfide. These chemicals give chives their strong taste and scent, and act as a natural pest deterrent for nuisance insects like aphids, carrot flies and Japanese beetles.
Chives grow in dense clumps and therefore provide good coverage of the bed. This helps to prevent weed growth and reduces competition for light and nutrients. Their purple flowers help to attract both pollinating and predatory insects.
Some people believe that chives can enhance the taste of neighbouring plants.
Chives are ideal for planting next to:
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Brussel sprouts
- Lettuce
- Strawberries
Marketmore Cucumber | Carrot Pariser Markt | Vegetable Spaghetti Squash |
Beans
Beans are regarded as beneficial companion plants for a number of reasons. They are known to have the ability to encourage soil dwelling bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb. This is called nitrogen fixing. By planting beans, you can potentially enrich the surrounding soil with nitrogen which is beneficial to nitrogen hungry plants such as Brussel sprouts, lettuce and leafy greens.
Beans grow tall and their foliage provides shade to plants growing beneath. This protects plants below from strong sunlight and will also inhibit weed growth due to lack of sunlight.
Try teaming beans with:
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Melons
- Squash
- Pumpkin
- Lettuce
- Leafy greens
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a popular companion plant. They attract certain pests such as whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, cabbage moths, and leafhoppers. Therefore, by planting Nasturtiums near your vegetable crops, you can divert these pests away to protect your crops from infestations.
Their vibrant flowers help to attract pollinators and predatory insects, promoting a diverse population of useful insects in your garden or vegetable plot’s ecosystem.
Nasturtiums are known to have a peppery scent that can repel and confuse insects. This can help to reduce the risk of infestations on neighbouring plants. They also grow in a sprawling fashion which can help to provide shade and prevent weed growth.
Try planting nasturtiums with:
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Brussel sprouts
- Radish
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Pumpkin
- Beans
- Tomatoes
- Aubergine
- Peppers
Companion planting chart for vegetables
There are many more useful plants you can grow in your vegetable patch to promote healthy growth and discourage pest infestations. We've made a handy chart below that lists some of the common companion plants for a range of vegetables.
Basil | Tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, asparagus, lettuce, cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower |
Beans | Corn, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, leafy greens, melons, squash, pumpkin |
Borage | Tomatoes, squash, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, beans, cucumber |
Calendula | Beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, peppers, cucumber, beans, carrots, strawberries |
Celery | Cabbage, tomatoes, beans, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, onion, garlic, beans |
Chamomile | Cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, onions, garlic, cucumbers, herbs |
Chives | Carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, strawberries |
Coriander | Anise, spinach, lettuce, peas, tomatoes, beans, cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, potatoes, cucumber, peppers |
French Marigold | Tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, peppers, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, beans |
Garden cress | Lettuce, spinach, radish, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, leafy greens, cucumbers, tomatoes |
Garlic | Fruit trees, raspberries, strawberries, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, spinach, beetroot |
Horseradish | Potatoes, cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, beetroot, carrots, radishes, fruit trees, lettuce, spinach, grapes |
Mint | Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, beans, corn, tomatoes, peas, carrots, Brussel sprouts, lettuce, onion, peans, radish, squash, pumpkin |
Nasturtium | Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussel sprouts, radishes, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, beans, tomatoes, aubergine, peppers |
Onions | Beetroot, lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, peppers, carrots, potatoes, strawberries, raspberries |
Parsley | Tomatoes, asparagus, peppers, corn, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, fruit trees |
Rosemary | Beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Brussel sprouts, carrots, strawberries, peppers, onions, parsnips |
Sage | Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kales, carrots, tomatoes, grapes |
Thyme | Cabbage, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, aubergine, strawberries, raspberries, beetroot, celery, sweet potato, blueberries, corn |
This list is not exhaustive as is intended as a guide only.
Conclusion
Many plants have powerful insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiviral and antibiotic properties. Companion planting vegetables in the UK with complementary plants allows you to grow vegetables organically while increasing plant health, yield, and even taste.
Why not have a go at companion planting yourself to see which plants work well together?
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