Companion planting combinations to boost vegetable yields

March 19, 2025

Boost Your Veggie Harvest with These Winning Companion Planting Combos

Let’s be real—there’s nothing quite like strolling through your garden and picking fresh veggies for dinner. But if your plants are struggling, or pests keep treating your patch like their personal buffet, there’s a simple trick that might just save the day: companion planting.

Think of it as the gardening version of a buddy system. Some plants thrive when grown together, supporting each other's growth, boosting flavours, and even keeping pests at bay. If you’re new to the world of growing your own food, here are some winning plant partnerships to set you up for success.

Tomatoes + Basil = The Ultimate Duo

Tomato and basil aren’t just a dream team in the kitchen—they work wonders in the garden too! Basil helps repel pesky insects like whiteflies and aphids, protecting your juicy tomatoes from harm. In return, tomatoes provide a bit of shade, keeping basil from wilting in the heat. Plus, many gardeners swear basil makes tomatoes taste even sweeter. Talk about a perfect match!

Carrots + Spring Onions = Bye-Bye Carrot Fly

Carrot flies are the bane of many home gardeners. Their larvae munch tunnels through your precious carrots, leaving an ugly mess behind. The good news? The strong scent of spring onions confuses these pests, making it harder for them to find your crop. Plant them side by side and give those sneaky insects the slip.

Beans + Corn + Pumpkin = Nature’s Three Musketeers

Borrowed from traditional Indigenous gardening methods, this trio—often called the "Three Sisters"—supports each other beautifully. Beans fix nitrogen into the soil, feeding the corn and pumpkin. Corn provides natural stakes for the beans to climb, while pumpkin's large leaves shade the soil, retaining moisture and keeping weeds in check. If you want a garden bed that practically takes care of itself, this one’s for you.

Lettuce + Radishes = Quick Growth and Extra Protection

Radishes grow fast, making them a great space-filler among slow-growing lettuce. Their roots help loosen the soil, creating ideal conditions for tender lettuce leaves to thrive. Radishes also lure soil-dwelling pests away from other crops, acting as a natural decoy. A productive combo with minimal effort—what’s not to love?

Marigolds + Just About Everything = A Pest-Fighting Powerhouse

If you want a natural way to ward off bugs, marigolds are your best friend. Their scent repels many common pests, like nematodes, aphids, and even rabbits. Pop them among tomatoes, beans, or cucumbers for an extra layer of protection. Bonus: they bring vibrant colour to your garden, making it look as good as it grows.

What to Avoid: The Not-So-Friendly Pairings

Not all plants get along, so a little planning goes a long way. Some classic bad combos include:

Tomatoes + Potatoes: They’re from the same family and attract the same diseases, doubling the risk of blight.
Carrots + Dill: Dill can stunt carrot growth and attract pests that are partial to both.
Cabbage + Strawberries: Strawberries slow cabbage growth, and the two compete for nutrients.

Start Small and Watch Your Garden Flourish

If you're feeling inspired but slightly overwhelmed, start with one or two pairings and see how they go. Gardening is all about experimenting, learning from the results, and growing along with your plants. Whether you’re aiming for lush greens, plump tomatoes, or a backyard full of buzzing bees and butterflies, companion planting is a simple way to boost success.

So, grab those seedlings and start planting your veggie dream team!

Happy gardening,

Candeece

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