Companion Planting Guide

Companion planting is the practice of placing plants near each other for mutual benefit. When done right, it can increase yields, reduce pests, and improve soil health — all without chemicals. Our database tracks 0 verified companion relationships across the most common garden vegetables and herbs.

Why Companion Planting Works

Plants interact through their root systems, leaf canopies, and even the air around them. Some release compounds that repel pests. Others attract beneficial insects. A few fix nitrogen into the soil for their neighbors. Understanding these relationships turns your garden from a collection of individual plants into an ecosystem.

Proven Companionsfrom our plant database

Click any plant to see its full growing guide, including companion planting suggestions and pest management advice.

The Classics

Tomatoes + Basil

Basil repels tomato hornworms and whiteflies. Many gardeners report improved tomato flavor when basil is planted nearby. Plant basil in every available gap around your tomatoes.

Corn + Beans + Squash (Three Sisters)

The indigenous American planting system: corn provides a trellis for beans, beans fix nitrogen for corn and squash, and squash shades the ground to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Plant corn first, wait until it's 6 inches tall, then add beans and squash.

Carrots + Onions

Onions repel carrot rust fly, one of the most destructive carrot pests. The two crops have different root depths so they don't compete. Alternate rows for best results.

Keep Apart0 documented antagonisms

Get Personalized Advice

Every garden is different. Plot's AI assistant can analyze your specific bed layout and suggest companion planting adjustments based on your zone, season, and what you're already growing.