Your garden needs companionship. Not the human kind, but the close companionship that comes only from plants.
Ever heard of companion planting? It’s an easy way to boost your garden’s growth and productivity without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. This age-old technique involves planting different crops together to foster healthy plant partnerships.
Why Companion Planting Works
Companion planting creates a balanced garden ecosystem.
- Some plants produce natural compounds or scents that repel harmful insects.
- Nitrogen-fixing plants can make more nutrients available
- Fast-growing or ground-covering plants can help suppress weeds and conserve moisture.
- Flowering plants can attract pollinating insects like bees and butterflies.
That said, every plant has a preferred set of companions. What works for one plant may be a nightmare scenario for others.
The 14 Best Companion Plants for Peppers
1. Basil
Why it’s a good companion
Basil tastes heavenly in dishes with bell peppers and also helps repel common pests like aphids, flies, and spider mites. The aromatic herb’s strong scent can mask the smell of peppers, confusing pests.
Planting tips
Grow basil close to your pepper plants, but avoid overcrowding. Both require good airflow to prevent mold.
Basil’s strong scent can confuse and deter pests.
2. Marigolds
Why they’re good companions
Marigolds are natural pest repellents, releasing chemicals that deter nematodes, whiteflies, and aphids. They’re the workhorse of companion planting.
Planting tips
Place marigolds around the edges of your pepper patch for optimal pest protection.
Marigolds are a superstar companion plant, repelling many harmful insects.
3. Onions
Why they’re good companions
Onions emit a smell that confuses and deters pests like slugs, aphids, and beetles. Their shallow root systems make them excellent space-sharing partners with deeper-rooted crops like peppers.
Planting tips
Plant onions in between rows of pepper plants for effective pest control.
Onions emit a smell that confuses and repels pests like slugs, aphids, and beetles.
4. Garlic
Why it’s a good companion
Garlic produces sulfur compounds that naturally repel pests like aphids, spider mites, and even some fungi that can harm peppers.
Planting tips
Grow garlic near pepper plants, but avoid pulling it too early since its pest-repelling effects are strongest midseason.
5. Tomatoes
Why they’re good companions
Peppers and tomatoes belong to the same plant family (Solanaceae) and share similar growing needs. While they don’t actively “help” each other, they flourish in the same conditions and can save on space.
Planting tips
Provide solid support (trellises or cages) for tomatoes to prevent them from overshadowing pepper plants.
Peppers and tomatoes belong to the same plant family and have similar growing needs.
6. Carrots
Why they’re good companions
Carrots have deep roots, while peppers have shallow ones, making this pairing a perfect balance. Plus, carrots increase soil aeration, benefiting your pepper plants.
Planting tips
Sow carrot seeds around the base of your peppers to maximize space.
Carrots have deep roots that can loosen and aerate the soil.
7. Spinach
Why it’s a good companion
Spinach grows quickly and provides a natural ground cover, shading the soil around peppers. This reduces water evaporation and discourages weed growth.
Planting tips
Harvest spinach leaves regularly to prevent overcrowding and competition for nutrients.
Spinach provides a natural ground cover for other plants.
8. Nasturtiums
Why they’re good companions
Nasturtiums are “trap crops” that draw pests like aphids away from peppers. Their vibrant flowers also improve the garden’s aesthetic appeal.
Planting tips
Plant nasturtiums a short distance from your peppers, so pests are drawn to them instead.
Nasturtiums are a trap crop that draws pests away from peppers.
9. Lettuce
Why it’s a good companion
Fast-growing lettuce provides ground cover for young pepper plants. Once harvested, it frees up space for the peppers to flourish.
Planting tips
Plant lettuce around young pepper plants to manage weeds early in the growing season.
10. Dill
Why it’s a good companion
Dill attracts predatory insects like ladybugs that help control pests in your garden. Its feathery leaves don’t compete much for sunlight, which keeps your pepper plants happy.
Planting tips
Avoid letting dill grow too tall, or it may overshadow your peppers.
Dill attracts predatory insects like ladybugs.
11. Cilantro
Why it’s a good companion
Cilantro attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and hoverflies, which prey on pests. Its fragrant leaves can also discourage spider mites.
Planting tips
Plant cilantro near peppers, but trim flowers regularly to prevent it from going to seed too soon.
12. Beets
Why they’re good companions
Like carrots, beets grow underground, meaning they don’t compete with peppers for light or upper-level soil nutrients. They also improve soil aeration.
Planting tips
Plant beets between pepper rows for maximum soil use.
Beets grow underground and don’t compete with peppers for light or upper-level soil nutrients.
13. Beans
Why they’re good companions
Beans are nitrogen fixers. They add nitrogen back into the soil, a nutrient peppers thrive on. They also act as a living mulch, keeping the soil cool.
Planting tips
Plant bush beans alongside peppers to avoid too much shade.
14.Parsley
Why it’s a good companion
Parsley attracts predatory insects like wasps and spiders, reducing pest pressure on your peppers. Plus, it’s a low-maintenance herb that thrives in modest conditions.
Planting tips
Grow parsley near peppers, but keep it well-trimmed to prevent overcrowding.
Parsley attracts predatory insects like wasps and spiders.
Avoid Planting These Near Your Peppers
While companion planting can enhance your garden, certain plants can hinder your peppers’ growth:
- Fennel: It releases chemicals that can stunt the growth of neighboring plants.
- Brassicas (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower): They compete heavily for the same nutrients peppers need.
- Potatoes: Prone to similar diseases as peppers, they increase the risk of cross-contamination.
FAQs: Companion Plants for Peppers
Q: Can I only plant these companion plants with peppers?
No, these are just some of the most beneficial plants to grow alongside peppers. Feel free to experiment with other compatible plants in your garden.
Q: What if my pepper plants are already struggling with pests?
Try planting companion plants around them, as they may help reduce pest pressure and improve soil conditions for future growth. Additionally, consider using organic pest control methods.
Q: Should I follow specific planting distances between companions and peppers?
Leave enough space for each plant type to thrive without overcrowding or competing for resources. For recommended spacing guidelines, refer to seed packets or plant tags.
Q: Can I grow peppers and companion plants in containers?
Many companion plants, such as basil, parsley, and lettuce, thrive in containers alongside peppers. Just ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the root systems of all plants and has proper drainage.
Q: How do I attract more beneficial insects to my garden?
Planting companion plants like dill, cilantro, and parsley can attract predatory insects. Additionally, avoid using chemical pesticides that may harm beneficial bugs, and place small flowering plants around your garden to draw them in.
Q: Can I plant multiple companions together with my peppers?
Combining multiple companion plants can create a thriving ecosystem. For example, plant lettuce as ground cover, basil for pest deterrence, and beans for nitrogen fixing around your peppers. Just be mindful of spacing to avoid overcrowding.
Q: How do I know if a companion plant is compatible with peppers?
Compatible companion plants typically don’t compete with peppers for nutrients, light, or water and may offer benefits like pest control, soil improvement, or shade. Research the growth habits and needs of any potential companion plants before adding them to your garden.
Q: Can companion planting eliminate the need for pest control?
While companion planting is an excellent natural method for reducing pests, it’s not a guaranteed solution. Even with the right companion plants, you may need to monitor your garden and use additional organic pest control methods if a pest infestation becomes severe.