Companion Planting Guide for Spring Crops

Growing vegetables comes with its own problems. If only it was as easy as throwing a load of seeds on the ground and hoping for the best. Instead, you need to consider using ‘Companion plants’.

What are companion plants?

Companion plants are placed alongside your primary crop. They offer protection or a distraction from unwanted pests from your main crop. For example, carrot fly is a real problem when growing carrots. Their larvae feed the roots and can ultimately destroy your crop. If however, you plant onions and/or leaks near-by. They will repel the carrot fly a protect your carrots.

Companion plants for Carrots

Carrot fly can be a real problem when growing carrots. Their larvae feed on the root of not only carrots but parsnips, parsley and celeriac. Good companion plants are onions, leeks and chives – they repel carrot fly. Avoid dill, parsnips as they can attract pests like aphids.

Companion plants for Lettuce

Lettuces product lots of leaves – their good companions include radishes, carrots, and strawberries, these help shade the soil and retain moisture. However they should not be planted near brassicas due to competition for nutrients.

Companion plants for Onions & Garlic

For onions and garlic, good companions include carrots, beetroot, and lettuce. They help prevent pests like aphids and carrot fly, but they should be kept away from peas and beans.

Peas & Broad Beans

For peas and broad beans, good companions include carrots, radishes, and lettuce, all these grow well alongside them and make efficient use of available space. A key benefit is that fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it naturally and supporting the growth of neighbouring plants.

However, it is best to avoid planting peas and broad beans near onions and garlic, as members of the allium family can hinder their growth and reduce overall productivity.