24 Top Companion Plants for a Thriving Summer Garden

Companion planting is a great way to boost the health and productivity of your summer garden. By pairing plants that work well together, you can improve growth, repel pests, and encourage pollination. Some plants naturally protect others from harmful insects, while others help improve soil quality. Choosing the right companions can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers, making your garden more eco-friendly. It also helps create a diverse, thriving environment where plants support each other. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, the right pairings can lead to better yields and healthier plants. Here are some of the best companion plants to consider for your summer garden.

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Marigolds

Marigolds are known for their ability to keep pests like aphids, nematodes, and whiteflies away from garden plants. Their vibrant, golden flowers not only add a pop of color to the garden, but they also release a scent that deters many harmful insects. Marigolds make an excellent companion for tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables.

In addition to pest control, marigolds are great for improving soil health. They are known to produce natural chemicals that can suppress harmful soil-borne diseases. This makes them especially beneficial when planted alongside other vegetables that are prone to soil infections.

Basil

Basil is a fantastic herb to plant near tomatoes and peppers. It helps improve the flavor of tomatoes while also protecting them from pests like hornworms and mosquitoes. The strong scent of basil acts as a natural repellent, keeping bugs away without the need for harsh chemicals.

Basil also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many garden plants. Planting basil near your vegetables helps improve both the health and productivity of your summer garden.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are not only visually appealing, with their bright, colorful flowers, but they also have numerous benefits for your summer garden. They attract aphids, which can help draw these pests away from other, more sensitive plants. Nasturtiums serve as a trap crop, providing a safe place for aphids to gather without damaging your more valuable plants.

These plants also act as ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and keep the soil cool and moist. Nasturtiums can be planted alongside tomatoes, cucumbers, and even kale to offer these benefits while adding beauty and color to your garden.

Garlic

Garlic is a great companion plant because it naturally repels pests, including aphids, slugs, and rabbits. Its strong smell keeps many insects at bay, which is especially useful when planting alongside more vulnerable crops like carrots and lettuce. Garlic also helps to prevent diseases like rust and fungal infections.

In addition to its pest control properties, garlic can improve the growth of nearby plants. For example, planting garlic near roses can help keep aphids away, promoting healthier, more vibrant blooms. Garlic also adds a delightful flavor to any dish, making it an excellent addition to your summer garden.

Chives

Chives are part of the allium family and are excellent companions for a variety of vegetables. They work well with tomatoes, carrots, and strawberries. Chives help to deter aphids and other pests while also adding flavor to your meals. Their delicate, grassy foliage can be used in many dishes, providing a fresh, mild onion flavor.

Planting chives near carrots can also improve the flavor and growth of the carrots, as the chives repel the pests that typically damage carrot crops. Additionally, chives attract beneficial insects, including pollinators, which can help improve the overall health of your garden.

Oregano

Oregano is a great companion plant for summer gardens because it attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. These insects help pollinate your vegetables and flowers, which is essential for a healthy garden. Oregano also has natural pest-repellent properties, helping to keep harmful bugs away from your plants.

In addition, oregano is a hardy herb that thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it an ideal companion for tomatoes and peppers. Its strong flavor can also be used in cooking, adding a savory touch to many dishes.

Borage

Borage is a beneficial herb that attracts pollinators, especially bees, which are essential for the pollination of many summer crops. Borage also attracts predatory insects like ladybugs, which feed on aphids and other pests, helping to control the population of harmful bugs in your garden.

This herb is also great for improving soil quality. Its leaves and flowers contain nutrients that benefit the plants around it. Borage is especially good for tomatoes, strawberries, and squash, as it helps improve their growth and resilience.

Dill

Dill is an excellent companion plant for cucumbers, cabbage, and carrots. Its feathery, fragrant leaves attract beneficial insects like predatory wasps, ladybugs, and hoverflies, which help control pests in your garden. Dill also helps deter aphids, spider mites, and cabbage worms.

For best results, plant dill near cucumbers, as it will encourage more cucumber production by attracting pollinators. It also helps improve the flavor and growth of surrounding plants. Additionally, dill can be used in a variety of dishes, from pickles to salads.

Zinnias

Zinnias are colorful, easy-to-grow flowers that make great companions for tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers. They attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which help improve the overall health and productivity of your garden. Zinnias also help to keep pests like aphids, whiteflies, and Japanese beetles away from more vulnerable plants.

These flowers thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soil, making them an excellent choice for summer gardens. Their bright, showy blooms add a touch of cheer to your garden while benefiting nearby vegetables and herbs.

Calendula

Calendula, often called marigold’s cousin, is a vibrant flower that provides excellent pest control in the garden. Its bright, cheerful flowers attract pollinators while also keeping pests like aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms at bay. Calendula also has the added benefit of being edible, with its petals often used in salads and garnishes.

In addition to pest control, calendula’s flowers can be used to make soothing herbal teas or skincare products. Planting calendula near tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables helps keep these plants healthy while offering a burst of color to your summer garden.

Lettuce

Lettuce works well with a variety of plants, including radishes, carrots, and onions. Its shallow roots help to keep the soil loose and aerated, which benefits the root systems of other plants. Lettuce also provides some shade for smaller, more delicate plants that might need protection from the intense summer sun.

Lettuce can be grown in both full sun and partial shade, making it an excellent addition to different parts of the garden. It grows quickly and can be harvested throughout the summer, providing fresh greens for your meals while improving the health of surrounding crops.

Mint

Mint is a popular herb known for its refreshing flavor and versatility in the garden. It can be planted near peas, tomatoes, and cabbage to help deter pests like aphids, flea beetles, and ants. Mint’s strong scent also acts as a natural repellent for mosquitoes and flies, making it a great addition to summer gardens.

While mint can be invasive, it thrives in containers or as a border plant, helping to control its spread. Mint pairs well with other herbs and vegetables and can be used in a variety of recipes, from drinks to desserts.

Thyme

Thyme is a versatile herb that makes a great companion for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. It attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, including bees and ladybugs, which help to improve the health of your garden. Thyme also helps to repel pests like whiteflies, aphids, and cabbage worms.

In addition to its pest-repelling properties, thyme is a hardy herb that thrives in sunny, dry conditions. It’s a fantastic herb to grow alongside other summer crops, as it requires minimal care and provides both culinary and garden benefits.

Carrots

Carrots are a fantastic companion plant, especially when paired with onions, leeks, and chives. These plants help to deter the carrot fly, a common pest that attacks carrot crops. Carrots also benefit from the shade provided by taller plants, making them an excellent choice for interplanting with other vegetables.

Carrots prefer well-drained, loose soil, which helps them grow long and straight. Planting them near other root vegetables like beets can help improve the overall health of your garden. These crunchy vegetables are perfect for summer salads, soups, and juices.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a striking addition to any summer garden. Not only do they attract pollinators like bees, but they also serve as a natural trellis for climbing plants like peas and beans. Their tall, sturdy stems make them ideal for supporting vines, while their seeds provide food for birds.

Sunflowers also help improve the soil by attracting beneficial insects that help control pests. Their large, vibrant flowers brighten up the garden while supporting the growth of nearby crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

Radishes

Radishes are quick-growing vegetables that are ideal for interplanting with slower-growing crops like cabbage, lettuce, and carrots. Their rapid growth helps break up the soil and improve its structure, which benefits the growth of other plants. Radishes are also excellent for attracting pollinators like bees.

In addition to their role as a companion plant, radishes are easy to grow in both full sun and partial shade. Their mild, peppery flavor makes them a great addition to salads, and they are perfect for adding variety to your summer meals.

Sweet Alyssum

Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing, fragrant flower that attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, which help control pests in the garden. Its small, white or purple blooms are an excellent way to attract pollinators, making it a great companion for vegetables and fruits that require pollination.

This hardy flower is especially beneficial when planted alongside cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. It helps to control pests while providing a lovely fragrance to your summer garden. Sweet Alyssum is also perfect for hanging baskets or as a ground cover.

Beans

Beans are excellent companions for summer gardens, especially when planted with corn or cucumbers. They help fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits nearby plants like tomatoes and lettuce. Beans also provide natural shade for smaller plants, keeping them cool during the hot summer months.

Beans can be grown in both trellis systems and as ground cover, making them versatile companions for a variety of plants. Their quick growth helps to shade and protect other crops from the intense heat of the summer sun.

Kale

Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that works well with a variety of summer plants, including beans and peas. It is a cool-weather plant, so it thrives when planted in partial shade during the hotter months. Kale helps attract pollinators, which are essential for many other crops in your garden.

In addition to being a great companion, kale is a low-maintenance vegetable that requires minimal care. It can be harvested multiple times throughout the summer, providing fresh, nutritious greens for your meals.

Peas

Peas are a great companion for summer gardens, especially when planted alongside carrots, lettuce, and radishes. They are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they help enrich the soil and improve its fertility. This benefits other plants that are sensitive to soil conditions, like tomatoes and peppers.

Peas grow best in cooler weather, so they can be planted early in the season before the summer heat sets in. They can be trellised or grown along the ground, making them an adaptable choice for any garden setup.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers make excellent companion plants for summer gardens, especially when planted with beans and radishes. The tall vines of cucumbers provide shade for smaller plants, helping to protect them from the harsh sun. Cucumbers also attract beneficial insects like bees, which improve pollination for your other crops.

These summer vegetables thrive in warm weather and require plenty of sunlight and water. Cucumbers grow best when they are given plenty of space to spread out, making them ideal for the edges of the garden or on trellises.

Spinach

Spinach is a cool-season plant that can thrive when planted in the summer garden’s shady spots. It works well with strawberries, peas, and beans, as it helps to keep the soil moist and cool. Spinach also grows well in containers or alongside taller plants, which provide much-needed shade during the summer months.

In addition to being an excellent companion, spinach is packed with nutrients and is perfect for summer salads or smoothies. It grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times, making it a valuable addition to any summer garden.

Beets

Beets are a great companion plant for summer gardens, especially when grown alongside onions and garlic. These root vegetables grow best in loose, well-drained soil and benefit from being planted in slightly shaded areas. Beets also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which help control pests.

In addition to their role as a companion plant, beets are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are perfect for juicing, roasting, or adding to salads, making them a nutritious and versatile vegetable to grow.

Peppers

Peppers work well in the summer garden when planted alongside tomatoes, basil, and oregano. They enjoy warm weather and full sunlight, but they can benefit from being planted with taller plants that provide some shade. Peppers also attract pollinators, which can help increase yields for other crops.

These vegetables are perfect for containers or raised beds and require little maintenance. They come in various colors and varieties, from mild to spicy, adding diversity and flavor to your summer garden.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.