Growing Together: A Simple Guide to Companion Planting
There’s something peaceful about early mornings in the garden. The air is still, the soil is cool, and for a little while, everything just slows down. It’s in those quiet moments—hands in the dirt and sun on our backs—that we’re reminded of one of gardening’s most beautiful truths: things grow better together.
That’s the heart of companion planting.
It’s not a new idea. In fact, it’s been around for generations—passed down through handwritten notes in gardening journals and taught in backyards and homesteads long before the internet. It’s about choosing plants that help each other thrive, whether by warding off pests, improving soil, or simply growing in harmony.
Whether you’re planting your very first raised bed or tending a large garden plot, companion planting is a simple and thoughtful way to make your space more productive—and more beautiful.
What Is Companion Planting?
In its simplest form, companion planting means pairing certain plants together so they can benefit each other. Some might repel insects, others draw in helpful pollinators, and a few are just really good at sharing their space.
We like to think of it like planning a community potluck. Everyone brings something to the table, and when it all comes together, it just works.
A Few of Our Favorite Garden Companions
Tomatoes + Basil
Not only do these two go hand-in-hand in the kitchen, but basil also helps keep pests away from tomatoes—and it may even enhance their flavor. It’s a classic combo for a reason.
Carrots + Onions
These two grow well side by side without getting in each other’s way. Onions help mask the scent of carrots, keeping root-loving pests at bay.
Marigolds + Everything
We love tucking marigolds into all corners of the garden. Their bright blooms bring beauty, and their strong scent helps deter unwanted visitors like aphids and nematodes.
Corn + Beans + Squash (The Three Sisters)
This traditional Native American trio is a beautiful example of nature’s synergy. Corn provides a structure for beans to climb, beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, and squash sprawls across the ground, acting as a natural mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
A Few Pairings to Avoid
Just like people, not all plants make great neighbors. Tomatoes and corn often compete for nutrients (and attract similar pests), while onions and beans tend to slow each other’s growth. It’s always a good idea to check a companion planting chart before laying out your beds—just to make sure everyone gets along.
Why Companion Planting Matters
At our market and in our gardens, we’ve seen the difference that thoughtful planting makes. It’s not just about bigger harvests or fewer bugs—it’s about creating a garden that works with nature, not against it.
And beyond the science of it, we love the symbolism, too. The idea that when we grow together—plants, people, communities—we all do better. Healthier, stronger, more resilient.
So as you map out your garden this season, think about who might grow well together. Start simple. A pot of basil next to a tomato. A row of carrots near your onions. A few marigolds sprinkled around the edges. Small steps can make a big impact.
And if you ever need a little guidance, we’re always here to help.
Happy planting!