Guide for Companion Planting Vegetables in the UK (2024)

If you’re hoping to achieve a bountiful vegetable crop, strategic companion planting for vegetables in the UK can give your vegetable patch a welcome boost. Companion planting is a clever horticultural technique that involves planting different species of mutually beneficial plants together. This ancient technique promotes a harmonious ecosystem, helps to keep pests at bay, attracts beneficial predatory insects and will enhance growth for a happier, healthier garden, allotment or vegetable patch.

We take a look at some of the best plants to grow alongside common vegetables so you can enjoy excellent results with the help of nature on your side.

What are the benefits of companion planting?

Nature is amazing, and there is no underestimating its power. If you're struggling with pests or under-performing crops, knowing which plants to grow side by side can make your life easier and enhance your green fingered pleasure. The benefits of companion planting include:

Pest control: One of the most important benefits gained from companion planting is its ability to naturally control pests. Certain plants can repel different types of pests, while some will entice pests away from your prized crops. Many species attract beneficial insects that prey on nuisance pests, helping to lower the risk of infestation while pollinating your plants. This type of natural pest control can help you grow organic crops without the need for man-made pesticides.
Disease control: Planting mutually beneficial plants can help to prevent diseases from ruining your plants. Many plants have antimicrobial and antifungal properties that suppress and fight a wide range of diseases.
Nutrient Optimisation: Planting specific plants with different nutritional needs close to one another ensures that the plants won't compete against each other. This helps to maximise nutrient uptake.
Better use of space: Tall plants grown alongside lower dwelling crops can provide protective shade. In addition, intercropping fast growing plants alongside slower crops allows you to harvest the faster crops first. This will then make space for the slower crops to flourish at the right time.
Increased yield: Pest and disease control along with optimised nutrients and space all combine to achieve healthier plants and a higher yield.

Vegetable Companion Planting

Whether you’re new to growing vegetables or you’re a seasoned gardener, vegetable companion planting will help to boost crop health resulting in higher yields and a tastier crop.

So what plants will help your veg grow and deter pests? We explore the best plants to co plant with popular UK vegetables including tomatoes, beans, brassicas, and potatoes.

Basil

Basil has a strong scent that helps to repel aphids, whiteflies, hornworms, cabbage worms, and a number of other pests. It contains a chemical compound called eugenol which is a volatile oil responsible for the aromatic characteristics of basil plants. It also contains volatile compounds such as citronellol, geraniol and linalool which are also believed to contribute to its pest deterrent properties.

Research conducted has proven that planting basil alongside tomatoes can reduce fungal disease. The research also showed that basil helps to combat Fusarium oxysporum f. Sp. lycopersici (FOL) which is a pathogen that causes tomato wilt.

Another benefit is that basil is a tasty herb that can be used in all sorts of salads and cooked dishes. So having a handy supply can help your culinary creations.

Try planting basic next to the following crops

Tomatoes
Peppers
Beans
Cucumbers
Asparagus
Lettuce
Brassicas

Classico Italiano Basil

Tomato Red Cherry

Jalapeno Chilli

French Marigolds

French Marigolds belong to the Asteraceae family of plants, specifically the Tagetes genus. They are great for planting alongside a variety of vegetables because they produce a chemical called alpha-terthienyl. Alpha-terthienyl is a proven organic pesticide that can inhibit certain soil-borne pathogens and is toxic to a number of pests such as nematodes which are microscopic worms that feed on roots causing wilting and stunted growth.

Planting French marigolds next to vegetables will help to attract predatory insects such as ladybirds that will prey on parasitic pests. They are also known for their ability to improve soil health because their deep roots assist soil drainage and help to break up compacted soil.

French Marigolds make good companions for:

Tomatoes
Peppers
Cucumbers
Squash
Carrots
Cabbage
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Kale
Cauliflower
Potatoes
Beans

Calendulas

Calendulas, sometimes mistaken for marigolds, also belong to the Asteraceae family of plants and are members of the calendula genus. This plant contains several pest repelling chemical compounds such as terpenoids, triterpenoids, and volatile oils including linalool, limonene and alpha-pinene.

The calendula plant also produces a sticky resin that coats that plant. This resin acts as a barrier to make it difficult for pests to travel across and feed from the plant. The resin can also trap pests and prevent them from causing further damage.

Their bright flowers attract pollinators and beneficial predatory insects including ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies.

Team calendula with these vegetables:

Tomatoes
Cabbage
Broccoli
Kale
Brussel sprouts
Cauliflower
Peppers
Cucumbers
Beans
Carrots
Strawberries
Lettuce

Savoy Cabbage Pasqualino

Carrot Nantes 2

Spinach America

Garlic

Garlic is known as one of nature’s secret weapons. It contains allicin which is a volatile sulphur compound that is renowned for its natural antibacterial, antifungal, nematicidal, antimicrobial, and insecticidal properties.

Garlic emits a strong odour that is excellent for repelling pests such as aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, leaf miners, and nematodes. Its antifungal properties will help to combat fungal diseases such as leaf blight, grey mould, and leaf spot.

Celery

Celery is another great companion plant for various vegetables because it contains phthalides, volatile oils, and phytochemicals which are believed to repel pests such as aphids, carrot flies, caterpillars, and whiteflies, leafhoppers, leaf miners, and some species of beetle.

Its shallow root system complements vegetables with deeper root systems because it won’t directly compete for moisture and nutrients. In addition, celery tends to grow tall and upright which can help to protect lower dwelling plants from intense sunlight. Likewise, taller plants such as tomatoes can simultaneously provide shade for the celery. Due to its upright shape celery can also help to provide structural support for taller plants.

Celery is a beneficial plant for:

Tomatoes
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Kale
Brussel sprouts
Onion
Garlic
Beans

Cress

Spigariello Broccoletti

Biogreen Garlic

Garden Cress

Although there is no solid scientific evidence to support the claim, some believe that the strong scent of garden cress can repel pests such as woolly aphids. Woolly aphids are tiny insects that feed on the sap from the leaves and stems of tomato plants. They extract vital nutrients that can result in stunted growth, leaf yellowing and curling, and poor overall health. Aphids can also secrete honeydew (a by-product of feeding) that attracts other pests, exacerbating the problem.

You can try planting garden cress next to:

Cabbage
Broccoli
Kale
Cauliflower
Brussel sprouts
Lettuce and leafy greens
Herbs
Radish
Spinach
Cucumbers
Tomatoes

Mint

Mint is a popular aromatic herb that has been found to contain insect repellent properties such as menthol, pulegone, and other volatile oils. As a result, it’s great for deterring common pests including whitefly, cabbage moths, and aphids.

The flowers on the mint plant help to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects.

Mint can be invasive, so if you plant it in your beds you will need to ensure it doesn't take over.

Mint is a useful companion plant for:

Cabbage
Broccoli
Cauliflower

Brussel sprouts

Kale
Tomatoes
Peas
Herbs
Carrots

Sugar Pea Gigante Svizzero

Tomato Principe Borghese

Parsley Prezzemolo Gigante di Napoli

Horseradish

Horseradish contains several chemical compounds that contain insecticidal properties, making it a great companion plant for a range of vegetables.

One of the most useful chemical compounds is the glucosinolate, sinigrin. When the cells of a horseradish are damaged, it triggers a chemical reaction that converts the sinigrin into allyl isothiocyanate which acts as a deterrent due to its strong odour and taste.

Allyl isothiocyanate is also known to have antimicrobial properties that help combat soil-borne diseases, fungi and bacteria that can cause disease in plants.

The horseradish plant has deep tap roots, making it ideal for teaming with vegetables with shallow root systems as it won’t compete for nutrients and moisture. In addition, the substantial root system of a horseradish can help to suppress weed growth, limiting competition for essential nutrients.

Horseradish is good for co-planting with:

Potatoes
Cabbage
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Brussel sprouts
Kale
Beetroot
Carrots
Radishes
Fruit trees
Lettuce
Spinach
Grapes

Chives

Chives not only taste good but they also serve as an excellent companion for many vegetable species. Members of the Allium family, along with onions and garlic, chives contain allicin, a compound that is produced when the plant cells become damaged. They also contain other sulphur compounds such as diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide and allyl methyl trisulfide. These chemicals give chives their strong taste and scent, and act as a natural pest deterrent for nuisance insects like aphids, carrot flies and Japanese beetles.

Chives grow in dense clumps and therefore provide good coverage of the bed. This helps to prevent weed growth and reduces competition for light and nutrients. Their purple flowers help to attract both pollinating and predatory insects.

Some people believe that chives can enhance the taste of neighbouring plants.

Chives are ideal for planting next to:

Carrots
Tomatoes
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Kale
Brussel sprouts
Lettuce
Strawberries

Marketmore Cucumber

Carrot Pariser Markt

Vegetable Spaghetti Squash

Beans

Beans are regarded as beneficial companion plants for a number of reasons. They are known to have the ability to encourage soil dwelling bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb. This is called nitrogen fixing. By planting beans, you can potentially enrich the surrounding soil with nitrogen which is beneficial to nitrogen hungry plants such as Brussel sprouts, lettuce and leafy greens.

Beans grow tall and their foliage provides shade to plants growing beneath. This protects plants below from strong sunlight and will also inhibit weed growth due to lack of sunlight.

Try teaming beans with:

Corn
Cucumbers
Carrots
Melons
Squash
Pumpkin
Lettuce
Leafy greens

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a popular companion plant. They attract certain pests such as whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, cabbage moths, and leafhoppers. Therefore, by planting Nasturtiums near your vegetable crops, you can divert these pests away to protect your crops from infestations.

Their vibrant flowers help to attract pollinators and predatory insects, promoting a diverse population of useful insects in your garden or vegetable plot’s ecosystem.

Nasturtiums are known to have a peppery scent that can repel and confuse insects. This can help to reduce the risk of infestations on neighbouring plants. They also grow in a sprawling fashion which can help to provide shade and prevent weed growth.

Try planting nasturtiums with:

Cabbage
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Kale
Brussel sprouts
Radish
Cucumbers
Squash
Pumpkin
Beans
Tomatoes
Aubergine
Peppers

Companion planting chart for vegetables

There are many more useful plants you can grow in your vegetable patch to promote healthy growth and discourage pest infestations. We've made a handy chart below that lists some of the common companion plants for a range of vegetables.

Basil	Tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, asparagus, lettuce, cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower
Beans	Corn, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, leafy greens, melons, squash, pumpkin
Borage	Tomatoes, squash, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, beans, cucumber
Calendula	Beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, peppers, cucumber, beans, carrots, strawberries
Celery	Cabbage, tomatoes, beans, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, onion, garlic, beans
Chamomile	Cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, onions, garlic, cucumbers, herbs
Chives	Carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, strawberries
Coriander	Anise, spinach, lettuce, peas, tomatoes, beans, cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, potatoes, cucumber, peppers
French Marigold	Tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, peppers, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, beans
Garden cress	Lettuce, spinach, radish, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, leafy greens, cucumbers, tomatoes
Garlic	Fruit trees, raspberries, strawberries, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, spinach, beetroot
Horseradish	Potatoes, cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, beetroot, carrots, radishes, fruit trees, lettuce, spinach, grapes
Mint	Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, beans, corn, tomatoes, peas, carrots, Brussel sprouts, lettuce, onion, peans, radish, squash, pumpkin
Nasturtium	Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussel sprouts, radishes, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, beans, tomatoes, aubergine, peppers
Onions	Beetroot, lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, peppers, carrots, potatoes, strawberries, raspberries
Parsley	Tomatoes, asparagus, peppers, corn, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, fruit trees
Rosemary	Beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Brussel sprouts, carrots, strawberries, peppers, onions, parsnips
Sage	Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kales, carrots, tomatoes, grapes
Thyme	Cabbage, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, aubergine, strawberries, raspberries, beetroot, celery, sweet potato, blueberries, corn

This list is not exhaustive as is intended as a guide only.

Conclusion

Many plants have powerful insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiviral and antibiotic properties. Companion planting vegetables in the UK with complementary plants allows you to grow vegetables organically while increasing plant health, yield, and even taste.

Why not have a go at companion planting yourself to see which plants work well together?

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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert in companion planting for vegetables, I can provide you with valuable information on this topic. Companion planting is a horticultural technique that involves planting different species of mutually beneficial plants together. It promotes a harmonious ecosystem, helps control pests, attracts beneficial insects, and enhances the growth of your garden or vegetable patch.

The benefits of companion planting include:

Pest control: Certain plants can repel pests or attract beneficial insects that prey on nuisance pests, reducing the risk of infestation. This natural pest control method allows you to grow organic crops without the need for synthetic pesticides.
Disease control: Many plants have antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can suppress and fight a wide range of diseases, protecting your plants from damage.
Nutrient optimization: Planting specific plants with different nutritional needs close to one another ensures that they won't compete for nutrients. This maximizes nutrient uptake and promotes healthier plant growth.
Better use of space: Tall plants grown alongside lower dwelling crops can provide protective shade. Additionally, intercropping fast-growing plants alongside slower crops allows you to harvest the faster crops first, making space for the slower crops to flourish at the right time.
Increased yield: By implementing pest and disease control measures, optimizing nutrient availability, and utilizing space effectively, companion planting can lead to healthier plants and higher yields.

Now, let's explore some specific companion plants for popular UK vegetables:

Basil: Basil has a strong scent that repels aphids, whiteflies, hornworms, cabbage worms, and other pests. It can be planted alongside tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, asparagus, lettuce, and brassicas like cabbage and kale. Basil also helps combat Fusarium wilt, a disease that affects tomatoes [[1]].
French Marigolds: French marigolds produce a chemical called alpha-terthienyl, which acts as an organic pesticide and inhibits soil-borne pathogens. They attract predatory insects and improve soil health. French marigolds can be planted alongside tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, potatoes, and beans [[2]].
Calendulas: Calendulas contain pest-repelling chemical compounds and produce a sticky resin that acts as a barrier against pests. They attract pollinators and beneficial predatory insects. Calendulas are good companions for tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, peppers, cucumbers, beans, carrots, strawberries, lettuce, and savoy cabbage [[3]].
Garlic: Garlic emits a strong odor that repels pests like aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, leaf miners, and nematodes. It also has antifungal properties. Garlic can be planted alongside tomatoes, peppers, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, spinach, beetroot, celery, and fruit trees [[4]].
Celery: Celery contains compounds that repel pests like aphids, carrot flies, caterpillars, and whiteflies. Its shallow root system complements vegetables with deeper root systems, and its tall, upright growth provides shade and structural support. Celery is a beneficial companion for tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, beans, and carrots [[5]].
Garden Cress: Garden cress is believed to repel pests like woolly aphids. It can be planted alongside cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, spinach, radish, cucumbers, tomatoes, and mint [[6]].
Mint: Mint contains insect-repellent properties and deters pests like whiteflies, cabbage moths, and aphids. It attracts pollinators and other beneficial insects. Mint is a useful companion for cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, tomatoes, peas, carrots, sugar peas, and herbs [[7]].
Horseradish: Horseradish contains chemical compounds with insecticidal properties. It deters pests and suppresses weed growth. Horseradish can be planted alongside potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, beetroot, carrots, radishes, fruit trees, lettuce, spinach, grapes, and other vegetables [[8]].
Chives: Chives contain compounds that repel pests like aphids, carrot flies, and Japanese beetles. They grow in dense clumps, preventing weed growth and reducing competition for light and nutrients. Chives are ideal companions for carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, and strawberries [[9]].
Beans: Beans have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for nitrogen-hungry plants like Brussels sprouts, lettuce, and leafy greens. They also provide shade to plants growing beneath them, inhibiting weed growth. Beans can be planted alongside corn, cucumbers, carrots, melons, squash, pumpkin, lettuce, and leafy greens [[10]].

These are just a few examples of companion plants for vegetables. There are many more options available to promote healthy growth and discourage pest infestations. Experimenting with companion planting can lead to improved plant health, higher yields, and even enhanced taste in your vegetable garden.

Remember to consider the specific needs and preferences of each plant when planning your companion planting arrangements. Happy gardening!

Companion Planting Chart for Vegetables

Here's a handy chart that lists some common companion plants for a range of vegetables:

Vegetable	Companion Plants
Basil	Tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, asparagus, lettuce, cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower
Beans	Corn, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, leafy greens, melons, squash, pumpkin
Borage	Tomatoes, squash, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, beans, cucumber
Calendula	Beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, peppers, cucumber, beans, carrots, strawberries
Celery	Cabbage, tomatoes, beans, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, onion, garlic, beans
Chamomile	Cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, onions, garlic, cucumbers, herbs
Chives	Carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, strawberries
Coriander	Anise, spinach, lettuce, peas, tomatoes, beans, cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, potatoes, cucumber, peppers
French Marigold	Tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, peppers, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, beans
Garden Cress	Lettuce, spinach, radish, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, leafy greens, cucumbers, tomatoes
Garlic	Fruit trees, raspberries, strawberries, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, spinach, beetroot
Horseradish	Potatoes, cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, beetroot, carrots, radishes, fruit trees, lettuce, spinach, grapes
Mint	Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, beans, corn, tomatoes, peas, carrots, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, onion, peas, radish, squash, pumpkin
Nasturtium	Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, radishes, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, beans, tomatoes, aubergine, peppers
Onions	Beetroot, lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, peppers, carrots, potatoes, strawberries, raspberries
Parsley	Tomatoes, asparagus, peppers, corn, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, fruit trees
Rosemary	Beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, carrots, strawberries, peppers, onions, parsnips
Sage	Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, carrots, tomatoes, grapes
Thyme	Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, aubergine, strawberries, raspberries, beetroot, celery, sweet potato, blueberries, corn

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and serves as a guide only.

Happy companion planting!