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Optimize your garden layout with our companion planting calculator. Discover which plants grow well together, which to avoid, and get compatibility scores for your garden combinations.
Basil repels aphids and hornworms. Marigolds deter nematodes.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
Companion planting strategically combines plants that benefit each other—pest reduction, pollinator attraction, nutrient sharing, and space optimization. Classic example: "Three Sisters" (corn, beans, squash)—corn provides pole for beans, beans fix nitrogen for corn, squash shades ground to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Our companion planting calculator suggests beneficial pairings and warns about incompatible combinations that compete or inhibit growth.
Some combinations deter pests through scent masking or chemical repellents: marigolds near tomatoes repel nematodes; basil near tomatoes repels aphids and whiteflies; nasturtiums act as trap crops for aphids (they prefer nasturtiums over vegetables). Aromatic herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) confuse pest insects hunting for host plants. However, scientific evidence for pest control is mixed—companion planting helps but isn't a complete pest management solution.
Avoid incompatible pairings: fennel inhibits most vegetables; alliums (onions, garlic) stunt bean and pea growth; brassicas (cabbage family) and tomatoes compete for nutrients. Potatoes and tomatoes shouldn't be planted together (both nightshades susceptible to same diseases). Our calculator flags these incompatibilities before you plant, preventing reduced yields from poor combinations.
Successful companion planting considers timing, spacing, and height: tall plants (corn, sunflowers) can shade shorter crops (lettuce benefits from afternoon shade in summer heat, but tomatoes need full sun). Fast-maturing crops (radishes, lettuce) harvest before slow crops (tomatoes, peppers) need the space. Deep-rooted plants (carrots) pair with shallow-rooted plants (lettuce) to maximize soil use. Plan your garden layout using our calculator for optimized plant positioning.
Evidence is mixed. Some combinations show benefits (marigolds repelling nematodes), but companion planting isn't a complete pest solution. It works best as part of integrated pest management—combine with crop rotation, beneficial insects, physical barriers, and appropriate interventions when needed.
No. Also consider spacing, light, and water needs. Tall plants shade short plants (good for lettuce in summer heat, bad for tomatoes needing full sun). Fast growers may crowd slow growers. Our calculator flags incompatibilities and suggests optimal layouts considering multiple factors beyond just companion relationships.
Incompatible plants compete for nutrients, release growth inhibitors, or share pests/diseases. Examples: fennel inhibits most vegetables through allelopathy; potatoes and tomatoes share blight susceptibility. Results range from slightly reduced yields to complete crop failure. Our calculator warns about problematic pairings before planting.