Companion planting is an age-old gardening practice that involves planting certain plants together for their mutual benefit. However, not all plants make good neighbors. Some plants can inhibit the growth of others, attract pests, or compete for nutrients, leading to poor yields and unhealthy plants. In this article, we’ll explore 12 plants you should never grow together to help you create a thriving and harmonious garden.
1. Tomatoes and Corn
Tomatoes and corn are both popular garden plants, but they should never be planted together. The main reason is that they attract the same pests, specifically the corn earworm (also known as the tomato fruitworm). This pest can cause significant damage to both crops, reducing their yields and quality. Additionally, both tomatoes and corn are heavy feeders, meaning they require a lot of nutrients from the soil. Growing them together can lead to competition for these essential nutrients, leaving both plants undernourished.
2. Carrots and Dill
While carrots and dill may seem like a natural pairing in the kitchen, they do not get along well in the garden. Dill can stunt the growth of carrots, especially when the dill plants are young. Dill can also attract carrot flies, which lay their eggs near the base of the carrot plants. The larvae then burrow into the carrots, causing significant damage. If you want to grow both dill and carrots, it’s best to plant them in separate areas of your garden.
3. Onions and Beans
Onions and beans are another pair of plants that should be kept apart. Onions (and other members of the allium family, such as garlic and leeks) can inhibit the growth of beans. This is because onions release a substance into the soil that can hinder the growth of bean plants. Beans, on the other hand, can fix nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial for many plants but not necessarily for onions, which prefer a different nutrient balance.
4. Potatoes and Tomatoes
Potatoes and tomatoes are both members of the nightshade family, but they should not be grown together. They are susceptible to the same diseases, such as blight, which can spread rapidly and devastate both crops. Additionally, both potatoes and tomatoes are heavy feeders and can deplete the soil of nutrients if grown in the same area. Planting them together can lead to poor yields and unhealthy plants.
5. Cucumbers and Aromatic Herbs
While cucumbers and aromatic herbs (such as sage, rosemary, and basil) may seem like they would complement each other, they are actually poor companions. Aromatic herbs can stunt the growth of cucumber plants. Cucumbers prefer a more humid environment, while many aromatic herbs thrive in drier conditions. The differing environmental preferences and growth habits can lead to competition and reduced yields.
6. Fennel and Most Garden Plants
Fennel is a unique plant that should be kept away from most other garden plants. Fennel releases a substance that can inhibit the growth of many plants, including beans, tomatoes, and kohlrabi. This allelopathic effect can stunt the growth of neighboring plants and reduce their yields. It’s best to plant fennel in a separate area of your garden, away from other plants.
7. Broccoli and Strawberries
Broccoli and strawberries are another pair of plants that do not make good companions. Broccoli can produce chemicals that inhibit the growth of strawberry plants. Additionally, both plants have different soil nutrient requirements and can compete for nutrients if grown together. If you want to grow both broccoli and strawberries, it’s best to plant them in separate areas of your garden.
See Also: How Does Cauliflower Grow?
8. Lettuce and Parsley
While lettuce and parsley are both popular salad ingredients, they should not be grown together. Parsley can inhibit the growth of lettuce, especially if the parsley plants are large and well-established. Additionally, both plants prefer different growing conditions, with lettuce thriving in cooler temperatures and parsley preferring warmer conditions. Planting them together can lead to competition and reduced yields.
9. Sunflowers and Potatoes
Sunflowers and potatoes should not be grown together due to their allelopathic effects. Sunflowers release chemicals that can inhibit the growth of potato plants. Additionally, both sunflowers and potatoes are heavy feeders, and growing them together can lead to competition for nutrients. It’s best to plant sunflowers in a separate area of your garden, away from potatoes.
10. Cabbage and Grapes
Cabbage and grapes are another pair of plants that do not make good companions. Cabbage can inhibit the growth of grapevines, and grapevines can compete with cabbage plants for nutrients and sunlight. Additionally, both plants can attract pests that can damage the other plant. If you want to grow both cabbage and grapes, it’s best to plant them in separate areas of your garden.
11. Peppers and Beans
Peppers and beans should be kept apart in the garden. Beans can inhibit the growth of pepper plants, especially if the bean plants are large and well-established. Additionally, both plants have different nutrient requirements and can compete for nutrients if grown together. Planting them separately can help ensure healthy growth and better yields for both plants.
12. Radishes and Hyssop
Radishes and hyssop are another pair of plants that do not get along well in the garden. Hyssop can inhibit the growth of radish plants, reducing their yields. Additionally, radishes prefer different growing conditions compared to hyssop, with radishes thriving in cooler temperatures and hyssop preferring warmer conditions. It’s best to plant radishes and hyssop in separate areas of your garden.
Conclusion
Understanding which plants do not grow well together is essential for creating a healthy and productive garden. By avoiding these problematic plant pairings, you can help ensure that your plants thrive and produce abundant yields. Companion planting is a powerful tool for gardeners, but it’s important to remember that not all plants make good neighbors. By planning your garden layout carefully and keeping these 12 plants apart, you can create a harmonious and bountiful garden.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, knowing which plants to keep separate can save you time, effort, and disappointment. Happy gardening!
