Companion Plants for Garlic and Onions: The Ultimate Guide

Understanding Companion Plants

Before we dive into the world of companion planting, let's first understand what it means. Companion planting involves growing two or more different types of plants together in a garden bed in order to benefit each other in some way.

For example, some plants can help repel pests, while others can improve the soil quality by fixing nitrogen. When it comes to garlic and onions, there are several companion plants that can help them grow healthier and more productive.

Companion Plants for Garlic and Onions

Here are 15 companion plants that can be grown alongside garlic and onions:

1. Carrots

Carrots are great companions for garlic and onions because they help break up the soil and make it easier for the bulbs to grow. Additionally, carrots are low-growing plants, which means they won't compete with garlic and onions for sunlight.

How to plant:

Plant carrot seeds directly in the soil between rows of garlic and onions. Make sure to space them out evenly and water regularly.

2. Chamomile

Chamomile is a great companion plant for garlic and onions because it has natural insect-repelling properties. It also attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, which are known to prey on aphids and other pests.

How to plant:

Plant chamomile seeds around the perimeter of your garden bed. Make sure to give them enough space to grow and water regularly.

3. Chives

Chives are members of the allium family, which means they are related to garlic and onions. They are great companions because they help repel pests and provide a natural source of nitrogen to the soil.

How to plant:

Plant chives directly next to garlic and onions. Make sure to give them enough space to grow and water regularly.

4. Cilantro

Cilantro is another member of the allium family and can be grown alongside garlic and onions. It attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and also helps repel pests.

How to plant:

Plant cilantro seeds directly next to garlic and onions. Make sure to give them enough space to grow and water regularly.

5. Dill

Dill is a great companion plant for garlic and onions because it attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. It also helps improve the soil quality by fixing nitrogen.

How to plant:

Plant dill seeds directly next to garlic and onions. Make sure to give them enough space to grow and water regularly.

6. Fennel

Fennel is a great companion plant for garlic and onions because it attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies. It also helps repel pests like aphids and slugs.

How to plant:

Plant fennel seeds directly next to garlic and onions. Make sure to give them enough space to grow and water regularly.

7. Marigolds

Marigolds are one of the most popular companion plants for garlic and onions because they repel pests like nematodes and whiteflies. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

How to plant:

Plant marigold seeds around the perimeter of your garden bed. Make sure to give them enough space to grow and water regularly.

8. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are great companion plants for garlic and onions because they attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybugs. They also help repel pests like aphids and whiteflies.

How to plant:

Plant nasturtium seeds directly next to garlic and onions. Make sure to give them enough space to grow and water regularly.

9. Peas

Peas are great companion plants for garlic and onions because they help fix nitrogen in the soil. Additionally, they are low-growing plants, which means they won't compete with garlic and onions for sunlight.

How to plant:

Plant pea seeds directly in the soil between rows of garlic and onions. Make sure to space them out evenly and water regularly.

10. Radishes

Radishes are great companion plants for garlic and onions because they help break up the soil and make it easier for the bulbs to grow. Additionally, they are quick-growing plants, which means they can be harvested before the garlic and onions mature.

How to plant:

Plant radish seeds directly in the soil between rows of garlic and onions. Make sure to space them out evenly and water regularly.

11. Rosemary

Rosemary is a great companion plant for garlic and onions because it repels pests like carrot rust flies and cabbage moths. It also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

How to plant:

Plant rosemary directly next to garlic and onions. Make sure to give them enough space to grow and water regularly.

12. Sage

Sage is another great companion plant for garlic and onions because it repels pests like cabbage moths and carrot rust flies. It also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

How to plant:

Plant sage directly next to garlic and onions. Make sure to give them enough space to grow and water regularly.

13. Spinach

Spinach is a great companion plant for garlic and onions because it helps improve the soil quality by fixing nitrogen. Additionally, it is a low-growing plant, which means it won't compete with garlic and onions for sunlight.

How to plant:

Plant spinach seeds directly in the soil between rows of garlic and onions. Make sure to space them out evenly and water regularly.

14. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are great companions for garlic and onions because they help repel pests like aphids and whiteflies. They also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

How to plant:

Plant tomato seeds directly in the soil between rows of garlic and onions. Make sure to space them out evenly and water regularly.

15. Yarrow

Yarrow is a great companion plant for garlic and onions because it attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. It also helps improve the soil quality by fixing nitrogen.

How to plant:

Plant yarrow seeds around the perimeter of your garden bed. Make sure to give them enough space to grow and water regularly.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can garlic and onions be grown together?

Yes, garlic and onions can be grown together because they both belong to the allium family and have similar growing requirements.

Q2. Do companion plants really work?

Yes, companion planting has been shown to be an effective way to improve plant health and yield. However, it is important to choose the right companion plants for each crop.

Q3. How much space should be between garlic and onion plants?

Garlic and onion plants should be spaced about 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart.

Q4. What are some other benefits of companion planting?

Companion planting can help reduce the need for pesticides, improve soil quality, and attract beneficial insects to your garden.

Q5. Can I use companion planting with other crops?

Yes, companion planting can be used with a wide variety of crops to improve plant health and yield.

By incorporating companion plants into your garden bed, you can help improve the health and productivity of your garlic and onions. Consider adding some of the plants mentioned above to your garden this year and see how they perform!