Companion plants with onions
20 Onion Companion Plants (& 4 Plants To Grow Nowhere Near Your Onions)
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There are a range of different onions to grow in your garden – from large bulbing onions, to red onions, to scallions.
But when choosing which onions to grow, and where to place them in your garden, you need to think about what will grow well alongside them.
You need to think about which plants can benefit them. You also need to consider which plants may suppress onion growth, or be detrimentally affected by the presence of alliums nearby.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best and worst companion plants for onions. By thinking about this list, you should be able to move closer to an excellent plan for polyculture planting in your growing areas.
Why Onions Make a Great Companion Plant For Many Crops
The strong scent of onions and other alliums means that they themselves are a great companion plant for many other crops. They can repel, confuse or distract a number of pest species.
In this list, we will explore plant companions that aid onions, but also plenty that are aided by them. We’ll also talk about some onions which, while they may not have a strong positive or negative impact, can happily grow alongside your onion crop.
As you read this list, it is important to bear in mind that the interactions between different plants are actually little understood. So while science can guide us to an extent, many of our interplanting and companion planting decisions must be made from experience, or, more specifically, the experience of other gardeners.
Fruits and Vegetables to Plant With Onions
First of all, let’s look at some of the other common fruits and vegetables to grow alongside your onions:
1. Other Alliums
Firstly, of course, you can consider growing your onions alongside other alliums. While it must be remembered that diseases and pests can pass between them, it is still worthwhile thinking about growing more than one member of the onion family in the same growing area or bed.
One benefit of this is that when you grow, for example, onions and garlic in the same bed, you can rotate your crops more easily. But it should also be remembered that they do tend to enjoy the same (or similar) growing conditions.
When it comes to annual alliums, it is best to implement a crop rotation scheme so disease does not build up in the soil.
But onions and other alliums should not be grown alone, even when you want to implement crop rotation. You should definitely consider using them in rotation alongside other plant family groups and never in mono-crop isolation.
2. Brassicas
One plant family that can really benefit from being grown alongside onions are the brassicas. Members of the brassica, or cabbage plant family will benefit from alliums that are planted with them because the alliums will help repel, confuse or distract a range of common pests.
So plant onions alongside members of this family, which include:
- Broccoli
- Cabbages
- Cauliflower
- Kale/ Collards
- Kohlrabi
- Mustard
- Pak choi (and other Asian greens)
One exception to this is turnips.
Onions may affect the flavor and root growth of your turnip crop.
3. Carrots
Onions also work extremely well interplanted with carrots. This is a classic companion planting combination predominantly for pest control. The onions help to repel or confuse carrot fly, while the carrots can help reduce problems with onion flies.
4. Parsnips
Another root crop that can work well alongside onions are parsnips. They can grow happily alongside one another and can also help in pest control.
5. Beets
And a third root crop to consider growing alongside onions are beets.
Root crops and alliums won’t compete for nutrients too excessively and like similar conditions. So it can be a good idea to combine onions and root crops in one bed when thinking about crop rotation.
6. Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant (And Other Warm Season Crops)
Onions and other alliums can also slot in nicely as companion plants for tomatoes and other members of the nightshade plant family.
Again, in this context, the onions can help with controlling a range of different pests that might otherwise trouble your crops.
Onions can also aid in pest control for other warm season crops such as squash, zucchini and cucumbers.
7. Potatoes
In certain studies, evidence has also suggested that onions intercropped with potatoes can bring pest control benefits. So onions can be a good companion plant for potatoes too.
8. Lettuce
Lettuce is a quick crop that can often fit in around other plants in garden beds and help you make the most of space and time. This is another crop that can work well as a companion plant to onions. Sow lettuce while bulb onions are still small, then harvest to give them more space as they begin to bulb out.
You can also sow onions around a lettuce bed to help protect them from a range of pests.
(The same is true for other leafy greens, such as spinach and chard, for example.)
Radishes also work well with both lettuce and onions, and the three can together be an excellent combination in your garden for spring or fall.
9. Strawberries
You might be worried that strong smelling onions will confer their flavour to strawberries grown nearby, but this is not the case.
Instead, onions and strawberries can be good companions. Again, onions will help strawberries by repelling or confusing a range of pests.
10. Fruit Trees
Both annual and perennial onions (and other alliums) are also extremely useful for planting alongside fruit trees in a fruit tree guild or forest garden. Again, they are beneficial for their ability to help in the control of aphids and other pests.
Herbs That Make Good Companion Plants for Onions
Next, let’s take a look at some herbs that make good companion plants for onions:
11. Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the herbs said to boost the growth and flavor of onions when grown nearby. Of course, this is also a useful plant to grow for herbal remedies.
12. Summer Savory
Summer savory is another herb that may aid onions when used as a companion plant.
This herb too is said to improve the growth and flavor of your onions.
13. Dill
Dill is another common herb described as being beneficial for onion growth and flavor. Of course, it is also a great culinary herb that can be used in a range of different ways in your kitchen.
14. Parsley
Parsley is very similar in many respects to carrots. And so growing parsley and onions together can confer many of the same benefits of growing carrots and onions together.
15. Mint
Planting mint close to onions can baffle onion flies. So this can also be a beneficial combination. Just be aware that mints can be prolific growers, and will take over a bed if you let them. Here’s a guide to growing mint without fear.
Flowers That Make Good Companion Plants for Onions
Flowers can mingle happily with your edible crops too (some are even edible flowers themselves). There are a wide range of flowers to grow in your vegetable garden. But here are a few flowers that will either benefit onions, or benefit from having onions growing nearby:
16.
MarigoldsMarigolds may help to suppress nematodes in the soil, and so, therefore, may help in protecting onions against nematode attack.
17. Pigweed (Amaranth)
Pigweed can be beneficial in your vegetable beds because it is a dynamic accumulator that can draw up nutrients that help onions to grow strong.
18. Sow Thistle
Sow thistle is another ‘weed’ that can be beneficial for onions in a similar way. These and other deep rooted plants can be chopped and dropped to return nutrients to the soil to benefit other plants grown nearby.
19. Roses
Roses are one ornamental plant that can be badly affected by aphids and other sap sucking pests. Planting onions close by may help to a degree in repelling these pests.
20. Other Ornamental Flowers
Onions will also similarly help a range of other ornamental flowers, by covering up their scent and confusing, distracting or repelling many of the common pests that plague them.
Planting onions and other alliums is not a panacea for pest control.
It won’t keep pests away entirely. But for many plants, it can certainly help at least to a degree to keep the garden ecosystem in balance.
4 Things To Never Plant Near Onions
As mentioned above, onions are great companion plants for a wide range of different crops. But there are certain plants that you should avoid planting near onions, including:
1. Peas
Peas may grow less strongly when onions are close by. And they may also lead the onions themselves to grow less strongly too. Peas and onions planted together are believed to have somewhat stunted growth.
2. Beans
The same thing is true of beans, and other legumes. No beans, peanuts or other leguminous plants should be planted alongside your onions. If you want to achieve the best results for both crops – keep them apart.
3. Asparagus
Onions will not only stunt the growth of asparagus. They can also affect the flavor of your asparagus crop. So be sure to keep these crops in different beds or growing areas.
4. Sage
Sage may work well with onions in stuffing and other recipes but it may stunt the growth of onions if you grow the two plants as companions.
The information above does not include every potential plant combination, of course. Onions can find a place and be beneficial as companion plants for a huge range of different crops and other garden plants. But it should help you narrow down your options. And decide where and how to include onions in your planting schemes.
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Onion Companion Plants | Kellogg Garden Organics™
Onion Companion Plants | Kellogg Garden Organics™
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Companion Planting Is A Popular Term In Gardening, But What Does It Actually Mean?Companion planting in its simplest form means planting different plants in close proximity that enhance each other’s growth and/or act as natural protection for one another.
When planned out, gardens with thoughtful companion plantings often yield better, stronger, more fruitful crops with the need for less human intervention when it comes to keeping pests at bay.
As a natural pest deterrent, onions have a fairly long list of good companion plants. In fact, it may be better to first consider those plants that will not thrive near onions, or in the reverse, will impact an onion’s success. Overall, onions are very good neighbors, however other onion plants such as leeks, garlic and shallots can attract onion maggots.
Onion maggots travel easily from plant to plant, so planting these like species in near proximity can give these pesky pests a multi-lane highway throughout your onion patch. Additionally, most varieties of peas and beans can be harmful when planted in close proximity to onions.
Lastly, it is wise to avoid sage and asparagus for the same reasons.
Beyond those listed above, onions actually are very good hosts to several other garden species. Starting with the very best options for onion companion plants are the many options available in the cabbage family. Some of the most popular and versatile cabbage family members are:
- Kale
- Brussels Sprouts
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
Each of these options, or all of them, are perfect companions for onions. Similar to onions, these vegetables prefer being rotated each year. Plants in the cabbage family do their best work in similar soil conditions as onions. Most cruciferous plants prefer sunny garden spots with well-drained soil, just like onions. They also benefit from a quality organic nitrogen rich fertilizer.
Additionally, because onions are so wonderful at acting as natural pest repellents, they serve as guardians for those is the cabbage family, which are often susceptible to pests like cabbage worms, loopers and cabbage maggots.
Other good neighbor options for onions include: tomatoes, lettuces, strawberries (strange but true! And no, it will not make your strawberries taste like onions or vice versa!), peppers, parsnip and spinach. Because onions naturally deter pests like aphids, beetles and even rabbits, they offer organic protection to those listed above.
If you begin to notice these visible above ground pests, consider spraying your plants with a natural and organic pest repellent. These can be found at almost any garden supply store, but they are also easy to make in your own kitchen.
Spraying your plants with a homemade mixture of emulsified garlic, onion and water can drastically reduce the invasion of many garden pests. Others are faithful to a simple combination of two tablespoons of hot pepper flakes steeped in one cup of water in a spray bottle.
Whatever method of pest repellent you subscribe to, always approach your applications with the mantra “less is more” as you can easily burn (similar to a chemical burn) your plants, especially the more delicate leaf plants.
Herb Companion PlantsAnother consideration for excellent onion partnerships are herbs. Adding herbs to any garden elevates neighboring plants. When it comes to onions, the list of herbs that play nicely next door is certainly more extensive than those that don’t. While sage was already listed previously, chives are also not advised near onions.
Chives are close relatives of the onion/garlic family and for the same reasons other members of the family aren’t good neighbors, chives fall into that category as well.
That said, there are many popular and easy to grow herbs that thrive with onions.
- Dill
- Savory
- Parsley
- Chamomile
(yes, those delicate, sweet chamomile flowers love living with onions!) are all excellent choices for your onion beds.
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At the end of the day, gardening is an ongoing experiment. While one year we will master soil composition and companion plantings, the next year we have an unusually wet or dry year in which even our best efforts are thwarted by Mother Nature. The lessons we take away from the more challenging years help us apply better practices year after year.
Changing companions/planting layouts each year often yields positive results. As a general rule, the vast majority of what you plant in your garden is happy to move around from year to year. This opens up a world of opportunity for trying different planting combinations as you and your garden mature together.
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Companion plants for 5 popular crops in the garden - AgroXXI
Friendship between garden plants is also beneficial for the owner of the plot. After all, this way you can optimize the space without the risk that the neighbors will oppress each other, and harvest more from the same bed
Monocultures are much more susceptible to pests and diseases. By increasing biodiversity, you are mimicking nature's ways of minimizing disease and pest attacks.
When choosing a companion bed, always look for non-competing characteristics: plants can have different but complementary growth habits that do not compete with each other. For example, the combination of tall, upright plants with vines close to the ground makes efficient use of garden space.
Or a combination of deep-rooted vegetables and shallow-rooted vegetables provides a similar effect.
Second. They should have the same needs for fertilizer, water, or sunlight, making them easier to care for. For example, pairing plants with high water requirements makes it easier to water them all at the same time.
Third. Some plants improve the nutritional value of the soil. Thus, legumes are considered good companions for many plants because they "fix" nitrogen and make it available to neighbors.
Beetroot is a great companion crop because it doesn't take up too much space. Part of the Chenopodiaceae family (along with Swiss chard), it has edible leaves as well as root vegetables.
First, beets are planted in the garden in early spring, and then cabbage seedlings are planted. Since beets naturally loosen the soil, this will be a bonus for seedlings in the neighborhood. In the season, both vegetables catch up with each other and are harvested late.
Dill, onion and garlic are also good choices and can be a natural deterrent to certain pests such as aphids.
Cabbage row lettuce not only provides you with fresh herbs, but also a cover crop that will reduce weed problems, overheat the soil, and decompose into natural compost when cut. In addition, frost-resistant varieties of lettuce can be sown until the end of the season.
Cucumbers are a controversial companion. While some gardeners believe that cabbage will improve the growth of cucumbers, we must remember: cabbage is very moisture-loving and competes for water, which can deprive cucumbers of soil moisture.
Cabbage DOES NOT LIKE being next to tomatoes, peppers and peas.
Carrots
The ability to pair carrots with the right companion plants is an important part of growing healthy and fragrant root crops.
Sowing radish seeds together with carrot seeds is a garden classic. Since radishes germinate faster and are harvested earlier, there is room for carrots to grow.
Planting chives and leeks together with carrots is a smart strategy. Green onions improve flavor and texture while repelling aphids. Leek drives away carrot flies, and carrots, in turn, counteract the onion moth. Planting together will help these plants grow without being damaged by pests.
Cucumber grass (borage), oregano, cilantro and marigolds are universal plants that heal the soil in case of nematodes. From spices it is recommended to plant parsley and rosemary.
Carrots DO NOT LIKE dill as it produces compounds that are harmful to carrot plants and can slow down their growth and development.
Onions
Being a good neighbor in their own right, onions can be grown alongside many crops.
Strawberry is the case when onion friendliness comes in handy. The crops have similar soil requirements as they both benefit from a well-drained bed in full sun. In addition, similar planting schedules allow you to prepare the bed immediately.
Onions and new strawberry seedlings can be planted in early spring or, depending on the climate, planted in autumn so that the plants begin to vegetate when spring arrives.
The most important way that strawberries and onions help each other is pest control. Even relatively small green onions smell bright enough to mask the sweet smell of ripe strawberries from animals looking for a juicy treat. Depending on placement, onion stalks can also hide ripe berries from feathered strawberry lovers.
One option is to plant strawberries and onions in alternating rows. Provided there is sufficient soil drainage, planting between strawberry plants is allowed.
Another possibility, especially for small strawberry plots, is to form an onion fence around the perimeter.
Other onion companions: cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce.
Onions DO NOT LIKE to grow next to their relatives, as well as with sage, peas, beans and asparagus.
Potato
Potato goes well with plants that are not strong competitors for underground food.
Legumes, celery, marigolds, onions are great for planting next to potatoes. Lettuce and spinach cover the aisles from weeds.
Chamomile, basil, yarrow, parsley and thyme improve the growth and flavor of potatoes and attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Avoid planting potatoes near asparagus, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, kohlrabi, melons, parsnips, rutabagas, squash, sunflowers and turnips.
Tomatoes
Many plants are advertised as improving the health, vitality and flavor of tomatoes. All these characteristics are difficult to measure because there is little scientific research, but there are many options to try in your own garden.
Plants recommended for co-planting with tomatoes include asparagus, basil, beans, peas, borage, marigold, carrots, celery, garlic, kosmeya, lemon balm, nasturtium, onion, parsley and sage.
If there is a problem with red spider mites, then planting tomatoes and garlic together and applying garlic spray will be preventive measures.
Lettuce, as with other neighbors, not only produces a crop when planted in the shade of taller tomato plants, but also provides a living mulch by discouraging weeds.
Gooseberries and roses benefit from being next to tomatoes. The smell of tomatoes repels gooseberry pests, and for roses, the neighborhood is useful against black spot, according to flower growers who prepare such a spray for spraying rose bushes. Place the crushed tomato leaves in a half-liter jar, add water, add a tablespoon of cornstarch and spray on the bushes.
Tomatoes DO NOT LIKE next to nightshade, cabbage, corn and dill.
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Companion plants in one garden
Mixed plantings of various vegetables, berries and flowers in one garden combine beauty and many advantages that gardeners should take advantage of when creating their own beautiful, eco-friendly and truly decorative vegetable garden.
Gardeners have been using this method for thousands of years. It also occurs naturally in nature, where some plants grow together and others never meet in each other's company.
When you want to grow as much as possible in your garden, sometimes it can be difficult to know what to plant and where. But you can rationally use the area of your beds by planting companion plants that will promote pollination, repel pests, and positively influence soil processes.
The more varied the fit, the better. Insects can appear in monoculture beds, and mixed plantings confuse pests.
It is important to note that companion plants are equally beautiful and often edible.
They will add color to your garden, no matter how big or small.
Planting a group of plants with different root systems improves soil structure. A good example of this is planting carrots next to tomatoes.
Thanks to the alternation of crops and annual flowers, the soil is not depleted, and the garden looks bright and colorful.
The table below shows examples of plants that grow well side by side and should not be planted together. Some of them deter aphids, others attract pollinators, enrich the soil, deter pests, or improve the taste of a companion vegetable.
For example, basil growing next to a tomato is thought to distract whiteflies and may improve the taste of tomatoes.
In the same way, there are plants that should not be planted side by side. This may be because they compete for space, light, water, nutrients, or attract insects that are harmful to companion vegetables.
Plant Compatibility Chart
| Plant | Tomatoes | ||
| Cucumbers | Beans, corn, radishes, sunflowers, lettuce, peas, onions, carrots, beets, cabbage, peppers, dill, oregano, nasturtium, marigolds | Potatoes, sage, melon, tomatoes | |
| Eggplant | Beans, potatoes, spinach | Tomatoes | |
| Leek | Onions, celery, carrots, garlic, beets, tomatoes, fruit trees, parsley. | Beans, legumes, chard | |
| Peas | Carrots, turnips, radishes, cucumbers, corn | Onions, garlic, gladiolus, potatoes, shit-Luk | |
| Potato | FASICA, cUKURUZA, cUKURUSE, KUKURUSE, KUKURUSE, KUKURUSE, KUKURUSEL , chamomile, thyme, petunia, sage, nasturtium, coriander, tansy | Pumpkin, marrow, cucumber, sunflower, tomato, raspberry, asparagus, nightshade family, sunflower, strawberry. | |
| Pepper | corn, kolrabi, potatoes, cabbage, eggplant, pepper, fenhel, dill |
Flowers in the garden
One of the best companion flowers , , nasitment, , nursing.
Nasturtium helps deter aphids and is often used as a sacrificial plant because aphids and midges attack them, distracting them from the main crop.
The strong smell of marigolds confuses pests.
Bees and hoverflies love calendula.
At the same time, calendula pleases the eye with bright orange flowers from early summer to autumn and is an excellent medicinal plant. It also attracts beneficial insects. Calendula is a member of the Compositae family and its pollen contains a vital protein that allows beneficial insects such as hoverflies and lacewings to lay viable eggs.
Aromatic herbs in the garden
Aromatic herbs help confuse hungry pests and act as a natural insecticide.
Herbs such as thyme, oregano, rosemary, mint and lavender will repel insects with fragrant foliage and attract pollinators.
Medicinal herbs not only heal people, they can also heal plants. For example, chamomile is a natural antifungal agent.
Planting Tips
- Plant strawberries with herbs to hide the berries from birds and pests.
- Try the Three Sisters Method : For example, beans, corn and squash: corn is used as a support for the beans; beans accumulate nitrogen in the roots, enriching the soil; zucchini grow, thereby fighting weeds.
