Companion planting isn’t just folklore — it’s smart gardening. By pairing the right plants together, you can improve yields, reduce pests naturally, and grow tastier crops. From basil and tomatoes to French marigolds and beans, the right combination makes a big difference.
Circle Farms’ curated seed collections make it easy to plan your garden with proven plant partnerships. Browse our companion packs and build a thriving garden — naturally.
Gardeners across Canada are rediscovering an age-old strategy that’s as effective today as it was generations ago: companion planting. This practice involves placing certain plant species close together so they can benefit one another — whether by repelling pests, improving flavor, or boosting growth.
Whether you’re working with raised beds, small containers, or full garden plots, companion planting is one of the simplest ways to make your garden more resilient. It reduces your need for chemicals, supports pollinators, and maximizes limited space.
What is the best companion plant for tomatoes?
Basil is a classic partner for tomatoes — and not just because they taste great together on a plate. When grown side by side, basil can help repel tomato hornworms and aphids, while also enhancing the flavor of ripe tomatoes. French marigolds are another great companion, as their scent naturally deters nematodes and whiteflies that often damage tomato crops.
Circle Farms offers both basil and French marigold seed varieties ideal for Canadian gardens. Pair them with determinate tomato varieties for container-friendly options or grow indeterminate types for larger outdoor beds.
Beyond pest control, these companion plants also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that help keep pest populations in check. Planting herbs like thyme or oregano nearby can further support your tomato patch by creating a natural aromatic barrier — and their tiny blossoms are great for attracting beneficial predator insects like parasitic wasps.
Can companion planting really reduce pests?
Yes — many gardeners see fewer pest issues simply by planning plant combinations wisely. For example, planting onions or garlic near carrots can confuse the carrot fly, while nasturtiums act as a sacrificial plant to lure aphids away from more valuable crops like cucumbers and squash.
Legumes like beans and peas help fix nitrogen in the soil, making them a great neighbor for nitrogen-hungry crops like corn. Meanwhile, tall plants like sunflowers and Swiss chard can provide shade and wind protection for more delicate companions like lettuce.
These natural synergies mean you can often skip synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It’s a win for your harvest — and for the environment.
How do I lay out a companion garden?
Start by grouping plants based on their compatibility and spacing needs. Use a simple three-part rotation: tall plants in the back (sunflowers, corn), mid-height crops in the middle (peppers, tomatoes), and low-growing companions at the front (basil, lettuce). Make sure to leave space for airflow and sunlight.
Common Companion Planting Combinations
Primary Crop |
Best Companion Plants |
Benefits |
| Tomatoes | Basil, French Marigolds, Thyme, Oregano | Repels pests, improves flavor, attracts beneficial insects |
| Carrots | Onions, Leeks, Garlic | Confuses carrot flies with strong scents |
| Cucumbers | Nasturtiums, Radishes, Beans | Nasturtiums lure aphids, beans improve nitrogen in soil |
| Lettuce | Sunflowers, Swiss Chard, Carrots | Benefits from shade and wind protection from taller companions |
| Corn | Beans, Squash | Beans fix nitrogen, squash shades out weeds |
| Peppers | Basil, Onions, Marjoram | Enhances flavor, discourages pests |
It’s also smart to consider timing. Some crops grow quickly (radishes, spinach), while others take longer to mature. Stagger your planting schedule so faster crops can be harvested early, freeing up space for long-season growers.
Raised beds work especially well for companion planting because you can divide them into zones and rotate plant pairings each year to avoid soil fatigue. Keep a journal or map each season to track what combinations performed best.
Why companion planting matters now more than ever
In a world where gardeners are becoming increasingly aware of their impact on local ecosystems, companion planting offers a practical, low-impact way to grow more with less. It supports biodiversity, reduces dependency on synthetic products, and encourages a more intuitive relationship between people and plants.
Tips for Laying Out a Companion Garden
Garden Zone |
Plant Type |
Purpose |
||
| Back of Bed | Sunflowers, Corn, Swiss Chard | Acts as windbreak, provides shade | ||
| Middle Layer | Tomatoes, Peppers, Beans | Core crops benefit from light and airflow | ||
| Front of Bed | Basil, Lettuce, Thyme, Oregano | Compact plants; easy to access; aromatic pest barrier | ||
| Edge or Border | French Marigolds, Nasturtiums |
|
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| Between Rows | Radishes, Spinach, Green Onions | Quick-maturing crops that can be harvested early to free up space |
For Canadian climates — where growing seasons are shorter and pests can be persistent — companion planting is especially valuable. At Circle Farms, our non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds are selected not only for performance but also for their ability to support ecological balance.
As you plan your next garden, think beyond individual crops. Think in communities. Just like people, plants thrive when they have the right neighbors.