Companion Planting: 9 Top Plants to Grow with Garlic
Do you love the earthy, tangy scent of fresh garlic as much as I do? There’s truly nothing better than the aroma of garlic sauteing in olive oil. But did you know that garlic is not just a flavorful addition to your dishes, but also a beneficial companion plant in the garden?
Believe it or not, the pungent aroma of garlic can repel many insect pests and soil-borne fungi, making it a natural pest repellent in the garden. Plus, it attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, wasps, and lacewings. In this article, we will explore nine companion plants that grow best alongside garlic, as well as a few to avoid planting next to this aromatic herb.
Why Companion Plant?
Companion planting involves strategically planting different crops together to provide mutual benefits. When garlic and its companions are grown together in the same raised bed or row, they can support each other’s growth and offer a range of benefits:
- Pest Repellents: The pungent aroma of garlic repels many insect pests.
- Fungal Repellents: Sulfur in garlic bulbs repels soil-borne fungi.
- Ground Cover Providers: Some low-growing plants act as groundcovers, keeping garlic free from troublesome weeds.
While garlic benefits most plants in the garden, there are a few exceptions. According to companion planting expert Louise Riotte, garlic and other Alliums inhibit the growth of beans, asparagus, parsley, peas, and sage. Now, let’s explore the nine best companion plants for garlic!
9 Companion Plants for Garlic
1. Cabbage
Garlic is known to repel common cabbage pests like cabbage loopers, diamondback moths, and cabbage moths. Consider planting ‘Brunswick’ cabbage alongside garlic for a tasty harvest.
2. Chamomile
Chamomile, with its sweet-smelling flowers, can improve the flavor of garlic. Plant German chamomile next to garlic for a delightful combination.
3. Fruit Trees
Plant garlic at the base of fruit trees to protect against apple scab, leaf curl, and aphids. Try ‘Crimson Rocket’ peach for a sweet companion to your garlic plants.
4. Peppers
Plant peppers alongside garlic to ward off soil-borne fungi like verticillium wilt and Phytophthora blight. ‘Jalapeno’ peppers make a delicious pairing with garlic for homemade salsa.
5. Roses
Despite its name, garlic can repel pests like spider mites and blackspot fungi from roses. Plant cloves in a circle around your rose bushes for pest protection.
6. Rue
Use rue to deter onion flies from infesting garlic plants. This herb is known for repelling flies and maggots, making it an excellent companion for garlic.
7. Spinach
Interplant spinach with garlic to provide ground cover and prevent weed growth. Consider ‘Double Take Hybrid’ spinach for a protective barrier around your garlic plants.
8. Strawberries
While there is some debate about garlic inhibiting strawberry growth, it’s effective against spider mites. Consider planting two rows of garlic between strawberry rows for pest control.
9. Tomatoes
Garlic can help keep spider mites away from tomato plants. Plant ‘Fresh Salsa Hybrid’ tomatoes alongside garlic for a flavorful salsa harvest.
Where There’s Garlic, There’ll Be Joy
Companion planting with garlic can enhance the health and productivity of your garden. By strategically choosing companion plants that offer mutual benefits, you can create a thriving ecosystem in your backyard. Have you experimented with companion planting with garlic? Share your experiences and success stories in the comments below!
To learn more about growing garlic and companion planting, check out these informative guides:
– The Three Ways to Propagate Garlic
– How to Plant and Grow Garlic in Your Veggie Patch
– How to Identify and Control Garlic Pests
– How to Cure and Store Garlic from the Garden
Experiment with these companion plants and watch your garlic thrive alongside its garden companions. Happy gardening!
