Are you wondering what to plant with garlic? You’re not alone! Garlic is a versatile plant that pairs well with many garden herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. However, finding the right companions can enhance your garden even more.
While certain greens prefer not to grow near garlic, your choices will ultimately depend on your gardening preferences and goals. Let’s explore some of the best companions for garlic.
Best Vegetable Companions for Garlic
Garlic has several vegetable allies that benefit from its presence in the garden.
Potatoes
Potatoes and garlic make a dynamic duo. Garlic serves as a natural fungicide for potatoes, protecting them from pests like potato blight and scab. Additionally, the strong aroma of garlic deters pests such as the Japanese beetle that often targets potatoes.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes also enjoy the company of garlic. The pungent scent of garlic helps repel spider mites, a common issue for tomato plants. Just be mindful of spacing—plant tomatoes behind or to the north of garlic to ensure both get enough sunlight and room to grow.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers thrive alongside garlic. Together, they enhance nutrient levels in the soil, promoting stronger cucumber growth. Garlic contributes essential nutrients like calcium, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and manganese.
Cabbage
Garlic acts as a natural repellant for pests that feast on cabbage. These include Japanese beetles, cabbage loopers, and aphids. Interestingly, garlic and cabbage can mature at the same time, making them excellent companions in summer gardens.
Beets
Garlic and beets coexist harmoniously, drawing nutrients from different soil levels. This partnership not only enhances the flavor of beets but also prevents fungal infections and deters pests like gophers and moles.
Herbs That Pair Well with Garlic
Garlic also has several herb friends that thrive in its company.
Dill
Garlic and dill create a match made in heaven. Garlic repels aphids, protecting dill, while dill enhances the flavor of garlic. To avoid disturbing dill’s sensitive root system, plant it between rows of garlic.
Spinach
Spinach is another delightful garlic companion. As a cold-hardy plant, it grows low to the ground and serves as a natural weed controller. Interplanting spinach with garlic allows for maximum benefits. Since spinach has a quicker turnaround, multiple plantings in a season are possible.
Yarrow
Yarrow—known for its medicinal properties—also thrives with garlic. This flowering herb attracts pollinators and complements garlic’s growth. Together, they create a beneficial environment in your garden.
Fruits That Benefit from Garlic
Garlic is not just beneficial for vegetables and herbs; it pairs well with various fruits too.
Strawberries
Strawberries love garlic! Interplant rows of garlic with strawberries to create a natural barrier against spider mites, ensuring your strawberry plants remain healthy and productive.
Blueberries
When garlic is planted near blueberries, it helps deter pests and fungal diseases. Additionally, garlic conditions the soil, offering the unique nutrients blueberries need for optimal growth.
Fruit Trees
Garlic can significantly benefit fruit trees. When planted at the base of apple trees, it protects against apple scab. Similarly, peach trees benefit from garlic’s protective properties against leaf curls. Pear and cherry trees also thrive when garlic is in close proximity.
Flowers That Flourish with Garlic
Garlic partners beautifully with many flowers, providing pest control benefits.
Marigolds
Garlic and marigolds together form the ultimate pest-fighting duo. Garlic’s pungent aroma deters insects like spider mites and snails, while also keeping deer and rabbits away. This duo helps protect the vibrant blooms of marigolds.
Roses
Garlic can be a powerful ally for roses as well. By planting garlic bulbs around rose bushes, you create a natural barrier against spider mites, ants, and snails. Additionally, garlic serves as a deterrent against fungal infections that can harm roses.
Chamomile
Planting chamomile with garlic enhances the flavor of both. This combination creates a culinary experience in your garden. Keep these two companions close to fully enjoy the improved taste they offer.
Where Is the Best Place to Plant Garlic?
Choose a warm, sunny spot with fertile and well-drained soil for planting garlic. Avoid waterlogged conditions, especially in winter, to prevent bulb rot. The right environment ensures healthy and flavorful garlic.
What NOT to Plant with Garlic
While garlic is adaptable, some plants do not thrive when grown near it. Avoid planting these next to garlic:
- Beans
- Sage
- Parsley
- Peas
- Asparagus
- Onions
- Leeks
Though garlic thrives in nitrogen-rich soils, it does not mesh well with legumes like beans and peas, which fix nitrogen in ways that can compete with garlic’s needs.
Ready to Plant Garlic in Your Garden?
