Companion Planting 101
Some plants are best friends. Learn how grouping the right crops together can reduce pests and improve flavor.
June 5, 2026 · The VleraGarden Team
1 min read
Companion planting is the practice of placing crops together so they help each other thrive. Some combinations improve flavor, others deter pests, and some simply make better use of space.
Classic companions
- Tomatoes + Basil — basil repels flies and mosquitoes and may improve tomato flavor.
- Carrots + Onions — onion scent can confuse carrot flies.
- Beans + Corn — beans fix nitrogen in the soil, feeding hungry corn stalks.
- Lettuce + Radishes — radishes act as a trap crop for pests that bother lettuce.
Combinations to avoid
Not every plant plays nicely. Keep these apart:
- Onions and beans
- Fennel and most vegetables
- Potatoes and tomatoes (both are susceptible to blight)
How VleraGarden helps
When you place a plant in your garden grid, VleraGarden highlights companion neighbors in green and combative ones in terracotta. It is a simple visual nudge that helps you design healthier beds.
Experiment, observe, and let your garden teach you what works best in your microclimate.
Put the ideas into practice
Plan your garden, track the work, and learn from every harvest with VleraGarden.