Companion Planting 101

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.