How to choose the best garlic companion plants?
If you're an avid gardener, then you know the importance of companion planting. Choosing the right plants to grow alongside your garlic can not only help improve the growth and yield of your garlic crop, but also create a visually appealing garden bed. But with so many different plant options out there, how do you know which ones to choose?
In this blog post, we'll provide you with some smart tips on how to choose the best garlic companion plants for your garden. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, these tips will help you make informed decisions and create a thriving garden bed.
Firstly, we'll discuss the importance of choosing plants that repel pests and don't compete for nutrients with garlic. Garlic is already a pest-resistant plant, but adding companion plants like chives, marigolds, and mint can help enhance its natural pest-repelling abilities. Additionally, choosing plants that don't compete for nutrients with garlic, such as legumes and leafy greens, can help ensure that your garlic crop is getting the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy.
Secondly, we'll talk about the benefits of selecting plants that attract pollinators. While garlic is self-pollinating, adding companion plants like flowers and herbs that attract pollinators can help increase the yield of your garlic crop. We'll provide you with some examples of pollinator-attracting plants that work well with garlic.
Next, we'll discuss the importance of choosing plants with complementary growth habits. Plants that have complementary growth habits can help maximize the use of space in your garden bed and promote healthy growth. We'll provide some examples of taller and shorter plants that work well with garlic.
Finally, we'll touch on the visual appeal of choosing the right garlic companion plants. By selecting plants that have contrasting colors and textures, you can create a visually appealing garden bed that not only looks great but also promotes healthy growth.
By following these smart tips on how to choose the best garlic companion plants, you'll be on your way to creating a thriving garden bed that not only looks great but also produces healthy and delicious garlic crops. So let's get started!
10 Tips To Help You Choose the Best Garlic Companion Plants
When it comes to choosing the best garlic companion plants, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you choose the best companion plants for your garlic:
1. Choose plants that repel pests
Garlic is naturally pest-resistant, but adding companion plants that repel pests can help keep your garlic even more protected. Some plants that are known to repel pests include marigolds, chives, and mint.
2. Select plants that don't compete for nutrients
Garlic is a heavy feeder, so it's important to choose companion plants that won't compete for nutrients in the soil. Some good options include leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, as well as legumes like beans and peas, which can actually help fix nitrogen in the soil.
3. Consider plants that attract pollinators
While garlic is self-pollinating, it can still benefit from having pollinators like bees around. Choosing companion plants that attract pollinators can help increase the yield of your garlic. Some good options include flowers like lavender and sunflowers, as well as herbs like thyme and oregano.
4. Look for plants with complementary growth habits
Choosing plants that have complementary growth habits can help maximize the use of space in your garden bed. For example, planting tall plants like tomatoes or peppers alongside garlic can help provide shade and support for the garlic, while shorter plants like carrots or radishes can be planted in between the garlic rows.
5. Think about visual appeal
Finally, don't forget to choose companion plants that look good alongside garlic! Some plants that have a visually appealing contrast with garlic include ornamental grasses, brightly colored flowers, and herbs like rosemary or sage.
6. Choose plants that have similar soil and water needs
Garlic prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Choosing companion plants that have similar soil and water needs can help simplify your garden care routine and ensure that all plants in the bed receive the same level of care.
7. Consider planting herbs that are natural fungicides
Garlic is susceptible to fungal diseases like white rot and downy mildew. Planting herbs like basil, parsley, and chamomile alongside garlic can help naturally control and prevent these diseases.
8. Select plants that have a different harvesting time
Garlic typically takes 6-8 months to mature, so choosing companion plants that have a different harvesting time can help you make the most of your garden space. For example, you could plant garlic alongside spring onions, which mature in just 2-3 months, or plant garlic alongside winter squash, which can take up to 4-5 months to mature.
9. Choose plants that can help repel specific pests
Depending on your area, you may have specific pests that are known to target garlic. For example, if you have problems with onion maggots, you could plant garlic alongside plants like leeks or shallots, which are less attractive to these pests.
10. Experiment with different companion plant combinations
There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing garlic companion plants. It's important to experiment with different plant combinations and see what works best for your specific garden bed and growing conditions. Try out different combinations each growing season to see what produces the best results.
By keeping these additional tips in mind, you'll be able to choose the best garlic companion plants for your garden and help promote healthy growth and yield for your garlic crop. Happy gardening!
12 Best Garlic Companion Plants Recommended By Experts
Here are some of the best companion plants for garlic
Chives
Chives are a great companion plant for garlic as they are known to repel pests like aphids and Japanese beetles. They also have similar soil and water needs to garlic, making them easy to grow alongside.
Marigolds
Marigolds are a popular companion plant for garlic as they contain compounds that repel pests like nematodes and whiteflies. They also add a pop of color to your garden bed and can attract beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.
Mint
Mint is another great companion plant for garlic as it repels pests like ants and aphids. However, it's important to keep mint contained as it can become invasive if left unchecked.
Spinach
Spinach is a good companion plant for garlic as it has a shallow root system and doesn't compete for nutrients with garlic. It can also help shade garlic bulbs from the hot sun and prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.
Beans
Legumes like beans are great companion plants for garlic as they help fix nitrogen in the soil, which is an essential nutrient for garlic growth. They also have a different harvesting time than garlic, making them a good choice for maximizing space in your garden bed.
Lettuce
Lettuce is another good companion plant for garlic as it has shallow roots and can help prevent weeds from growing around garlic bulbs. It also has a different harvesting time than garlic, making it a good choice for maximizing space.
Tomatoes
While not a traditional companion plant for garlic, tomatoes can be grown alongside garlic if you have enough space. They have a different harvesting time than garlic and can help shade garlic bulbs from the hot sun. However, it's important to keep in mind that tomatoes prefer a slightly more acidic soil than garlic, so it's important to adjust your soil pH accordingly.
Peas
Like beans, peas are legumes that can help fix nitrogen in the soil, making them a great companion plant for garlic. They also have a different harvesting time than garlic, making them a good choice for maximizing space.
Celery
Celery is a good companion plant for garlic as it repels pests like whiteflies and spider mites. It also has a different harvesting time than garlic, making it a good choice for maximizing space.
Carrots
Carrots are a good companion plant for garlic as they have a shallow root system and don't compete for nutrients with garlic. They also have a different harvesting time than garlic, making them a good choice for maximizing space.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a good companion plant for garlic as it repels pests like aphids and cabbage worms. It also has a different harvesting time than garlic, making it a good choice for maximizing space.
Radishes
Radishes are a good companion plant for garlic as they have a shallow root system and can help break up soil compaction around garlic bulbs. They also have a different harvesting time than garlic, making them a good choice for maximizing space.
Remember, choosing the right companion plants for your garlic depends on your specific growing conditions, climate, and the pests and diseases that are prevalent in your area. Experiment with different plant combinations and observe the results to find the best companion plants for your garden bed. Happy gardening!
7 Vegetables or Plants Should Not be Planted With Garlic
While there are many
vegetables that can make great companion plants for garlic, there are also some vegetables that should not be planted with garlic. Here are a few examples:
Brassicas
Vegetables in the brassica family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, should not be planted with garlic. This is because they both have similar nutrient needs and can compete for resources like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Additionally, garlic can attract pests like onion maggots that can damage brassica crops.
Alliums
While garlic is technically an allium, it's best not to plant it with other alliums like onions, leeks, and shallots. This is because they all have similar pest and disease problems, and planting them together can increase the risk of these issues.
Legumes
While legumes like beans and peas can make great companion plants for garlic, other legumes like fava beans should be avoided. This is because fava beans can attract pests like aphids that can damage garlic bulbs.
Nightshades
Vegetables in the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, should generally not be planted with garlic. This is because they have different nutrient needs and can compete for resources. Additionally, some pests like spider mites can affect both garlic and nightshade crops.
Potatoes
While garlic and potatoes are both members of the nightshade family, they should not be planted together. This is because they both attract the same pests and diseases, and planting them together can increase the risk of issues like blight.
Asparagus
Asparagus and garlic should not be planted together as they have similar nutrient needs and can compete for resources like phosphorus and potassium.
Corn
Corn and garlic should not be planted together as they have different nutrient needs and can compete for resources like nitrogen. Additionally, corn can attract pests like corn earworms that can damage garlic.
By avoiding these vegetables when planting your garlic, you can help ensure that your
garden bed is healthy and productive. However, keep in mind that there may be other vegetables that don't work well with garlic depending on your specific growing conditions and climate. As always, it's important to experiment with different plant combinations and observe the results to find the best combination for your garden.
Conclusion
Choosing the right companion plants for your garlic can make all the difference when it comes to a healthy and productive garden bed. By selecting plants that complement garlic's growth habits and help deter pests and diseases, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits all of your crops.
Some of the best companion plants for garlic include herbs like chamomile, thyme, and sage, as well as vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and carrots. These plants can help repel pests like aphids and carrot rust flies while also improving soil health and providing nutrients.
On the other hand, there are also vegetables that should not be planted with garlic, including brassicas, alliums, legumes, nightshades, potatoes, asparagus, and corn. These plants can compete for resources, attract similar pests and diseases, and ultimately reduce the health and productivity of your garlic crop.
As always, it's important to observe your specific growing conditions and experiment with different plant combinations to find the best results for your garden. With these smart tips on how to choose the best garlic companion plants, you'll be on your way to a thriving and bountiful garden in no time.
