5 Pairs of Plants to Avoid Grouping Together

Posted on July 13th, 2017

In order to have a flourishing garden, companion planting is something you need to practice. This is the process of planting crops together that will help each other grow. However, not all plants are meant to be planted near each other, some pairings can actually hinder growth — or even lead to both plants’ deaths!

1. Onions & Peas – Any form of onions, shallots, or garlic should be planted on the opposite side of the garden if you’re also growing any type of peas or beans. Unfortunately, any variety in the onion family can stunt the growth of your newly grown peas and beans.
2. Potatoes & Tomatoes – Not only do these crops sound alike, but they also have other similarities. They both have a common enemy in blights (a plant disease caused by a fungi). If one single plant contracts this disease, it can wipe out all of the plants if they’re planted next to each other.
3. Beans & Peppers – Like potatoes and tomatoes, beans and peppers share a common enemy in anthracnose (another plant disease caused by a fungi). Planting them together can increase the chances of you losing all of your crops, compared to only half if they were separated.
4. Black Walnuts & Tomatoes – For those with black walnut trees on their properties, make sure your garden is nowhere near this trouble making plant. This tree emits a chemical called juglone via its roots, which is quite toxic to other deep-rooted plants. Tomatoes can be at serious risk, so consider using planters or raised beds.
5. Broccoli & Lettuce – Broccoli plants are known for leaving behind residue that can hinder the growth of other plants. Growing lettuce next to broccoli or in the spot where broccoli was grown in the past can prevent lettuce from fully maturing.

Companion planting should be practiced by all gardeners, but every plant has that one rival it should steer clear of.

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