Top 10 Companion Plants For Peppers

Gregory Stewart

Updated on May 17, 2023

Top 10 Companion Plants For Peppers

Are you looking to improve the growth and yield of your pepper plants? Companion planting may be the answer! By planting compatible plants together, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits your peppers and the environment. In this article, we will explore the top 10 companion plants for peppers that can deter pests, improve soil health, and attract beneficial insects.

Some of the best companion plants for peppers include herbs like basil and chives, which can repel aphids and improve the flavor of your peppers. Vegetables like tomato plants and cucumbers can also be great companions for peppers, as they have similar growing conditions and can help to shade and support the pepper plants. Even flowers like nasturtiums and sunflowers can provide benefits, attracting pollinators and deterring pests. By incorporating these companion plants into your pepper garden, you can create a diverse and thriving ecosystem that will benefit all of your plants.

BEST pepper companions

Let’s discuss the top companions for your pepper plants! First up, the Allium family. Planting onions, garlic, or chives alongside your peppers can deter aphids and other insects. The Ultimate Guide to Companion Plants for Peppers: 15 Choices That Really Work Pepper’s Posse: Exploring the Best Companion Plants for Your Pepper Garden What to Plant (and Avoid) with Your Peppers: A Comprehensive Guide to Companion Plants Pepper Palooza: Discover the Top Companion Plants for Maximum Growth and Flavor Growing Together: How to Choose the Best Companion Plants for Your Pepper Garden  Discover the best companion plants for peppers and boost your garden’s yield with science-backed plant partners.  Keep pests at bay and enjoy a bountiful harvest with these good companion plants for peppers. Alliums, root crops, and herbs await! Need to improve your pepper plant health and yield? Find out how choosing the right pepper plant companions can make all the difference. Make the most of your garden space by choosing the best companion plants for peppers. We’ll show you which peppers thrive with certain plant partners! Get the most out of your pepper plants with pepper companion plants! Learn about which plants work best to deter pests and promote plant growth.  Next, consider planting some Nasturtiums. These flowers can deter aphids and attract beneficial insects to your garden. Lastly, don’t forget about Oregano, Basil, Dill, and Marigolds. These herbs can have a positive effect on your peppers, repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects.

Allium family

“Let’s talk about the Allium family, which includes garlic, onions, scallions, chives, and leeks. These plants are great companions for peppers because they deter pests like aphids and other insects. Garlic has antiseptic properties and natural insect and fungal deterrence, making it a great companion for most common garden plants, including peppers.”

garlic

You can enhance the health of your pepper plants by using garlic as a companion plant for peppers in your garden. Garlic is known for its antiseptic properties and natural insect and fungal deterrence, making it a great addition to your pepper plant bed. By planting garlic near your pepper plants, you can avoid common problems like aphids and other pests that may infest your pepper plants. However, there are some plants to avoid planting near your pepper plants, such as fennel and brassicas. Moving on to the next good companion plant for peppers, onions also have the ability to ward off certain types of flies and decrease the likelihood of gray mold and downy mildew.

onions

Onions are a great addition to your pepper plant bed as they can help ward off certain types of flies and decrease the likelihood of gray mold and downy mildew, making them a valuable companion plant for healthier pepper plants. Onions are part of the Allium family, which also includes garlic, chives, and leeks. These plants are known for their natural insect repellent properties, making them some of the best companion plants for peppers. When grown together, onions and peppers complement each other well, with onions providing natural pest control and adding flavor to dishes. Other plants to grow as companions for peppers include scallions, garlic, basil, beans, peas, squash, and more. By choosing the right companions for peppers, you can improve soil health, maximize garden space, and increase your harvest.

scallions

To enhance the growth and flavor of your pepper plants, consider planting scallions as a companion, as they have been shown to deter green peach aphids and add a delicious oniony taste to your meals. Scallions, also known as green onions, are a member of the Allium family and are a great addition to your pepper companion planting. They are easy to grow and do not take up much space in the garden, making them a good pepper companion. Planting scallions near your bell pepper plants can help repel pests and improve the overall health of your garden. In addition to their pest-repelling properties, scallions also add a tasty kick to your favorite pepper dishes. So, plant scallions near your peppers for a good pepper companion and a delicious addition to your meals. Next up, let’s talk about chives.

chives

If you’re looking for an herb that not only enhances the flavor of your peppers but also wards off certain pests, chives might be the perfect companion for your pepper plants. Chives are part of the Allium family, which includes onions and garlic, and are known to repel aphids and other pepper pests. They also make great companion plants for peppers because they don’t take up much space in the garden and can add a pop of color with their purple flowers. Additionally, chives can improve the flavor of peppers and other vegetables they are planted with. However, it’s important to note that chives should not be planted near beans or peas as they can inhibit their growth. Other bell pepper companion plants include parsley, marjoram, dill, and basil, while plants to avoid planting near peppers include fennel, brassicas like cabbage, and kohlrabi. Leeks are also a great pepper companion plant, as they add a mild onion flavor and can help deter pests.

leeks

Leeks are a great choice for companion planting with peppers because they not only add a mild onion flavor but can also help deter pests. As bell pepper companion plants, leeks can help repel pests like aphids and carrot flies while providing the necessary nutrients for the pepper crop. Plants that like similar soil conditions, such as well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8, make good companion plants for peppers, and leeks fit this requirement. However, plants to avoid planting near peppers include fennel and brassicas like cabbage, as they can attract pests and compete for nutrients. When choosing companion plants for pepper plants, it’s important to consider their growth habits and the benefits they can bring, such as improved soil health and pest control. Nasturtiums are another great choice for companion plants for peppers, as they can deter aphids from attacking the pepper plants.

Nasturtiums

You’ll be glad to know that nasturtiums are an excellent addition to your pepper garden, as they deter aphids and add a pop of color to your landscape. These beautiful flowers come in a range of colors, from bright yellows to deep oranges and reds, and are easy to grow from seed. They also attract beneficial insects that feed on pepper pests, making them a great addition to any bell pepper companion plants list.

When planning your garden, it’s important to consider plants that like and make good companion plants for peppers, as well as plants to avoid planting near peppers. Nasturtiums are one of the plants that make great companion plants for peppers, but you should avoid planting them near brassicas like cabbage and broccoli. Instead, try planting them near other herbs like oregano, which we’ll discuss next.

Oregano

Oregano is a tasty and beneficial herb that can be a great addition to your pepper garden. It is one of the best bell pepper companion plants as it can help deter pests like aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Oregano also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies that can help with pollination. Additionally, oregano can enhance the flavor of your peppers when used in cooking.

When planting oregano with peppers, it’s important to consider the plants that like and make good companion plants. Oregano is compatible with plants like tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers. However, it’s best to avoid planting near brassicas like broccoli or cauliflower, as they can attract pests like cabbage worms that may harm both the oregano and peppers. Next up, let’s talk about another great companion plant for peppers, basil.

Basil

If you want to improve the health and yield of your pepper plants while deterring pests like thrips and mosquitoes, you should definitely consider planting basil as a companion. Basil is one of the best bell pepper companion plants as it not only has a strong aroma that masks the scent of peppers from pests but also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies for pollination. Additionally, basil is known to improve the flavor of peppers and other vegetables when grown nearby.

When considering plants that like and make good companion plants for peppers, basil is an excellent option. It’s easy to grow, requires minimal maintenance, and can be used as a culinary herb in addition to its benefits as a companion plant. However, it’s important to note that there are some plants to avoid planting near basil, such as rue and sage, as they can inhibit its growth. With the right companion plants, your organic garden can thrive, and you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of healthy and flavorful peppers. Next up, let’s talk about another great option for pepper companion planting: dill.

Dill

Moving on from basil, let’s talk about another herb that makes a great bell pepper companion plant – dill! Not only does dill attract beneficial insects like wasps and ladybugs, but it also repels pests like aphids and spider mites. Planting dill alongside peppers in your garden bed can help keep your plants healthy and pest-free. Plus, dill is a fast-growing herb that can be harvested throughout the growing season, making it a great addition to any garden.

When considering which plants to avoid planting near your bell peppers, keep in mind that dill does not play well with fennel. These two plants are in the same family and can cross-pollinate, resulting in undesirable hybrids. However, when planted alongside other peppers or hot cherry peppers, dill can provide a beneficial environment for both plants. So if you’re looking for a flavorful herb that can help improve the health of your pepper plants, consider planting dill!

Marigolds

Marigolds add a pop of vibrant color to your garden while also attracting beneficial insects and repelling harmful ones from your bell pepper plants. These companion plants are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them a great addition to any pepper garden. Here are five reasons why marigolds make great companion plants for your peppers:

• Marigolds produce a strong scent that repels harmful insects, like nematodes and whiteflies, from your garden.
• These flowers attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on pests that may infest your pepper plants.
• Marigolds are known to improve soil health by suppressing certain soil-borne pathogens and increasing the availability of nutrients for nearby plants.
• These plants require full sun, just like peppers, which means they can be planted in close proximity and won’t compete for sunlight.
• Marigolds are versatile and can be planted in containers or directly in the ground, making them an easy option for any garden setup.

Good pepper companion plants can help improve the health and yield of your pepper plants. Besides marigolds, there are several other plants that like to grow nearby peppers. For example, planting tomatoes with your peppers can help deter pests and make efficient use of garden space. Additionally, beans and peas provide nitrogen to the soil, which can promote growth in your pepper plants. Lettuce and other leafy greens can also be interplanted among peppers to slow down bolting and prolong harvest. By choosing the right combination of companion plants, you can create a thriving garden ecosystem that benefits all of your nearby plants.

Good comanion plants for peppers

When growing peppers, it’s important to choose the right companions to ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Good companion plants for peppers include herbs like basil and chives, which can help deter pests and improve soil health. Vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans are also great options to consider, as they provide nutrients and promote growth in the pepper crop.

To help you choose the right companion plants for your pepper garden, we’ve put together a table of some of the best options to consider. Remember, choosing the right companions can help maximize your garden space, avoid the use of toxic pesticides, and increase your harvest in an organic garden. So take a look at the table below and start planning your perfect pepper garden today!

What are bad companions for peppers?

You might be surprised to learn that some plants can actually harm your pepper crop, so it’s important to know which ones to avoid planting alongside your peppers. One of the biggest offenders is tomatoes, which are also part of the nightshade family. Planting peppers and tomatoes next to each other can increase the risk of fungal diseases and pests, as they both attract similar insects and pathogens. It’s best to keep these two plants separate in your vegetable garden.

Another plant to avoid planting with peppers is fennel, as it can attract certain insects and pests that can harm your pepper plants. Brassicas like cabbage also prefer a different soil than peppers, and planting them together can lead to nutrient imbalances. It’s important to do your research on companion plants before planting in order to avoid any negative effects on your peppers.

Beneficial Insect Attractors

Attracting beneficial insects to your garden can be as simple as adding certain plants that provide nectar and pollen, like sunflowers and alyssum, which can help control pests and increase pollination rates for your pepper plants. These plants are excellent companion plants for peppers and can help create a thriving ecosystem in your garden.

Check out this table for some other great options for attracting beneficial insects to your pepper plants:

By planting peppers with these companion plants, you can create a diverse and thriving garden that benefits all plants involved. Plus, by attracting beneficial insects, you can avoid the use of harmful pesticides and maintain a healthy garden ecosystem. Up next, we’ll discuss the use of trap crops as another method for pest control in your pepper garden.

Trap Crops

Trap crops are a great way for you to outsmart those pesky pests and protect your precious pepper plants from damage! By planting specific crops nearby, you can lure pests away from your peppers and onto the trap crops instead. This not only helps protect your peppers, but it also provides a food source for the pests, keeping them away from neighboring plants as well. Planting trap crops is another effective method of companion planting for peppers.

Here are some trap crops you can consider planting alongside your peppers to deter pests:

• Pak choi: lures flea beetles away from peppers
• Radish: attracts flea beetles and aphids away from pepper plants
• Mustard: can be used as a trap crop for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies
• Nasturtiums: lure aphids away from pepper plants
• Borage: can be used as a trap crop for tomato hornworms and other pests.

By planting these trap crops alongside your peppers, you can reduce the damage caused by pests and fungal diseases. This is a natural and effective way to protect your plants without the use of harmful pesticides. In the next section, we will discuss some weed limiters that you can plant alongside your peppers to keep your garden bed tidy and healthy.

Weed Limiters

Don’t let weeds take over your garden and steal the nutrients and space your pepper plants need to thrive – plant some weed limiters alongside them and keep your garden bed healthy and tidy. White clover and subterranean clover are great options for limiting weed growth between pepper rows. They grow well with peppers and won’t compete for nutrients, making them the right companion plants for your pepper patch.

However, be cautious of some plants that can hinder the growth of nearby peppers. For instance, plants like mint and fennel can spread quickly and take over the garden bed, so it’s best to avoid planting them near your peppers. Instead, try planting cowpeas nearby. They not only reduce weeds but also provide nitrogen to the soil, which peppers need to grow. By choosing the right companion plants and weed limiters, you can ensure a healthy, bountiful pepper harvest.

Transition into the subsequent section: Now that you’ve got your weed limiters in place, it’s time to get creative with some experimental combinations to see what works best for your pepper plants.

Experimental Combinations

Now it’s time for you to get creative with some experimental combos to see what works best for your pepper patch. Don’t be afraid to try out different partnerships and see which ones yield the best results for your plants! For example, while it is commonly known that tomatoes and peppers are not good companions, you may find that planting certain varieties of tomatoes near your pepper plants actually benefits both crops.

Consider planting companion crops around your pepper plants, such as beans, peas, or corn. These plants can help fix nitrogen in the soil, which peppers need for healthy growth. You can also try interplanting your peppers with herbs like cilantro or dill, which attract beneficial insects that can help control pests. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and come up with your own experimental combinations – you never know what might work best for your specific garden environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I properly space my companion plants around my pepper plants?

Proper spacing of companion plants around your pepper plants is key to ensuring a successful and healthy garden. When planting, make sure to leave enough space between each plant so that they can grow and thrive without competing with one another. Be mindful of each plant’s individual needs and growth habits, and choose companion plants accordingly. Additionally, consider the height and spread of each plant when determining placement. By spacing your companion plants properly, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits your pepper plants and maximizes your harvest.

Can companion planting alone completely eliminate the need for pesticides in my pepper garden?

If you’re looking to eliminate the need for pesticides in your pepper garden, companion planting alone may not be enough. While it can certainly help deter pests and improve plant health, there may still be instances where pesticides are necessary to protect your pepper plants. However, incorporating companion plants like onions, basil, and flowering herbs in the carrot family can certainly help reduce the need for pesticides. It’s important to remember that companion planting is just one aspect of a comprehensive pest management plan, which may also include crop rotation, proper watering and fertilization, and regular monitoring for pests.

Are there any companion plants that can be harmful to pepper plants?

When considering companion plants for your pepper garden, it’s important to be aware of potential harm that some plants may cause. One common example is planting fennel near your pepper plants, as it can attract insects and pests that can cause damage. It’s also best to avoid planting brassicas like cabbage near your peppers, as they prefer different soil conditions. However, there are plenty of great companion plants for peppers that can provide benefits like deterring pests and improving soil health, such as alliums, basil, and beans. By carefully selecting your companion plants, you can help your pepper plants thrive without the need for harmful pesticides.

How can I attract pollinators to my pepper garden using companion planting?

Attracting pollinators to your pepper garden can be achieved through companion planting. Consider planting large or hooded flowers to attract bumble bees for better pepper pollination. Additionally, sunflowers can provide nectar and pollen to beneficial insects, while common yarrow can attract ladybugs and other beneficial insects to feast on aphids and pollinate pepper flowers. Alyssum is another great option as it attracts predatory wasps and the Minute Pirate Bug, which feast on aphids and other pests that may infest pepper plants. By incorporating these companion plants into your garden, you can help ensure a successful pepper harvest.

Can I mix and match different companion plant strategies, like using both trap crops and beneficial insect attractors in my pepper garden?

Mixing and matching different companion plant strategies, like using both trap crops and beneficial insect attractors, can be a great way to enhance your pepper garden’s health and productivity. By incorporating onions, scallions, and garlic to deter green peach aphids, basil to mask pepper plants from thrips, and flowering herbs in the carrot family to attract beneficial pest-eating insects, you can improve the overall health and yield of your peppers. Additionally, planting sunflowers for beneficial insect nectar and pollen, and sweet alyssum to enhance biological control, can help limit pest damage. Using trap crops like pak choi or radish to lure pests away from pepper plants and interplanting peppers with pak choi or radish to minimize flea beetle damage can also be effective. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different companion planting combinations and keep a garden journal to record your successes and failures.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the top 10 companion plants for peppers. By planting these compatible plants together, you can improve growth and yields while also creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits both your plants and the environment. Whether you choose to plant herbs like basil and chives, vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, or flowers like nasturtiums and sunflowers, the results will speak for themselves.

Remember to also consider beneficial insect attractors, trap crops, weed limiters, and experimental combinations to further enhance your pepper garden. By using companion planting techniques, you can create a diverse and healthy garden that not only looks beautiful, but also produces delicious and nutritious peppers. Happy planting!