The 15 Best Beet Companion Plants For Your Garden (And 3 To Avoid)

Do you enjoy eating beets and are looking for ways to incorporate them into your garden? Selecting your beet seeds is just the first step.

To make sure your garden thrives this season you also need to look into what to plant WITH your beets.

In this article, I’m going to share the best beet companion plants that will maximize your yield and enhance the overall health of your vegetables.

Key Takeaways

  • Companion planting with beets can significantly enhance their growth, yield, and overall health.
  • Suitable companion plants for beets include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bush beans, cabbage, catnip, cauliflower, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, marigolds, onions, radishes,
  • These companion plants provide benefits such as improved soil nutrition, and pest control.

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The Concept of Companion Planting

beet companion plants

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves growing different plants together to improve overall plant health and maximize yields.

Let’s take a look at some benefits of pairing beets and other plants together.

Benefits for Beets

Companion planting provides a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance the growth, yield, and health of your beets.

By pairing these vibrant root vegetables with suitable companions like lettuce, bush beans, or radishes, you optimize the use of garden space as these plants have different maturation rates – leading to an efficient vegetable patch.

Your beet plants stand to gain from improved soil nutrition since bush beans are known for their nitrogen-fixing properties which enrich soil quality.

Quick-growing radishes help loosen compacted soils aiding beetroot expansion and overall development.

Some companion plants like onions, chives, or garlic chase away pests while others such as nasturtiums draw beneficial insects creating a balanced ecosystem in your garden plot.

Lastly, certain aromatic herbs offer dual advantages – not only do they deter pests but also often result in enhancing the flavor profile of your beet harvest.

Characteristics of Beets

Plant Family
Amaranthaceae
Watering Conditions
Well-draining soil, keep consistently moist
Mature Size
Typically 1-2 feet tall
Soil Requirements
Loose, well-draining soil with good fertility; pH 6.0-7.5
Sunlight Needs
Full sun to partial shade
Temperature Tolerance
Cool-weather crop, sensitive to heat; thrives in USDA zones 2-10
Growth Habit
Biennial (often grown as an annual)
Flowering Period
Second year of growth, if allowed to overwinter
Flower Color
Greenish-white to pinkish-red
Foliage Characteristics
Large, dark green, edible leaves
Propagation Methods
Seeds (direct sowing)
Pruning and Maintenance
Regularly thin seedlings; remove damaged or overgrown leaves
Common Pests and Diseases
Aphids, leaf miners, slugs; powdery mildew, downy mildew
Companion Planting
Onions, garlic, lettuce, spinach, chard, and other cool-season crops
Edible Parts
Edible taproot and leaves
Wildlife Attraction
Beets can attract pollinators when flowering
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Special Care Instructions
Keep soil consistently moist for best root development; protect from extreme heat in summer

Top 15 Best Beet Companion Plants

companion plants for beets

Choosing plants that pair well with your beets leaves the guesswork at home. Planning your garden is much easier when you know what plants are the right companions for your beets.

From broccoli to spinach, to many more, these plants will have been hand-picked to help with disease prevention and nutrient sharing.

1. Broccoli

Broccoli stands out as an ideal companion plant for your beet garden. As cool-weather crops, both thrive when planted in early spring or fall, relishing similar growing conditions of loamy soil and adequate moisture.

The duo can enhance your space efficiency while increasing the yield of leaf and root crops.

Since broccoli pairs well with beets, their combined propagation offers a dual advantage—not only are freshly harvested vegetables at your fingertips but also these companions act as natural pest deterrents.

Intertwine them with aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary to keep harmful insects at bay further.

Additionally, interplanting this bunch with allium family members such as Imai Early Yellow onion or garlic can boost the palatability of your vegetable patch significantly.

Let’s not forget to steer clear of Swiss chard and pole beans while planning your beet-broccoli assembly; they tend to disrupt this productive camaraderie by attracting similar pests and releasing surplus nitrogen respectively.

2. Brussels Sprouts

For our garden, Brussels sprouts were challenging to grow but produced amazing results in the end.

Both of these nutrient-rich veggies thrive in cool weather conditions and well-drained soil, making them highly compatible.

They sync up neatly for harvest times too, maximizing the yield from your garden space. The recommended Brussels sprouts varieties to plant alongside beets include ‘Catskill’ and ‘Long Island Improved’.

These companions not only complement each other in growth but also help create an ecological balance by deterring pests that might harm their growth.

Don’t overlook this powerful duo when planning your next vegetable patch!

3. Bush Beans

Bush beans are excellent companion plants for beets in the garden. Not only do they take up space above ground, allowing enough room for the beetroots to grow below the soil surface, but they also have the added benefit of fixing nitrogen in the soil.

As a result, bush beans act as a natural supply of nitrogen for both themselves and nearby plants like beets.

This is because bush beans release nitrogen into the soil as they grow.

It’s a win-win situation – the beans thrive while benefiting their neighboring beets with improved overall health.

4. Cabbage

Cabbage is an amazing companion plant for your beets. Not only do they get along well together, but cabbage can actually enhance the flavor of your beets.

The close proximity of these two vegetables allows them to benefit from each other’s growth, resulting in healthier and more flavorful produce.

Plus, cabbage provides some shade to the soil around your beets, helping to retain moisture and prevent weed growth. It’s a win-win situation for both crops!

So when planning your vegetable patch, consider pairing up beets with some delicious cabbage for a thriving garden full of tasty treats.

5. Catnip

Although catnip might not be the first plant that springs to mind, it can have some positive impacts on your garden.

Ladybugs and lacewings, two helpful insects that catnip attracts, can naturally help reduce pests in your garden.

Catnip also deters pests like aphids and flea beetles, which has been seen to promote the growth of adjacent plants.

In order to attract these beneficial insect companions, plant some catnip beside your nutritious beets if you want to grow a robust garden full of them.

6. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a fantastic companion plant for beets in the garden. Not only do they get along well, but cauliflowers also provide some significant benefits to beet plants.

Both crops thrive in cool weather conditions, making them ideal companions.

Additionally, cauliflower helps improve soil quality by adding organic matter and nutrients when it decomposes after harvest. This can contribute to healthier beet growth and higher yields.

If you’re planning your garden this season, consider planting cauliflower alongside your beets for a mutually beneficial relationship that will have both crops flourishing.

7. Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is an awesome companion plant for beets. These two vegetables enjoy similar growing conditions, making them excellent planting companions.

Both kohlrabi and beets thrive in a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8, which means they can happily coexist in the same soil environment.

For best growth and development, make sure to adhere to the suggested plant spacing guidelines.

Proper spacing is essential for both crops. Beet plants can grow more space if they are thinned out, and you will also have more greens to eat in addition to your kohlrabi supply.

By combining these two crops, you’ll improve your soil quality and create a thriving garden with an abundance of delicious vegetables to savor throughout the season.

8. Leeks

Leeks are highly recommended as companion plants for beets. Not only do they help deter pests, but they also enhance the flavor of beets when planted together.

Leeks have a similar growth habit to beets and their tall, upright leaves provide shade for the beet plants, preventing competition from weeds.

By interplanting leeks and beets, you can maximize space and enjoy a bountiful harvest of both delicious vegetables.

9. Lettuce

Lettuce and beets are both cool-weather crops which make them fantastic companions. The shallow roots of lettuce help retain soil moisture, which is beneficial for the growth of beets.

By interplanting these two vegetables, you can maximize your harvest in a small gardening space.

Lettuce grows above ground while the beetroots expand below, making them excellent companions that won’t compete for space.

Plus, who doesn’t love having fresh lettuce leaves for salads alongside their freshly harvested beets? It’s a win-win situation!

10. Marigolds

Marigolds are not just pretty flowers; they make fantastic plants to plant near beets too! These vibrant blooms attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and wasps, which help control pesky garden pests.

Marigolds also have the superpower of repelling root-knot nematodes in the soil, making it a win-win for your beets.

Popular varieties like ‘Bonanza Mixed Colors’ and ‘Snowglobe’ can be planted alongside your beets to add a splash of color to your garden while improving soil conditions.

By including marigolds in your beet companion planting strategy, you’ll create a healthier and more balanced garden environment that nurtures thriving beetroots ready for harvest.

So don’t forget to include these lovely flowers in your veggie patch this year!

11. Onions

Onions are considered one of the best beet companion plants due to their ability to repel pests and improve soil conditions.

These two veggies share similar growing habits, making them excellent companions in the garden.

Onions can deter bugs and mammals that may harm beets, while also enhancing soil moisture levels that both plants love.

Varieties like ‘Big Daddy’ onions and ‘Imai Early Yellow’ onions are popular choices when planting alongside beets.

By growing these two together, you’ll not only enjoy a bountiful harvest but also make harvesting easier as they can be harvested simultaneously.

Plus, the combination of beets and onions adds organic matter to the soil, ensuring healthy growth for both crops.

12. Radishes

Radishes are an excellent companion plant for beets in your garden. These fast-growing root vegetables can be harvested before the beets need more space, making them a perfect match.

Not only do radishes take up less room, but their roots also help loosen the soil, which benefits the growth of your beets.

By interplanting radishes and beets, you can maximize your crop harvest in limited space while improving the overall health of your garden.

Plus, who doesn’t love the added bonus of fresh, crunchy radishes to enjoy alongside your freshly harvested beets?

13. Sorrel

Sorrel is a fantastic companion plant for beets, offering numerous benefits to your garden.

Not only does sorrel improve soil conditions when grown alongside beets, but it also enhances the flavor of both crops.

With its tangy and citrusy taste, sorrel adds a refreshing twist to your beet dishes. Besides, planting sorrel with beets can make harvesting easier as the tall sorrel leaves act as a marker in your garden beds.

By incorporating this leafy green into your beet companion planting strategy, you are not only maximizing your harvest but also promoting overall garden health and productivity.

14. Spinach

Spinach is a spectacular companion plant for beets in a thriving garden. Not only does spinach flourish under similar growing conditions as beets, but it also provides numerous benefits when planted alongside them.

Spinach is rich in nutrients like calcium and acts as a nitrogen source for the surrounding soil, helping to improve its overall health.

Additionally, planting spinach near beet seedlings ensures that they receive enough shade during the hot summer months while allowing them to grow and develop properly.

Interplanting beets with spinach allows you to maximize space and create beautiful garden beds filled with nutrient-rich greens ready for harvest.

15. Garlic

Garlic is not only a flavorful addition to your kitchen, but it can also be a fantastic companion plant for your beet garden.

One of the key benefits of planting garlic alongside your beets is its ability to deter fungal issues that can plague these root vegetables.

Garlic naturally produces sulfur compounds, which have anti-fungal properties and help protect nearby plants from diseases like damping-off and root rot.

By having garlic close by, you’ll give your beet plants a better chance at thriving and producing healthy roots.

3 Plants to Avoid Planting with Beets

beet companion planting

There are a few plants that compete with beets, and it’s best to avoid growing them next to each other.

Plants like pole beans, field mustard, and chard can negatively impact their growth and cause disease or pest issues.

1. Pole Beans

Pole beans may not be an ideal companion due to their potential interference with each other’s growth.

While pole beans are known for their climbing abilities and can provide shade and support for other crops, they tend to have extensive root systems that could compete with the shallow-growing beetroots.

This competition can hinder the development of both plants, resulting in smaller yields.

Therefore, it is advisable to avoid planting pole beans near your beet patch if you want your beets to thrive and produce abundantly.

2. Field Mustard

Field Mustard is a plant that should be avoided when planting beets in your garden. This companion plant can negatively affect the growth and development of your beet plants.

Field Mustard, also known as Brassica rapa, belongs to the same family as cabbage and broccoli.

While it may seem like a good idea to plant these vegetables together, Field Mustard can actually hinder the growth of your beets by competing for nutrients and space in the soil.

By avoiding planting Field Mustard with your beets, you’ll give them a better chance at thriving in your garden.

3. Chard

Chard is not a good companion plant in your garden. While both chard and beets are part of the same family, planting them together can attract pests and diseases that may harm your beets.

It’s best to keep these two plants separate to ensure the health and growth of your beets.

Instead, consider planting other companions like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or marigolds which can help promote the thriving growth of your beets.

By choosing compatible companions for your garden, you’ll create a harmonious environment where each plant can flourish.

The Impact of Companion Planting on Soil Nutrients

Companion planting with beets not only benefits the growth of the plants themselves but also has a positive impact on soil nutrients.

When certain companion plants are grown alongside beets, they contribute essential nutrients to the soil, creating a nourishing environment for all plants involved.

For example, onions act as excellent companions for beets because they repel bugs and mammals while adding organic matter to the soil.

Onions release sulfur compounds that deter pests from attacking beet roots and leaves, ensuring their healthy growth.

Additionally, bush beans are great companions for beets due to their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through symbiotic relationships with bacteria.

This process enriches the soil with nitrogen, which is crucial for strong root development and overall plant health.

Lettuce can also be grown alongside beets as it utilizes surface nutrients while allowing beets to draw minerals from deeper layers of the soil.

Moreover, radishes serve as helpful markers when sown with beets since they mature quickly and provide extra space for beet growth while contributing organic material upon decomposition.

By strategically selecting companion plants like these, gardeners enhance both nutrient availability and fertility levels in their garden beds – creating an optimal growing environment for their beloved beet plants.

How Companion Planting Can Control Pests and Limit Disease Spread

Companion planting is an effective way to control pests and limit the spread of diseases in your garden.

By strategically pairing certain plants together, you can create a natural defense system that keeps harmful insects at bay.

For example, planting marigolds alongside your beets not only adds a pop of color to your garden but also attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.

These insects help with the fertilization process while also preying on common pests that may target your beet plants.

Another great companion for beets is garlic. Garlic provides a natural barrier for fungal issues, such as mold or mildew. These diseases can damage the leaves and roots of your beets.

By incorporating companion planting techniques into your garden plan, you can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and ensure the health and vitality of your beet plants.

Final Thoughts

The growth and health of your beet plants can be significantly improved with companion planting.

This method of planting adds a vibrancy that looks fantastic and produces an abundance of tasty beets.

Start experimenting with companion planting today and enjoy a bountiful harvest of tasty beets in your garden!

FAQs About Companion Plants To Grow With Beets

What Plants Grow Well With Beets?

Some fantastic companion plants to grow alongside beets are onions, bush beans, broccoli, and pole beans. They not only help your beets grow better but also improve the flavor of the beets.

What Should I Not Plant Next To Beets?

Yes, there are a few plants that are considered the worst companion plants for beets, and it is best to avoid growing them near your beet plants.

Beets should not be planted near pole beans or corn as these plants can compete for nutrients and may hinder the growth of the beet crops.

Can I Grow Beets And Carrots Together?

Yes, beets and carrots are compatible and can be grown together. They have similar growing requirements and do not negatively affect each other’s development.

Can I plant beets near tomatoes or peppers?

It is not recommended to plant beets near tomatoes or peppers as they have different water and nutrient needs. Additionally, planting them together may attract similar pests that can damage both crops.

How do companion plants benefit beet cultivation?

Companion plants benefit beet cultivation by attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which help control pests such as aphids and caterpillars.

They also provide shade, reduce soil erosion, and improve overall garden biodiversity, leading to healthier beet crops.

What are the benefits of companion planting for beets?

Companion planting helps your beets by attracting beneficial insects, improving soil fertility, suppressing weeds, and providing shade for the root vegetables.

Can I plant onions with my beets?

Yes, onions make great companion plants for beets. They help deter pests and improve the flavor of the beets.

Are bush beans good companions for beets?

Yes, bush beans are excellent companions for beets. They help fix nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial for the beets’ growth.

Can I plant pole beans with my beets?

It is not recommended planting pole beans near beets. While they do a great job fixing nitrogen in the soil and provide vertical support, their root system can interfere with the growth of your beets.

Can companion planting improve the flavor of beets?

Yes, companion planting can improve the flavor of beets. Certain companion plants, such as onions and broccoli, enhance the taste of the beets when grown together.