15 Best Garlic Companion Plants for Thriving Gardens (And 5 To Avoid)

Garlic is a favorite in our kitchen and is a staple plant in many of my gardening friends.

Just like you, I’ve had my struggles growing garlic and realized (after a lot of trial and error) that certain plants flourish when grown alongside garlic due to its pest-repelling and soil-enriching properties.

In this article, I’ll share the top garlic companion plants that not only coexist but thrive together creating an abundant yield in your garden.

Key Takeaways

• Companion planting with garlic offers numerous benefits for your garden, including improving the soil, controlling insect pests, attracting beneficial insects and pollinators, encouraging growth, creating a living mulch, and providing shade and support for other plants.
• Garlic is an ideal companion plant for various vegetables and fruits. It enhances the flavor and growth of beetroot, cabbage, spinach, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, kale, and fruit trees like apple and pear trees.
• Interplanting garlic with these companion plants helps repel pests specific to each crop while promoting a healthier growing environment. Research specific planting guidelines for each vegetable or fruit to ensure optimal results in your garden.

Understanding Companion Planting

Companion planting leverages the natural strengths of different plants for mutual growth and protection. This organic gardening method epitomizes the phrase “certain vegetables love each other”.

For instance, tomatoes thrive when planted with basil and carrots because their combined properties ward off pests while promoting a healthy growing environment.

To comprehend this concept better, envision your garden as a community where each plant plays its unique role in maintaining balance.

Garden heroes like allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, act as pest repellents because of their pungent odor which turns away many unwanted insects.

Herbs such as dill or chamomile work wonders alongside garlic. They not only enhance its flavor but also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and wasps.

Through companion planting, you can build dynamic partnerships in your soil and cultivate thriving gardens bursting with bountiful yields.

Benefits of Companion Planting with Garlic

Companion planting with garlic offers several benefits for your garden. Garlic not only improves the soil, but it also controls insect pests, attracts beneficial insects and pollinators, encourages growth, creates a living mulch, and provides shade and support for other plants.

Improves the soil

The art of companion planting with garlic could be your soil’s best friend. This powerful allium works deep within the earth, subtly changing its composition to benefit both itself and nearby plants.

As garlic grows, it naturally reduces nutrient competition in the soil. It accomplishes this by making valuable use of different nutrients than most other garden crops, meaning it won’t strip the soil of shared resources that other plants need to flourish.

Garlic actually releases sulfur as it breaks down in the ground post-harvest. This is known to decrease fungal infections risk among plant communities.

This release adds potential benefits directly to your garden beds.

This is especially useful if you’re growing veggies prone to mildew or rot like potatoes and tomatoes!

By integrating garlic into your gardening strategy, you can create a healthier environment for companion plants while boosting their health and growth potential.

Controls insect pests

Garlic’s strong sulfur-containing compounds work double-time in your garden. Not only do they deter various types of soil-borne fungal infections, but their punctuation gives garlic the upper hand against a whole array of insect pests.

Many common garden nuisances like onion flies, Japanese beetles, and aphids are repelled by the strong scent of garlic.

Even more rewarding is how planting garlic invites beneficial insects such as ladybugs, wasps, and lacewings into your space.

These tiny helpers serve as natural pest control agents taking care of any stubborn bugs and letting your plants thrive without chemical intervention.

Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators

Planting garlic in your garden not only benefits the growth of garlic itself but also attracts a variety of beneficial insects and pollinators.

Ladybugs, wasps, and lacewings are just a few examples of the helpful insects that will be drawn to your garden when you include garlic as a companion plant.

These insects help control many of the common pests like aphids, moths, worms, and beetles that climb into our gardens. Also, pollinators such as bees and butterflies are attracted to the nectar and the flowers produced by garlic plants.

By incorporating garlic into your garden, you create a thriving ecosystem that supports the health and vitality of all your plants.

Encourages growth

One benefit of companion planting with garlic is that it helps other plants in your garden grow. Garlic releases natural compounds into the soil that can improve plant health and vitality.

These compounds contain sulfur, which acts as a natural fungicide to protect against various soil-borne fungi.

By planting garlic alongside your favorite vegetables and fruits, you can help prevent diseases such as verticillium wilt, Phytophthora blight, and white mold.

Additionally, the smell of garlic deters pests like aphids, Japanese beetles, and mites from attacking nearby plants. This creates a healthy environment for your garden to grow and results in more when it comes time to harvest.

Creates a living mulch

One of the many benefits of companion planting with garlic is that it creates a living mulch in your garden.

As garlic plants grow and spread, they form a dense mat of foliage on the soil surface, effectively acting as a natural weed suppressant.

This living mulch helps to smother weeds, preventing them from sprouting and competing with your desired plants for nutrients and moisture.

By reducing weed interference, your other garden crops can thrive without having to constantly battle unwanted vegetation.

Plus, this living mulch also helps to conserve soil moisture by reducing evaporation, ensuring that your plants have access to the water they need for healthy growth.

So not only does planting garlic alongside your other crops ward off pests and improve soil fertility, but it also acts as an efficient natural mulch that saves you time and effort in maintaining a beautiful and thriving garden.

Provides shade and support

One of the many benefits of companion planting with garlic is that it provides shade and support to other plants in your garden. As a tall and sturdy plant, garlic can act as a natural trellis or stake for climbing vegetables like beans or peas.

This not only saves space but also helps these plants grow vertically and thrive. Plus, the broad leaves of garlic provide shade to smaller and more delicate plants, protecting them from excessive sunlight, especially during hot summer days.

By interplanting garlic with other crops, you can create a harmonious environment where different plants work together to maximize their growth potential.

Characteristics of Garlic

Plant Family Amaryllidaceae	Watering Conditions Well-draining soil, keep soil evenly moist	Mature Size Typically 1-3 feet tall
Soil Requirements Loose, well-draining soil with good fertility; pH 6.0-7.5	Sunlight Needs Full sun	Temperature Tolerance Cool-weather crop, sensitive to heat; thrives in USDA zones 3-9
Growth Habit Perennial bulb	Flowering Period Spring to early summer	Flower Color White, pink, or purple depending on the variety
Foliage Characteristics Long, narrow, green leaves	Propagation Methods Cloves (bulb divisions) or seeds (less common)	Pruning and Maintenance Remove any flower stalks as soon as they appear to encourage bulb growth; remove any damaged leaves or plants
Common Pests and Diseases Onion flies, thrips, white rot	Companion Planting Carrots, tomatoes, and other vegetables	Edible Parts Edible bulbs and leaves
Wildlife Attraction Garlic flowers can attract beneficial insects like bees	Toxicity Non-toxic	Special Care Instructions Plant cloves in fall; protect from excessive moisture and heavy frost; avoid planting near beans or peas due to potential growth interference

15 Best Garlic Companion Plants For Your Garden

Finding the best plants to pair with garlic starts by looking at their soil requirements, sunlight needs, and whether each plant will complement the other.

Here is a list I compiled of some of the best plants to grow with garlic. Use this when planning your garden to create a more healthy, productive, and flavorful harvest.

Fruit Trees

As a gardener, one of the best companion plants to grow with your fruit trees is garlic. Not only does it add flavor to your dishes, but garlic also helps protect your precious fruit trees from various pests and diseases.

For example, planting garlic near apple trees can prevent common issues like apple scab and leaf curl. It also acts as a natural deterrent for aphids, Japanese beetles, and spider mites that can wreak havoc on your fruit tree’s leaves and fruits.

By interplanting garlic with your fruit trees, you’ll not only enjoy delicious harvests but also ensure the health and vitality of these valuable additions to your garden.

Vegetables and Fruits That Grow Well With Garlic

I love growing garlic in my garden because it not only adds flavor to my dishes but also provides a host of benefits to other plants.

When it comes to companion planting, there are several vegetables and fruits that thrive when grown alongside garlic. Here are some excellent options for you to consider:

1. Beetroot

Beetroot is an excellent companion plant for garlic, offering numerous benefits to both crops. Not only can they enhance each other’s flavors when harvested together, but intercropping them also improves the growth and health of both plants.

Garlic acts as a natural pest repellent, keeping away pesky insects that can harm beetroot plants. Additionally, planting garlic alongside beetroot helps control weed growth and enhances soil quality for optimal nutrition uptake.

2. Cabbage

Cabbage is a powerful companion plant for garlic. As a member of the Brassica family, cabbage releases compounds that help deter common pests like cabbage loopers, diamondback moths, and cabbage worms from attacking your garlic crop.

This natural defense mechanism can save you time and effort in pest control. On the other hand, planting garlic alongside cabbage can also benefit the latter by deterring onion flies and aphids.

Together, these two vegetables create a harmonious garden ecosystem that promotes healthy growth and reduces the need for harmful pesticides.

3. Spinach

Spinach is a spectacular companion for garlic. When planted together, these two plants create a mutually beneficial relationship that enhances their growth and health.

Spinach benefits from the pungent aroma of garlic, as it repels insect pests that commonly affect spinach plants.

Additionally, garlic attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, wasps, and lacewings, which help control pests in spinach leaves.

The interplanting of spinach and garlic also acts as a ground cover, preventing weed interference and providing shade to delicate spinach plants.

This combination not only promotes the growth of both plants but also leads to thriving gardens filled with healthy and flavorful spinach leaves.

4. Potatoes

Potatoes are a popular choice among gardeners and are considered great companion plants when planted alongside garlic.

Not only does garlic enhance the flavor of potatoes, but it also provides valuable protection against pests like late potato blight and scab.

These two plants make great companions because garlic’s strong aroma repels insects that commonly target potatoes, keeping your crop safe and healthy.

Plus, the growth of both plants is improved thanks to the exchange of beneficial nutrients in the soil.

Planting garlic alongside your potatoes can help deter pests and provide a double dose of deliciousness to your garden harvest.

5. Carrots

Carrots are not only a delicious and nutritious addition to your garden, but they also make excellent companions for garlic. Planted alongside garlic, carrots can benefit from the natural pest-repellent properties of this aromatic herb.

Garlic helps deter carrot flies, which are notorious for damaging carrot crops. By planting these two together, you can reduce the risk of infestations and ensure a bountiful harvest of both vegetables.

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes and garlic make excellent companions in the garden for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, planting garlic alongside tomatoes can actually enhance the flavor of the tomatoes themselves.

But it doesn’t stop there – garlic acts as a natural deterrent for spider mites, protecting tomato plants from infestations.

By attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs, wasps, and lacewings, garlic creates a more balanced ecosystem for tomato plants, further preventing pest issues.

Additionally, when planted together, garlic offers an extra line of defense against pests that commonly affect tomatoes.

So not only will you enjoy delicious homegrown tomatoes but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing they’re protected by their trusty companion – garlic!

7. Kale

Kale is an excellent companion plant for garlic due to its numerous benefits. Not only does kale thrive when planted near garlic, but it also helps protect the garlic from pests and diseases.

Kale belongs to the brassica family, just like cabbage and broccoli, which means it shares similar characteristics with these plants.

One of the main advantages of planting kale alongside garlic is that it repels common pests such as cabbage loopers, diamondback moths, and cabbage moths and worms.

This natural pest control method not only safeguards your kale but also protects your garlic crop. Additionally, both kale and garlic love full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal companions in terms of growing conditions.

Flower And Herb That Grow Well With Garlic

Flowers and herbs make excellent companions for garlic in your garden.

They not only add beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space, but they also provide additional benefits that can help your garlic thrive. Here are some top flower and herb plant companions for garlic:

1. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are fantastic companion plants for garlic because they provide multiple benefits to your garden. These vibrant flowers not only add beauty and color but also act as natural pest repellents.

Nasturtiums release a strong aroma that repels aphids, whiteflies, and other common garden pests, helping to protect your garlic from potential damage.

Additionally, their attractive appearance can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on harmful pests.

As an added bonus, nasturtiums have edible leaves and flowers that can be used in salads or as garnishes for culinary delights. 

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are a gardener’s best friend when it comes to companion planting with garlic. These vibrant flowers not only add beauty to your garden but also provide numerous benefits for your garlic plants.

Marigolds have long been associated with ideal garlic companions, as they can improve the growth and health of neighboring plants.

The pungent aroma emitted by garlic naturally repels many insect pests, and planting marigolds alongside garlic can further enhance its natural pest-repellent properties.

What makes marigolds even more special is their sulfur content, which helps repel various soil-borne fungi that can harm your precious garlic crop.

By acting as a ground cover for the garlic, marigolds keep weeds at bay while providing an additional layer of protection against diseases like verticillium wilt, phytophthora blight, and white mold.

As if these benefits weren’t enough, marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, wasps, and lacewings to your garden.

These helpful creatures feast on aphids, Japanese beetles, and other pests that may cause damage to not just your garlic but other plants in the vicinity as well.

3. Roses

I absolutely love the roses in my garden! Did you know that planting garlic alongside your roses can actually help keep them healthy and pest-free?

Garlic acts as a natural repellent for pests like spider mites, ants, snails, and blackspot fungi that often plague roses.

Its pungent aroma deters these unwanted visitors, ensuring the health and vitality of your beautiful flowers. Plus, by interplanting garlic with your roses, you not only deter pests but also promote their overall growth.

Another herb to consider is rue, which can be planted alongside garlic to repel flies and maggots that may infest Allium bulbs including garlic and roses.

The combination of fragrant roses and pungent garlic makes for a stunning and well-protected garden!

4. Dill

I love planting dill alongside my garlic because they make great companions in the garden. Dill not only adds a wonderful fragrance to the air, but it also has some fantastic benefits for your garlic plants.

Firstly, dill is known for attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help keep pesky pests away from your garlic.

Secondly, dill has anti-fungal properties that can protect your garlic from common soil-borne fungi.

This means less chance of diseases like verticillium wilt and phytophthora blight affecting your precious garlic crop. Plus, who doesn’t love having fresh dill on hand for cooking? It’s a win-win situation!

5. Chamomile

Chamomile is one of the ideal companion plants for garlic in thriving gardens.

Not only does chamomile attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, wasps, and lacewings, but it also has anti-fungal properties that can help protect garlic from soil-borne fungi.

This aromatic herb adds a touch of beauty to your garden while providing natural pest control and promoting healthy growth for your garlic plants.

By planting chamomile near your garlic, you are creating a harmonious environment that supports the overall health and productivity of both plants.

6. Rue

Rue, a powerful-smelling herb, is an excellent companion plant for garlic in your garden. It has been traditionally used to repel flies and maggots that may infest Allium bulbs.

By planting rue alongside garlic, you can create a healthy and pest-free environment for your plants.

This natural pest repellent will help protect the garlic bulbs from infestations while promoting their growth. Rue’s strong odor keeps flies and maggots away, making it an effective partner for your garlic plants.

Together, rue and garlic create a mutually beneficial relationship that enhances the growth and health of both plants in thriving gardens.

7. Strawberries

Strawberries and garlic make excellent companions in the garden. Garlic can help deter spider mites, which are harmful to strawberry plants.

By planting garlic near your strawberries, you can keep these pests (like deer and rabbits) at bay and protect your crop.

Additionally, garlic’s anti-fungal properties can also help prevent diseases such as apple scab and leaf curl that commonly affect fruit trees, including strawberry plants.

So not only will your strawberries be pest-free but they’ll also thrive with the added protection of garlic nearby.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Garlic

Planting the wrong plants around your garlic can hinder growth or cause it to wilt. Here are a few plants I recommend avoiding so that you can prevent interference with the growth and flavor of both plants.

Beans

Beans are not recommended as companion plants for garlic. They can inhibit the growth of garlic or compete for essential resources like nutrients and water.

While it’s important to choose compatible plants that benefit each other in a garden, beans, and garlic don’t make good neighbors.

Instead, focus on planting vegetables and herbs that thrive alongside garlic, such as cabbage, spinach, tomatoes, and carrots.

By selecting the right companions for your garlic crop, you can create a thriving garden that maximizes growth and reduces pest problems naturally.

Asparagus

Asparagus is not an ideal companion plant for garlic due to its ability to hinder the growth of garlic and compete for resources. While both asparagus and garlic require well-drained soil, they have different needs when it comes to water and nutrients.

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that requires a specific pH level and prefers slightly alkaline soil, while garlic thrives in neutral to slightly acidic soil.

Additionally, asparagus has strong root systems that can outcompete the shallow roots of garlic, potentially stunting its growth.

Therefore, it is best to avoid planting asparagus alongside garlic in order to ensure the optimal growth and health of both plants.

Sage

Sage is one of those plants that should not be planted alongside garlic in your garden. While both herbs have their own unique benefits, they don’t make good neighbors when it comes to companion planting with sage.

Garlic and sage are known to inhibit each other’s growth and can even produce chemicals that hinder their respective development.

So if you want both these herbs to thrive in your garden, it’s best to give them separate spaces where they won’t interfere with each other’s growth and flavor profiles.

Parsley

Parsley is a popular herb in many gardens, but it’s not the best companion for garlic. While both plants have their own individual benefits, they don’t thrive when planted together.

Garlic has a reputation for being a strong plant that can overpower its companions and inhibit their growth.

Unfortunately, parsley happens to be one of those plants that don’t fare well alongside garlic.

Other Alliums

Other Alliums, such as onions, chives, leeks, and shallots, should not be planted alongside garlic. These plants belong to the same family and can compete for nutrients and space.

Additionally, planting them together increases the risk of diseases that affect alliums, such as onion flies and white mold.

Therefore, it is best to keep garlic separate from other alliums in your garden to ensure optimal growth and prevent potential problems.

Final Thoughts

Adding garlic companion plants to your garden creates a thriving and harmonious ecosystem. Not only will you benefit from improved soil and growth, but you’ll also have natural pest control and increased pollination.

So go ahead and experiment with fruits like tomatoes and strawberries, vegetables like cabbage and carrots, as well as herbs like marigolds and dill to discover the perfect companions for your garlic!

FAQs About The Best Plants That Grow Well With Garlic

What are the benefits of planting companion plants for garlic?

Companion planting can help improve the growth and health of garlic by deterring pests, attracting beneficial insects, enhancing soil fertility, and maximizing space.

Can planting garlic throughout the garden benefit other plants?

Yes, planting garlic throughout the garden can benefit other plants by repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects. It can also help improve the overall health of the garden.

Is garlic a good companion for growing strawberries?

Yes, garlic is a good companion for growing strawberries. It helps deter pests and provides natural protection against fungal diseases that can affect strawberries.

What are some common varieties of garlic used for companion planting?

Some common varieties of garlic used for companion planting include hardneck garlic varieties like Rocambole, Porcelain, and Purple Stripe.

Can garlic inhibit the growth of other plants?

Garlic can inhibit the growth of certain plants, particularly those that are sensitive to its pungent odor and allelopathic compounds.

It is important to choose companion plants that can tolerate garlic’s presence.