List Of Best Companion Plants In India: A Natural Harmony For Your Garden

Are you looking to create a thriving and harmonious home garden? Companion planting is the answer! In India, this time-tested gardening technique brings natural harmony to your garden by pairing different plants together. Imagine a garden where plants work as a team, supporting and protecting each other. This article explores the list of companion plants or examples of companion plants and the benefits of companion planting, including pest control and improved growth, and provides a helpful companion planting chart for Indian gardeners. Let’s discuss the power of companion planting with a companion planting chart in India and some great examples of companion planting to get you started!

What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is a gardening technique where you grow different plants close together to help each other. It’s like creating a team in your home garden where each plant supports the others. For example, some plants can keep pests away from their neighbors, while others can improve the taste and growth of nearby plants. This method is eco-friendly and helps your garden thrive and healthy without using harmful chemicals.

List Of Beneficial Companion Plants In India 

Here we have mentioned a list of all the best companion plants or companion planting chart in India that are beneficial to other plants and also the advantages of planting them together. Let’s find out the best companion plants and the most appropriate plants to plant with them and which plants to avoid planting with.

Plant Name	Plant With	Benefits of Planting	Avoid Planting With
Marigolds	Tomatoes, Chillies, Cucumbers	Repels insects, nematode control, enhances the growth of plants	Beans, Cabbages
Basil	Tomatoes, Peppers, Oregano	Improves flavor and growth of nearby plants	Cabbages
Mint	Cabbage, Tomatoes, Cucumbers	Deters cabbage pests, repels insects, improves flavor	Parsley, Broccoli, Cauliflower
dahlias	Nasturtiums, Zinnias	Attracts pollinators, adds color to the garden	Potatoes, Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, etc.)
Asparagus	Tomatoes, Parsley, Basil	Improves the growth and flavor of both plants	Onions, Garlic, Potatoes
Chrysanthemums	Cucumbers, Tomatoes	Repels pests, add aesthetic value to the garden	None
Sunflowers	Cucumbers, Corn	Provides shade, attracts pollinators, supports climbing crops	Potatoes, Tomatoes, Pole Beans
Sweet Alyssum	Lettuce, Broccoli, Cabbage	Attracts beneficial insects, suppresses weeds	None
Beans	Cucumbers, Corn, Radishes	Nitrogen fixation improves soil fertility	Onions, Garlic, Chives, Shallots
Peas	Carrots, Radishes	Nitrogen fixation, adds nutrients to the soil	Onions, Garlic, Chives, Shallots
Carrots	Peas, Lettuce	Improves growth and flavor of nearby plants	Dill, Parsley, Celery, Coriander, Fennel, Anise
Radishes	Carrots, Spinach	Improves soil structure, attracts pollinators	Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Turnips
Lettuce	Carrots, Sweet Alyssum	Provides shade, suppresses weeds	None
Onion	Beetroots, Lettuce, Peppers	Deters pests, improves flavor and growth of nearby plants	Peas, Beans, Asparagus
Garlic	Roses, Tomatoes	Deters pests, improves the health of nearby plants	Peas, Beans, Asparagus
Borage	Tomatoes, Squash, Cabbage	Attracts pollinators, deters tomato hornworms	None
Chives	Carrots, Strawberries, Tomatoes	Deters pests, improves flavor and growth of nearby plants	Beans, Peas, Garlic
Nasturtium	Cabbage, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Radishes, Lettuce, Beans	Deters pests, and attracts beneficial insects	None

(Read more: How to Grow Vegetables Easily From Seeds At Home……..)

Benefits Of Companion Planting

After knowing the companion planting chart in India or the List of companion plants, it’s time to know the benefits of companion planting with examples of companion planting. 

Companion Planting For Pest Control

One of the main advantages of co-planting is natural pest control. Some plants have properties that repel pests, and when grown with susceptible plants, they act as a protective barrier. For example, marigolds release compounds that deter harmful insects, making them excellent companions for tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.

Attract Beneficial Insects

Companion planting attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs, bees, and butterflies, which play an important role in pollination and pest control. For example, nasturtiums drive aphids away from other plants, acting as sacrificial plants that protect vegetables such as cabbage, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Improve Soil Fertility

Some plants, such as beans and peas, have a remarkable ability to fix nitrogen from the air and make it available to neighboring plants through their root systems. They are excellent examples of nitrogen-fixing plants, enriching the soil for plants such as corn, radishes, and lettuce.

Better Taste And Growth

Another main benefit of companion planting is improving the flavor and growth of specific plants. For example, basil grown near tomatoes and peppers enhances their flavor and overall health. Similarly, mint benefits neighboring tomatoes and cucumbers, increasing their growth and resistance to pests.

Weed Suppression

Growing companion crops can help prevent weed growth. Sweet alyssum, when planted with lettuce, broccoli, and cabbage, forms a natural ground cover that reduces weed competition and conserves soil moisture.

Maximum Garden Space

Companion planting enables efficient use of home garden space by utilizing vertical growing opportunities and intercropping techniques. Sunflowers, when planted with corn and cucumbers, provide support for climbing plants, using the space effectively.

(Read more: How to Grow Beautiful Flowers at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide…………..)

How and When to Plant Companion Plants

Companion planting is one of the best gardening techniques that involves growing different plant species near each other to benefit each other in different ways. Here are some steps and ideas for how and when to plant companion plants:

1) Choose Compatible Companion Plants:

Before planting, research and choose companion plants that benefit each other. Look for plants that improve soil fertility, repel pests, enhance flavor, or attract pollinators. Consider each plant’s specific needs and preferences to ensure they can coexist peacefully.

2) Plan Your Garden Layout:

Design your garden layout by combining companion plants with your main plants. Consider the growth habits, heights, and space requirements of each plant to avoid overcrowding and competition for resources.

3) Timing Matters:

Pay attention to the timing of planting. Some companion plants are best sown or transplanted alongside specific plants at different stages of growth. For example, you may plant marigolds when you transplant tomatoes or basil with your peppers to deter pests.

4) Crop Rotation:

Rotate your plants every season to prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of pests and diseases building up in the soil. Avoid planting the same plants in the same location year after year.

5) Start with Healthy Plants:

Always begin with healthy seedlings or transplants. Weak or diseased plants can negatively affect their companions and disrupt the harmony in your home garden.

6) Monitor and Observe:

Regularly observe your home garden to ensure that companion plants are thriving together. Look for signs of any negative interactions, such as stunted growth or wilting. Adjust your planting strategy if needed.

(Read more: How to Control Pests Organically In The Garden: A Guide to Natural Pest Management………….)

Companion Planting Mistakes to Avoid

While companion planting offers numerous benefits, there are some common mistakes to be aware of:

• Planting Without Research: Before combining plants together, research their compatibility and needs. Some plants may not get along well and can even inhibit each other’s growth.
• Neglecting Plant Spacing: Ensure you provide enough space for each plant to grow and thrive. Overcrowding can lead to competition for resources and inhibit their growth.
• Ignoring Crop Rotation: Regularly rotate your crops to prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of pests and diseases building up in the soil.
• Ignoring Plant Health: Always start with healthy plants. Weak or diseased plants can attract pests and negatively impact their companion plants.
• Excessive Use of Companion Plants: While companion planting is beneficial, avoid going overboard. Too many companion plants can lead to imbalances in the garden ecosystem.

(Read more: Gardening in Grow Bags: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Grow Bags for Successful Planting………..)

Thanks for reading this article on the list of companion plants or examples of companion plants in India along with their benefits and how to plant them. Share this post with your friends and family to spread knowledge about companion planting.