Best Companion Plants for Peppers
Peppers are a great addition to any garden or vegetable patch, offering a range of flavors and heat levels to spice up your meals. However, like any plant, they can be susceptible to pests and diseases. One way to combat this is by planting companion plants alongside them. Companion plants can provide benefits such as repelling pests, improving soil quality, and attracting beneficial insects. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best companion plants for peppers.
Marigolds
Benefits
Marigolds are a popular choice for companion planting due to their ability to repel pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. They also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on harmful pests. Additionally, marigolds have been shown to improve soil quality by suppressing weeds and adding organic matter when they decompose.
How to Plant
Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your pepper patch, or intersperse them throughout. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. You can either them from seed indoors or purchase transplants from a nursery.
Basil
Benefits
Basil is not only a delicious herb to use in cooking, but it also has pest-repelling properties. It has been shown to repel mosquitoes, flies, and thrips, which can all be harmful to peppers. Basil also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which can increase pepper yields.
How to Plant
Plant basil near your pepper plants, either in the same bed or in a nearby container. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. You can it from seed indoors or purchase transplants.
Nasturtiums
Benefits
Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for peppers due to their ability to repel aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. They also attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies, which feed on harmful pests. Additionally, nasturtiums are edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.
How to Plant
Plant nasturtiums around the perimeter of your pepper patch, or intersperse them throughout. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. You can them from seed indoors or direct sow them in the garden.
Onions
Benefits
Onions are a great companion plant for peppers due to their ability to repel pests such as aphids, spider mites, and thrips. They also improve soil quality by adding sulfur, which is essential for plant growth.
How to Plant
Plant onions near your pepper plants, either in the same bed or in a nearby container. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. You can them from seed indoors or purchase sets from a nursery.
Garlic
Benefits
Garlic is another member of the allium family that can repel pests such as aphids, spider mites, and slugs. It also has antifungal properties that can help prevent diseases such as damping off.
How to Plant
Plant garlic near your pepper plants, either in the same bed or in a nearby container. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. You can it from cloves or purchase bulbs from a nursery.
Carrots
Benefits
Carrots are a great companion plant for peppers due to their ability to improve soil quality by loosening compacted soil and adding organic matter. They also attract beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps, which feed on harmful pests.
How to Plant
Plant carrots near your pepper plants, either in the same bed or in a nearby container. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. You can them from seed indoors or direct sow them in the garden.
Cilantro
Benefits
Cilantro is another herb that can be used in cooking and has pest-repelling properties. It has been shown to repel aphids, spider mites, and potato beetles. It also attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps.
How to Plant
Plant cilantro near your pepper plants, either in the same bed or in a nearby container. It prefers partial shade and well-draining soil. You can it from seed indoors or direct sow it in the garden.
Beans
Benefits
Beans are a great companion plant for peppers due to their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which is essential for plant growth. They also attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which can increase pepper yields.
How to Plant
Plant beans near your pepper plants, either in the same bed or in a nearby container. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. You can them from seed indoors or direct sow them in the garden.
Tomatoes
Benefits
Tomatoes are a great companion plant for peppers due to their ability to repel pests such as aphids and whiteflies. They also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which can increase pepper yields.
How to Plant
Plant tomatoes near your pepper plants, either in the same bed or in a nearby container. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. You can them from seed indoors or purchase transplants.
Peas
Benefits
Peas are another nitrogen-fixing plant that can improve soil quality and provide essential nutrients to your peppers. They also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on harmful pests.
How to Plant
Plant peas near your pepper plants, either in the same bed or in a nearby container. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. You can them from seed indoors or direct sow them in the garden.
Chamomile
Benefits
Chamomile is a herb that has pest-repelling properties, particularly against pests such as Japanese beetles and cabbage moths. It also attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps.
How to Plant
Plant chamomile near your pepper plants, either in the same bed or in a nearby container. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. You can it from seed indoors or direct sow it in the garden.
Lavender
Benefits
Lavender is another herb that has pest-repelling properties, particularly against mosquitoes and fleas. It also attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.
How to Plant
Plant lavender near your pepper plants, either in the same bed or in a nearby container. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. You can it from seed indoors or purchase transplants.
Mint
Benefits
Mint is yet another herb that has pest-repelling properties, particularly against ants and aphids. It also attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps.
How to Plant
Plant mint near your pepper plants, either in the same bed or in a nearby container. It prefers partial shade and well-draining soil. You can it from seed indoors or purchase transplants.
Chives
Benefits
Chives are a member of the allium family and have similar pest-repelling properties to onions and garlic. They also attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.
How to Plant
Plant chives near your pepper plants, either in the same bed or in a nearby container. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. You can them from seed indoors or purchase transplants.
FAQs
Q: How many companion plants should I plant alongside my peppers?
A: You can plant as many or as few companion plants as you like, depending on the size of your garden and your personal preferences. However, keep in mind that some plants may compete with each other for nutrients and space, so it's important to choose plants that complement each other.
Q: Can I plant peppers and tomatoes together?
A: Yes, peppers and tomatoes are compatible companion plants and can be planted together.
Q: Do I need to fertilize my peppers if I'm planting nitrogen-fixing companion plants?
A: While nitrogen-fixing plants can provide essential nutrients to your peppers, it's still a good idea to fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer to ensure they have all the nutrients they need.
Q: Should I plant companion plants from seed or purchase transplants?
A: It depends on your preference and the time of year. If you're ing your garden from scratch, it may be more practical to some companion plants from seed indoors. However, if you're planting later in the season, it may be more convenient to purchase transplants from a nursery.
Q: What should I do if my companion plants aren't working?
A: If you're not seeing the desired results from your companion plants, try experimenting with different varieties or planting them in different locations around your garden. You can also try using organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
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