Deadly Companions: The Top 10 Plants That Should Never Be Planted Near Lettuce

Oleh Anonymous July 19, 2021 Post a Comment

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Bad Companion Plants For Lettuce

Lettuce is a popular leafy vegetable that is enjoyed around the world. It's easy to grow and can be eaten raw or cooked, making it a versatile ingredient in many dishes. However, not all plants get along well with lettuce. Some plants can actually harm lettuce if they are grown too close together. In this article, we will explore the top 10 plants that should never be planted near lettuce.

1. Dill

Dill is a herb that is commonly used in cooking. While it may be a great addition to many dishes, it is not a good companion plant for lettuce. Dill attracts pests such as aphids and spider mites, which can damage lettuce leaves. Additionally, dill has strong oils that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants.

How to avoid:

If you want to grow dill, it's best to keep it away from your lettuce. Plant it in a separate container or location in your garden.

2. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they are not a good companion plant for lettuce. Sunflowers produce chemicals that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including lettuce.

How to avoid:

If you want to grow sunflowers, make sure to keep them at least 6 feet away from your lettuce plants.

3. Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower are both members of the Brassica family, which includes cabbage and kale. While these plants are great for your health, they can be bad news for lettuce. They produce chemicals that can stunt the growth of nearby plants, including lettuce.

How to avoid:

If you want to grow broccoli or cauliflower, make sure to keep them at least 2 feet away from your lettuce plants.

4. Peppers

Peppers are a popular garden plant, but they don't play well with lettuce. Peppers attract pests such as flea beetles and thrips, which can damage lettuce leaves. Additionally, peppers have a high nutrient requirement, which can deplete the soil of the nutrients that lettuce needs to grow.

How to avoid:

If you want to grow peppers, make sure to keep them at least 3 feet away from your lettuce plants.

5. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another popular garden plant that can be bad news for lettuce. Tomatoes attract pests such as whiteflies and aphids, which can damage lettuce leaves. Additionally, tomatoes have a high nutrient requirement, which can deplete the soil of the nutrients that lettuce needs to grow.

How to avoid:

If you want to grow tomatoes, make sure to keep them at least 3 feet away from your lettuce plants.

6. Corn

Corn is a staple crop in many parts of the world, but it doesn't make a good companion plant for lettuce. Corn attracts pests such as corn earworms and corn borers, which can damage lettuce leaves. Additionally, corn has a high nutrient requirement, which can deplete the soil of the nutrients that lettuce needs to grow.

How to avoid:

If you want to grow corn, make sure to keep it at least 4 feet away from your lettuce plants.

7. Strawberries

Strawberries are a delicious fruit that can be grown in many gardens, but they shouldn't be planted near lettuce. Strawberries attract pests such as slugs and snails, which can damage lettuce leaves. Additionally, strawberries have a high nutrient requirement, which can deplete the soil of the nutrients that lettuce needs to grow.

How to avoid:

If you want to grow strawberries, make sure to keep them at least 2 feet away from your lettuce plants.

8. Fennel

Fennel is a herb that is commonly used in cooking, but it doesn't make a good companion plant for lettuce. Fennel attracts pests such as aphids and spider mites, which can damage lettuce leaves. Additionally, fennel has strong oils that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants.

How to avoid:

If you want to grow fennel, make sure to keep it at least 2 feet away from your lettuce plants.

9. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a popular garden vegetable, but they don't get along well with lettuce. Cucumbers attract pests such as cucumber beetles and spider mites, which can damage lettuce leaves. Additionally, cucumbers have a high nutrient requirement, which can deplete the soil of the nutrients that lettuce needs to grow.

How to avoid:

If you want to grow cucumbers, make sure to keep them at least 3 feet away from your lettuce plants.

10. Sage

Sage is a herb that is commonly used in cooking, but it doesn't make a good companion plant for lettuce. Sage attracts pests such as cabbage moths, which can damage lettuce leaves. Additionally, sage has strong oils that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants.

How to avoid:

If you want to grow sage, make sure to keep it at least 2 feet away from your lettuce plants.

While there are many plants that get along well with lettuce, there are also many that don't. By avoiding planting these bad companion plants near your lettuce, you can help ensure a healthy and productive garden.

FAQs

Q1: Can I plant spinach near lettuce?

A: Yes, spinach is a good companion plant for lettuce. It helps repel pests and improves soil health.

Q2: What plants make good companion plants for lettuce?

A: Plants that make good companion plants for lettuce include carrots, radishes, onions, and herbs such as basil and parsley.

Q3: How far apart should I plant lettuce and its companions?

A: The distance between lettuce and its companions will depend on the specific plants involved. As a general rule, keep plants at least 2-3 feet apart.