The Top 10 Worst Companion Plants for Onions

Oleh Anonymous April 28, 2022 Post a Comment

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If you're growing onions in your garden, you know they can be a little finicky. They require the right amount of water, nutrients, and sunlight to grow properly. But did you know that what you plant near your onions can also have an impact on their growth? Some plants can actually hinder onion growth and even attract pests. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 worst companion plants for onions.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes and onions are both popular garden crops, but they don't make good companions. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and will compete with onions for nutrients in the soil. They also attract similar pests, like aphids and whiteflies, which can spread disease between the two crops. If you must plant tomatoes near your onions, make sure to give them plenty of space and avoid planting them too close together.

Alternatives to planting tomatoes near onions

If you want to grow tomatoes and onions in the same garden bed, consider using a raised bed or container gardening. This way, you can control the soil quality and prevent competition between the two crops. You can also try planting herbs like basil or thyme near your onions instead. These herbs repel pests and can improve the flavor of your onions.

Beans

Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they add nitrogen to the soil as they grow. While this can be beneficial for some crops, it's not ideal for onions. Onions prefer soil that is low in nitrogen, as too much nitrogen can cause them to produce more foliage than bulbs. Planting beans near your onions can also attract pests like bean beetles and aphids.

Alternatives to planting beans near onions

If you want to add nitrogen to your soil, consider planting legumes like peas or clover instead of beans. These plants fix nitrogen in a way that doesn't harm nearby crops. You can also try interplanting your onions with other non-nitrogen-fixing crops like lettuce or radishes.

Peppers

Peppers and onions are both members of the nightshade family, but they don't make good companions. Peppers are heavy feeders and will compete with onions for nutrients in the soil. They also attract similar pests, like flea beetles and spider mites, which can damage both crops.

Alternatives to planting peppers near onions

If you want to grow peppers and onions in the same garden bed, make sure to give them plenty of space and avoid planting them too close together. You can also try planting herbs like oregano or marjoram near your onions. These herbs repel pests and can improve the flavor of your onions.

Cabbage Family

The cabbage family includes vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. While these crops are great for your health, they're not great for your onions. The cabbage family is prone to attracting pests like thrips and maggots, which can spread to your onions. They also have similar nutrient requirements, which can lead to competition in the soil.

Alternatives to planting cabbage family near onions

If you want to grow cabbage family crops and onions in the same garden bed, make sure to give them plenty of space and avoid planting them too close together. You can also try planting herbs like dill or chamomile near your onions. These herbs repel pests and can improve the flavor of your onions.

Carrots

Onions and carrots are often planted together in the garden, but they're not the best companions. Carrots prefer loose soil that is free of rocks and other obstructions, while onions prefer compact soil. Planting carrots near your onions can also attract onion maggots, which can damage both crops.

Alternatives to planting carrots near onions

If you want to grow carrots and onions in the same garden bed, make sure to give them plenty of space and avoid planting them too close together. You can also try interplanting your onions with other non-root crops like spinach or lettuce.

Asparagus

Asparagus is another crop that doesn't make a good companion for onions. Asparagus has a deep root system that can compete with onions for nutrients in the soil. It's also prone to attracting pests like asparagus beetles, which can damage nearby crops.

Alternatives to planting asparagus near onions

If you want to grow asparagus and onions in the same garden bed, make sure to give them plenty of space and avoid planting them too close together. You can also try planting herbs like parsley or basil near your onions. These herbs repel pests and can improve the flavor of your onions.

Herbs

While many herbs are great companions for onions, there are a few that should be avoided. Mint, for example, can be invasive and will take over your garden if left unchecked. It's also prone to attracting pests like spider mites and aphids, which can spread to your onions.

Alternatives to planting mint near onions

If you want to grow mint and onions in the same garden bed, consider using a container or planting it in a separate area of your garden. You can also try planting herbs like rosemary or thyme near your onions. These herbs repel pests and can improve the flavor of your onions.

Other Alliums

While onions are part of the allium family, they don't make good companions for other alliums like garlic or leeks. Alliums have similar nutrient requirements and can compete with each other in the soil. They're also prone to attracting similar pests, like onion maggots and thrips.

Alternatives to planting other alliums near onions

If you want to grow other alliums and onions in the same garden bed, make sure to give them plenty of space and avoid planting them too close together. You can also try interplanting your onions with non-allium crops like lettuce or radishes.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers and onions don't make good companions because cucumbers are heavy feeders and will compete with onions for nutrients in the soil. Cucumbers are also prone to attracting pests like cucumber beetles and spider mites, which can spread to your onions.

Alternatives to planting cucumbers near onions

If you want to grow cucumbers and onions in the same garden bed, make sure to give them plenty of space and avoid planting them too close together. You can also try planting herbs like cilantro or dill near your onions. These herbs repel pests and can improve the flavor of your onions.

Potatoes

Potatoes and onions both require a lot of nutrients to grow, but they don't make good companions. Potatoes are heavy feeders and will compete with onions for nutrients in the soil. They're also prone to attracting pests like potato beetles and wireworms, which can damage nearby crops.

Alternatives to planting potatoes near onions

If you want to grow potatoes and onions in the same garden bed, make sure to give them plenty of space and avoid planting them too close together. You can also try interplanting your onions with other non-root crops like lettuce or spinach.

Growing onions can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to choose the right companions for them. Avoid planting tomatoes, beans, peppers, cabbage family crops, carrots, asparagus, mint, other alliums, cucumbers, and potatoes near your onions. Instead, consider planting herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary, or interplanting your onions with non-competitive crops like lettuce or radishes.

FAQs

1. Can I plant garlic near my onions?

Yes, garlic is a member of the allium family but it makes a good companion for onions because it repels pests like onion maggots.

2. Should I plant onions near my tomatoes?

No, tomatoes and onions are not good companions because they compete for nutrients and attract similar pests.

3. Can I grow lettuce near my onions?

Yes, lettuce makes a great companion for onions because it doesn't compete for nutrients and can help keep the soil moist.

4. What should I do if my onions are attracting pests?

Try planting pest-repelling herbs like basil, dill, or cilantro near your onions. You can also use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.

5. How far apart should I plant my onions from other crops?

It depends on the crop, but in general, you should give your onions at least 6 inches of space on all sides to prevent competition for nutrients and water.