Companion Plants for Peas: Boosting Growth and Yield

Table of Contents

Good Companion Plants for Peas

Peas are a popular choice for home gardeners due to their sweet taste and nutritional value. However, they can benefit from being planted alongside other compatible plants. Companion planting is the practice of growing different plant species together for mutual benefits. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for peas.

1. Carrots

Carrots and peas are great companions as they both have similar soil requirements. Carrots grow well in loose, well-drained soil that is free from rocks and debris. They also require adequate moisture to germinate and grow. Peas help improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, which carrots need to thrive. Additionally, carrots help break up the soil and allow air and water to penetrate deeper into the ground, benefiting the pea roots.

How to Plant:

Plant carrot seeds directly in the ground in early spring, approximately 2-3 weeks before planting peas. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, and space them 1-2 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart.

2. Radishes

Radishes are fast-growing and can be harvested in as little as three weeks. They have shallow roots that help to aerate the soil and make it easier for pea roots to grow. Radishes also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on pests that can damage pea plants.

How to Plant:

Sow radish seeds in the same row as the peas, or in between the pea rows. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and space them 1-2 inches apart. As the radishes grow, thin them out to allow more space for the pea plants.

3. Beans

Beans are another great companion plant for peas as they also fix nitrogen in the soil. Peas and beans have a mutually beneficial relationship as they can share nutrients and support each other's growth. Additionally, beans help to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation, keeping the soil moist for the peas.

How to Plant:

Sow bean seeds directly in the ground at the same time as the peas. Space them 2-4 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Alternatively, you can interplant bean and pea seeds in the same row.

4. Lettuce

Lettuce is a cool-season crop that grows well alongside peas. It has shallow roots that don't compete with the pea roots for nutrients and moisture. Lettuce also provides shade for the soil, helping to retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing.

How to Plant:

Plant lettuce seeds in between the pea rows or in the same row as the peas. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 6-8 inches apart. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.

5. Spinach

Spinach is another cool-season crop that makes a great companion for peas. It has deep roots that help to aerate the soil and improve drainage. Spinach also adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes.

How to Plant:

Sow spinach seeds in the same row as the peas, or in between the pea rows. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and space them 2-4 inches apart. Thin out the seedlings as they grow to allow more space for the pea plants.

6. Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular companion plant for many vegetables, including peas. They have a strong scent that repels pests like nematodes and aphids. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on pest insects.

How to Plant:

Plant marigold seeds in between the pea rows or in the same row as the peas. Space them 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Marigolds can also be grown in containers placed near the pea plants.

7. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a vining plant that can be trained to grow up trellises alongside pea plants. They provide shade for the soil and help to conserve moisture. Cucumbers also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can benefit both the cucumber and pea plants.

How to Plant:

Plant cucumber seeds at the same time as the peas, either in the same row or in a nearby container. Train the cucumber vines up a trellis or support structure alongside the pea plants.

8. Tomatoes

Tomatoes and peas are compatible plants that can benefit from being grown together. Tomatoes have deep roots that help to aerate the soil and improve drainage. They also provide shade for the soil and help to conserve moisture. Additionally, tomatoes can deter pests like aphids and whiteflies that can damage pea plants.

How to Plant:

Plant tomato seedlings in the same row as the peas or in a nearby container. Space them 18-24 inches apart and provide support structures for the tomato vines to climb.

9. Chives

Chives are a herb that can be grown alongside peas to help deter pests like aphids and thrips. They also attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which can help to control pest populations.

How to Plant:

Plant chive seeds in between the pea rows or in the same row as the peas. Space them 6-12 inches apart and harvest the leaves as needed.

10. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a colorful flower that can be grown alongside peas to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. They also have a strong scent that repels pests like aphids and whiteflies.

How to Plant:

Sow nasturtium seeds in between the pea rows or in the same row as the peas. Space them 6-12 inches apart and provide support structures for the vines to climb.

11. Oregano

Oregano is a herb that can be grown alongside peas to help deter pests like aphids and spider mites. It also attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which can help to control pest populations.

How to Plant:

Plant oregano seeds in between the pea rows or in the same row as the peas. Space them 6-12 inches apart and harvest the leaves as needed.

12. Sage

Sage is another herb that can help to deter pests like cabbage moths and carrot flies when grown alongside peas. It also attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps.

How to Plant:

Plant sage seeds in between the pea rows or in the same row as the peas. Space them 6-12 inches apart and harvest the leaves as needed.

13. Dill

Dill is a herb that can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. These insects can help to control pest populations that can damage pea plants.

How to Plant:

Sow dill seeds in between the pea rows or in the same row as the peas. Space them 6-12 inches apart and harvest the leaves as needed.

14. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a tall plant that can provide shade for the soil and help to conserve moisture. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can benefit both the sunflower and pea plants.

How to Plant:

Plant sunflower seeds in a nearby container or in between the pea rows. Space them 18-24 inches apart and provide support structures for the sunflower stalks to grow upright.

15. Corn

Corn is a tall plant that can provide shade for the soil and help to conserve moisture. It also has deep roots that help to aerate the soil and improve drainage.

How to Plant:

Plant corn seeds in a nearby container or in between the pea rows. Space them 12-18 inches apart and provide support structures for the corn stalks to grow upright.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are companion plants for peas?

Companion plants for peas are other plant species that can benefit from being grown alongside pea plants. Some good companion plants for peas include carrots, beans, lettuce, and radishes.

2. Why do peas need companion plants?

Peas can benefit from companion plants in several ways, including improving soil fertility, deterring pests and diseases, and providing shade and support.

3. Can I grow peas with tomatoes?

Yes, peas can be grown with tomatoes as they are compatible plants that can benefit from being grown together. Tomatoes have deep roots that help to aerate the soil and improve drainage.

4. What herbs can be grown with peas?

Many herbs can be grown with peas, including chives, oregano, sage, and dill. These herbs can help to deter pests and attract beneficial insects.

5. Can I plant peas with cucumbers?

Yes, peas can be planted with cucumbers as they are compatible plants that can benefit from being grown together. Cucumbers provide shade for the soil and attract pollinators, which can benefit both the cucumber and pea plants.

That's it for our guide on good companion plants for peas! By planting these compatible plant species alongside your pea plants, you can boost their growth and yield while also deterring pests and improving soil health. Happy gardening!

Image good companion plants for peas

Sweet peas Sweet pea Garden Plants

Want to stop pests ruining your crops Try companion planting with

17 Best images about companion planting on Pinterest Meat dish

Companion Plants for Peas in 2020 Companion planting Plants Garden

Pea Plant Companions What Are Plants That Grow With Peas Companion

Companion planting runner beans emperor and sweet peas Planting

Pin on Gardening

Gardening Companion Planting Chart JUN 18 EDIBLE YARDS GROW IT

45 Best good companion plants images Plants Companion planting

Peas June 2013 Plants Peas Lottie