Companion Plants for Beets: A Guide to Maximizing Your Garden's Potential

Table of Contents

Best Companion Plants for Beets

Are you looking for plants that can grow alongside your beloved beets? Well, look no further because we're here to give you the best companion plants for beets!

What Are Companion Plants?

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants in close proximity to each other, often for mutual benefits such as pest control or nutrient uptake. In essence, it's like creating a natural support system for plants that can coexist and thrive together.

Why Do Beets Need Companion Plants?

Beets are known to have shallow roots and are prone to pests and diseases. Thus, it's important to choose companion plants that can protect them from predators and enhance their growth.

Without further ado, here are the best companion plants for beets:

List of Companion Plants for Beets

1. Carrots

Carrots and beets are two root vegetables that complement each other perfectly. They both prefer loose soil and require similar amounts of water and nutrients. Additionally, carrots attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, which can help keep pests away from your beets.

How to Plant:

Plant seeds of both crops at the same time and space them 2-3 inches apart.

Tips:

Make sure to water them regularly to prevent the soil from drying out.

2. Lettuce

Lettuce is a great companion plant for beets because it provides shade and helps retain moisture in the soil. Moreover, lettuce is a fast-growing crop that can be harvested before the beets are fully matured, allowing you to maximize your garden's potential.

How to Plant:

Plant lettuce seeds around the perimeter of your beet patch or in between rows.

Tips:

Harvest the lettuce when it reaches maturity to prevent overcrowding and competition for resources.

3. Onions

Onions are one of the best companion plants for beets because they repel pests such as aphids and carrot flies. They also improve soil health by releasing sulfur compounds that help deter harmful fungi and bacteria.

How to Plant:

Plant onion sets or seedlings between your beet rows.

Tips:

Avoid planting onions too close together to prevent stunted growth.

4. Garlic

Garlic is another great companion plant for beets that can help deter pests and promote healthy soil. It contains sulfur compounds that repel spider mites, aphids, and other harmful insects.

How to Plant:

Plant garlic cloves between your beet rows or in a separate bed nearby.

Tips:

Harvest garlic when the leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

5. Cabbage

Cabbage is a companion plant for beets that not only repels pests but also stimulates their growth. It contains glucosinolates, which break down into compounds that attract beneficial insects and improve soil quality.

How to Plant:

Plant cabbage seedlings or transplants between your beet rows.

Tips:

Avoid planting cabbage too close to your beets as they can compete for nutrients.

6. Beans

Beans are legumes that can fix nitrogen in the soil, which is essential for plant growth. They can also help deter pests such as beetles and caterpillars.

How to Plant:

Plant beans around the perimeter of your beet patch or in between rows.

Tips:

Avoid planting beans too close to your beets as they can cause shading and competition for resources.

7. Peas

Peas are another nitrogen-fixing legume that can support your beets' growth. They can also attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.

How to Plant:

Plant peas around the perimeter of your beet patch or in between rows.

Tips:

Avoid planting peas too close to your beets as they can cause shading and competition for resources.

8. Radishes

Radishes are a fast-growing crop that can be harvested before your beets reach maturity. They also help break up compacted soil and repel pests such as flea beetles.

How to Plant:

Plant radish seeds around the perimeter of your beet patch or in between rows.

Tips:

Harvest radishes when they reach maturity to prevent overcrowding and competition for resources.

9. Spinach

Spinach is a leafy green that can be grown alongside your beets to provide shade and retain moisture in the soil. It can also attract beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybugs.

How to Plant:

Plant spinach seeds around the perimeter of your beet patch or in between rows.

Tips:

Harvest spinach when it reaches maturity to prevent overcrowding and competition for resources.

10. Marigolds

Marigolds are a versatile flower that can be grown as a companion plant for beets. They repel pests such as nematodes and whiteflies and attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps.

How to Plant:

Plant marigold seeds or transplants around the perimeter of your beet patch or in between rows.

Tips:

Deadhead marigolds regularly to promote continuous blooming.

11. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are an edible flower that can be grown alongside your beets. They repel pests such as aphids and whiteflies and attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.

How to Plant:

Plant nasturtium seeds around the perimeter of your beet patch or in between rows.

Tips:

Harvest nasturtium flowers and leaves regularly to promote continuous blooming.

12. Chives

Chives are a herb that can be grown as a companion plant for beets. They repel pests such as aphids and improve soil health by releasing sulfur compounds.

How to Plant:

Plant chive seedlings or transplants between your beet rows.

Tips:

Harvest chives regularly to promote continuous growth.

13. Dill

Dill is a herb that can attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps. It can also repel pests such as spider mites and aphids.

How to Plant:

Plant dill seeds or transplants between your beet rows.

Tips:

Harvest dill leaves and seeds regularly to promote continuous growth.

14. Sage

Sage is a herb that can repel pests such as cabbage moths and improve soil health by releasing essential oils.

How to Plant:

Plant sage seedlings or transplants between your beet rows.

Tips:

Harvest sage leaves regularly to promote continuous growth.

15. Thyme

Thyme is a herb that can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies. It can also repel pests such as cabbage worms and carrot flies.

How to Plant:

Plant thyme seedlings or transplants between your beet rows.

Tips:

Harvest thyme leaves regularly to promote continuous growth.

FAQs

1. What are companion plants?

Companion plants are different plants grown in close proximity for mutual benefits such as pest control or nutrient uptake.

2. Why do beets need companion plants?

Beets have shallow roots and are prone to pests and diseases, thus requiring companion plants to protect them from predators and enhance their growth.

3. What are the best companion plants for beets?

Some of the best companion plants for beets include carrots, lettuce, onions, garlic, cabbage, beans, peas, radishes, spinach, marigolds, nasturtiums, chives, dill, sage, and thyme.

4. How do I plant companion plants for beets?

Plant companion plants at the same time and space them 2-3 inches apart. Avoid planting too close together to prevent competition for resources.

5. How do I care for my companion plants for beets?

Water them regularly to prevent the soil from drying out. Harvest crops when they reach maturity to prevent overcrowding and competition for resources.

Image best companion plants for beets

Companion Planting Beets Annual Plantsannual beets companion

Pin on Gardening

The Best Companion Plants for Dill Gardeners Path Herb companion

This year we are growing beets for the first time and wondered what is

Beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua Hbner Lepidoptera Noctuidae

Pin on Potager

Perfect Roasted Beets are tender flavorful and vibrant in color These

Raised Bed Companion Planting with Beans Beets and Marigolds Garden

The Best Companion Plants for Cucumbers in the Backyard Garden in 2020

10 Companion Plants to Grow With Beets Companion Planting Companion