Beet's Best Buddies: Companion Plants for Your Vegetable Garden

Oleh Anonymous April 06, 2023 Post a Comment

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Companion Plants with Beets

If you're planning to grow beets in your vegetable garden, it's important to consider their companions. Companion planting is an age-old practice that involves growing different plants together to improve each other's growth and yield while discouraging pests and diseases. Here are some of the best companion plants to grow alongside beets:

1. Carrots

Beets and carrots are a classic pair in the garden, and for good reason. These root vegetables complement each other by sharing soil space and nutrients. Carrots also help break up the soil, making it easier for beets to grow deep roots. Plus, they both repel the same pests, such as carrot fly and flea beetles.

2. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic make great companions for beets because they deter pests like aphids and spider mites. Additionally, they help improve soil health by adding sulfur compounds that inhibit the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria.

3. Cabbage

Cabbage and beets are both members of the Brassicaceae family, so they share similar soil, water, and nutrient needs. Planting them together can help keep pests like cabbage worms and aphids at bay, as well as improve soil structure and fertility.

4. Lettuce and Spinach

Growing leafy greens like lettuce and spinach alongside beets can provide a natural shade cover that helps keep the soil cool and moist. These plants also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which help control pests like aphids and mites.

5. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are not only beautiful, but they can also help repel pests like aphids and squash bugs. They also attract beneficial insects like hoverflies that prey on harmful pests.

Other Tips for Companion Planting with Beets

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when planning your beet garden:

1. Avoid planting beets near other root vegetables.

Beets are susceptible to diseases like clubroot and nematodes, which can infect other members of the Brassicaceae family, such as turnips and radishes. It's best to plant them separately or with non-root vegetables.

2. Rotate your crops.

To prevent soil-borne diseases and pests from building up in the soil, it's important to rotate your crops every year. Ideally, you should wait at least three years before planting beets in the same spot again.

3. Consider planting herbs.

Herbs like basil, dill, and cilantro can help improve the flavor of your beets while also repelling pests like aphids and spider mites.

4. Use companion planting to reduce the need for pesticides.

By growing a variety of plants together, you can reduce the need for pesticides and other chemicals that can harm the environment and beneficial insects.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I plant beets with tomatoes?

No, it's not recommended to plant beets with tomatoes because they have different soil and nutrient requirements. Additionally, tomatoes attract pests like hornworms and whiteflies that can harm beets.

2. What are some other benefits of companion planting?

Companion planting can help improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce the need for pesticides. It can also provide a natural habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators.

3. Can I grow beets with flowers?

Yes, many flowers make great companions for beets. For example, marigolds can repel harmful pests like nematodes, while calendula can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

4. How much space do I need to plant beets with their companions?

The amount of space you'll need depends on the specific plants you're growing and how many you plan to plant. As a general rule, aim to give each plant enough space to grow to its full size without overcrowding.

5. What are some other vegetables that make good companions for beets?

Some other vegetables that make good companions for beets include beans, peas, and radishes. These plants can help fix nitrogen in the soil, which is essential for healthy plant growth.