10 Plants That Grow Well With Peppers

Oleh Anonymous January 19, 2024 Post a Comment

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Peppers are a popular vegetable in many gardens, but did you know that they can benefit from growing alongside certain other plants? Companion planting is the practice of growing two or more plants together for mutual benefit. In this article, we'll explore 10 plants that grow well with peppers and why they make great companions.

Peppers as a Companion Plant

Peppers are known for their spicy flavor and colorful fruits. They are also a great companion plant for many vegetables and herbs. Here are some reasons why:

Pest Control

Peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that repels many insects and pests. When grown alongside other plants, it can help protect them from damage caused by pests.

Soil Health

Peppers have shallow roots and benefit from the presence of deep-rooted plants that can help break up hard soil and improve drainage.

Complementary Nutrient Needs

Different plants require different nutrients to thrive. Peppers have high nutrient needs, and growing them alongside plants that have complementary nutrient requirements can help ensure that both plants receive the nutrients they need.

10 Plants That Grow Well With Peppers

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes and peppers are both members of the nightshade family and have similar nutrient requirements. They also make great companions because tomatoes can help shade the pepper plants during hot summer months, which can help prevent sunscald on the fruit.

How to Grow:

Plant tomatoes and peppers together in well-draining soil. Tomatoes should be planted on the north side of the pepper plants to provide shade.

2. Basil

Basil is a fragrant herb that can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. It's also a great companion plant for peppers because it has shallow roots that won't compete with the peppers for nutrients.

How to Grow:

Plant basil around the base of the pepper plants or in between rows. Be sure to keep the soil moist, as basil prefers consistently moist soil.

3. Onions

Onions are another great companion plant for peppers because they also repel pests and have complementary nutrient needs. They also help improve soil health by breaking up hard soil and adding organic matter.

How to Grow:

Plant onions in the same row as the pepper plants, but space them about 6 inches apart. Be sure to plant them in well-draining soil.

4. Garlic

Garlic is in the same family as onions and has similar benefits when grown alongside peppers. It can repel pests, improve soil health, and add flavor to your garden harvest.

How to Grow:

Plant garlic in the same row as the pepper plants, spacing them about 4-6 inches apart. Garlic prefers well-draining soil and consistent moisture.

5. Marigolds

Marigolds are known for their bright, cheerful flowers, but they also make great companion plants for peppers. They can help repel pests like aphids and nematodes, and their strong scent can confuse pests searching for their preferred host plant.

How to Grow:

Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your pepper garden, or intersperse them throughout the rows. Be sure to deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.

6. Cilantro

Cilantro is a flavorful herb that can help attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests in your garden. It's also a great companion plant for peppers because it has shallow roots that won't compete with the peppers for nutrients.

How to Grow:

Plant cilantro around the base of the pepper plants or in between rows. Cilantro prefers well-draining soil and moderate moisture.

7. Spinach

Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that can help improve soil health by adding organic matter and breaking up hard soil. It's also a great companion plant for peppers because it has shallow roots that won't compete with the peppers for nutrients.

How to Grow:

Plant spinach in between rows of pepper plants, or in a separate bed nearby. Spinach prefers well-draining soil and consistent moisture.

8. Beans

Beans are a great companion plant for peppers because they can help fix nitrogen in the soil, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. They can also help shade the pepper plants during hot summer months.

How to Grow:

Plant beans in between rows of pepper plants, or in a separate bed nearby. Be sure to provide support for the bean vines.

9. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a beautiful flowering plant that can help repel pests like aphids and whiteflies. They're also edible and can add a peppery flavor to salads and other dishes.

How to Grow:

Plant nasturtiums around the perimeter of your pepper garden or intersperse them throughout the rows. Be sure to deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.

10. Carrots

Carrots are a root vegetable that can help improve soil health by breaking up hard soil and adding organic matter. They also have complementary nutrient needs when grown alongside peppers.

How to Grow:

Plant carrots in between rows of pepper plants, or in a separate bed nearby. Be sure to plant them in well-draining soil.

Growing peppers alongside other plants can be beneficial for both the peppers and their companion plants. Whether you're looking to improve soil health, repel pests, or provide shade, there are many plants that make great companions for peppers. By incorporating companion planting into your gardening practice, you can create a more diverse and resilient garden.

FAQs

1. Can I grow peppers and tomatoes together?

Yes, peppers and tomatoes make great companions because they have similar nutrient requirements and can help shade each other during hot summer months.

2. Do onions and garlic need a lot of water?

Onions and garlic prefer well-draining soil and moderate moisture. Be sure not to overwater them, as this can lead to rot.

3. How do beans fix nitrogen in the soil?

Beans have nodules on their roots that contain bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use.

4. Can I eat nasturtiums?

Yes, nasturtiums are edible and can add a peppery flavor to salads and other dishes.

5. How often should I deadhead marigolds?

Deadhead marigolds regularly to encourage new blooms. Aim to remove spent flowers every 2-3 days.

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