Companion planting is a practice where certain plants are grown together to benefit each other in various ways, such as improving growth, repelling pests, or enhancing flavor. When it comes to onions and garlic, there are several companion plants that can be beneficial to their growth and overall health.
1. Chamomile: Chamomile is a great companion for onions and garlic as it helps to improve their flavor. Planting chamomile near onions and garlic can enhance their taste and aroma.
2. Dill: Dill is not only a flavorful herb but also a beneficial companion for onions and garlic. It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on pests that may attack onion and garlic plants.
3. Savory: Savory is known to enhance the growth and flavor of onions and garlic. It also helps to repel pests like aphids and spider mites, which can cause damage to these plants.
4. Parsley: Parsley is a versatile herb that can be grown alongside onions and garlic. It helps to repel carrot flies, which can affect the growth of onions, and also attracts beneficial insects.
5. Beets: Beets are compatible with onions and garlic as they have similar soil and water requirements. Additionally, planting beets near onions and garlic can help deter pests like aphids and nematodes.
6. Sweet peppers: Sweet peppers and onions make excellent companions as they have similar growth habits and can be grown together without competing for resources. Interplanting them can also help repel pests like onion flies and aphids.
7. Spinach: Spinach is a cool-season crop that can be grown alongside onions and garlic. It provides shade to the bulbs, helps conserve moisture in the soil, and deters pests like onion thrips.
8. Lettuce: Lettuce is a shallow-rooted plant that can be grown between rows of onions and garlic. It acts as a living mulch, keeping the soil cool and moist, while also deterring weeds.
9. Parsnips: Parsnips can be planted alongside onions and garlic as they have a deep root system that helps break up compacted soil. They also attract beneficial insects and provide shade to the bulbs.
In addition to these companion plants, it is worth mentioning that onions and garlic themselves have natural pest-repellent properties. They can help deter insect pests such as aphids, carrot flies, and onion flies. Planting them near strawberries and peaches can help protect these fruits from pest infestations.
It is important to note that while companion planting can have benefits, it is not a foolproof method and may vary depending on the specific conditions of your garden. It is always a good idea to observe and experiment with different plant combinations to find what works best for your garden.