What Can You Plant Next to Garlic?
Companion planting with garlic can significantly enhance your garden’s health and productivity. In short, you can plant many beneficial companions near garlic to repel pests and improve growth, including vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, beets, spinach, and herbs such as chamomile, rosemary, and sage.
The Benefits of Companion Planting with Garlic
Garlic isn’t just a kitchen staple; it’s a potent garden ally. The practice of companion planting, where you intentionally grow certain plants together, can bring a host of benefits when garlic is involved. Its strong scent, thanks to sulfur compounds, acts as a natural deterrent to many common garden pests.
- Pest Repellency: Garlic effectively repels aphids, cabbage moths, Japanese beetles, spider mites, and even some rodent species.
- Disease Prevention: The antifungal properties of garlic can help protect neighboring plants from fungal diseases.
- Improved Growth: Some companion plants, like chamomile, can promote healthier growth in garlic.
- Space Optimization: By carefully selecting companions, you can maximize space utilization in your garden.
Ideal Vegetable Companions for Garlic
Choosing the right vegetable companions can create a synergistic relationship, boosting overall garden health. Here are some excellent choices:
- Tomatoes: Garlic deters pests that commonly plague tomatoes, such as aphids and spider mites.
- Carrots: Garlic repels carrot root flies, a significant threat to carrot crops.
- Beets: Garlic’s pest-repelling qualities help protect beets from various pests.
- Spinach: Spinach benefits from the pest protection garlic offers, especially against aphids.
- Potatoes: Planting garlic near potatoes can deter potato beetles and other pests.
Helpful Herb Companions for Garlic
Many herbs thrive alongside garlic, enhancing its benefits and creating a fragrant, pest-resistant garden.
- Chamomile: Chamomile is said to improve the growth and flavor of garlic.
- Rosemary: This aromatic herb repels many pests that affect garlic and other garden plants.
- Sage: Similar to rosemary, sage helps deter pests and can enhance the overall health of the garden.
- Thyme: Thyme repels cabbage moths, a common pest that can damage garlic and other vegetables.
- Summer Savory: Savory is known to deter bean beetles, which can indirectly benefit garlic by reducing overall pest pressure in the garden.
Plants to Avoid Planting Near Garlic
While garlic has many beneficial companions, some plants suffer when planted nearby. Understanding these incompatible combinations is crucial for garden success.
- Peas and Beans: Garlic inhibits the growth of peas and beans. These legumes are nitrogen fixers, and garlic can interfere with this process.
- Asparagus: Garlic can stunt the growth of asparagus. The exact reason is not fully understood, but it is generally advised to keep these plants separate.
- Onions: While both are Alliums, planting them too close together can increase the risk of Allium-specific pests and diseases spreading, impacting both crops.
Planting Strategies for Garlic Companions
Effective companion planting requires strategic planning and execution. Consider these tips:
- Spacing: Ensure adequate spacing between garlic and its companions to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
- Timing: Plant companion plants at the appropriate time, considering their individual needs and growth cycles.
- Rotation: Rotate your crops regularly to prevent soil depletion and pest buildup.
- Observation: Monitor your plants closely for signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Adjust your planting strategy as needed.
Common Mistakes in Garlic Companion Planting
Even with careful planning, mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overcrowding: Planting too many companions too close together can create competition for resources and reduce air circulation.
- Ignoring Soil Requirements: Different plants have different soil requirements. Ensure that both garlic and its companions are planted in suitable soil.
- Neglecting Pest Control: Companion planting is not a substitute for proper pest control. Monitor your plants regularly and take action when necessary.
- Using Incompatible Combinations: As mentioned, planting incompatible plants near garlic can negatively impact their growth and yield.
Frequently Asked Questions About Companion Planting with Garlic
What are the best flowers to plant near garlic?
Marigolds are a great choice; they repel nematodes and other soil pests. Nasturtiums also work well by acting as a trap crop, attracting aphids away from other plants.
Can I plant strawberries near garlic?
While some gardeners have success, it’s not a universally recommended pairing. Garlic can sometimes impart a strong flavor to strawberries, which may not be desirable. Observe closely and adjust spacing if needed.
Does garlic help protect fruit trees?
Yes, planting garlic around the base of fruit trees can help deter certain pests, such as borers and aphids.
How far apart should I plant garlic and its companions?
A general guideline is to leave at least 6-12 inches between garlic and its companions. This allows for adequate air circulation and root growth.
Can I plant garlic in containers with other plants?
Yes, but choose smaller, complementary herbs or vegetables. Ensure the container is large enough and that the companion plants have similar watering needs. Avoid overcrowding the container.
Does garlic affect the taste of vegetables planted nearby?
Sometimes, yes. As noted earlier, this can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the plant and your preferences. It’s most commonly noticed with delicate fruits like strawberries.
What if my garlic is planted in raised beds? Does companion planting still work?
Absolutely! Raised beds provide excellent drainage and control over soil conditions, making companion planting even more effective. Remember to maintain appropriate spacing.
Can I plant garlic after a previous crop of companion plants?
Yes, rotating garlic with beneficial companion plants can improve soil health and reduce pest pressure. This is a great way to plan your garden season.
Does garlic repel deer?
While some anecdotal evidence suggests it might deter deer to some extent, garlic is not a reliable deer repellent. Other strategies, such as fencing or commercial repellents, are often necessary.
What kind of soil is best for garlic and its companion plants?
Garlic prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Ensure that your chosen companions have similar soil requirements or amend the soil accordingly. Good drainage is crucial for garlic.
Can I use garlic spray to deter pests on companion plants?
Yes, garlic spray is an effective and natural pest control option. However, always test it on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the plants.
Where can I find more information on companion planting for garlic?
Numerous resources are available online and in gardening books. University extension websites and local gardening clubs often provide region-specific advice. Experimentation in your own garden is also invaluable.