Gardening Pros Says Growing These Plants Near Peppers Helps Them Thrive

Cilantro attracts hoverflies, whose larvae feed on aphids and other soft-bodied pests. Because it prefers cool weather, cilantro may struggle in hot climates. Plant it in spring and fall for the best results.

Parsley is a biennial that produces leafy growth in its first year and flowers in its second. Its nectar-rich blooms attract predatory wasps that help control garden pests, and it serves as a host plant for black swallowtail butterflies.

Thyme forms a dense, low-growing mat that helps suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture. This hardy perennial also produces nectar-rich flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.

Rosemary’s aromatic foliage adds diversity to the garden and produces flowers that attract pollinators. It is a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 8–10, so gardeners in colder regions may want to grow it in a container and provide winter protection. Outside its hardiness range, rosemary is often grown as an annual.

Dill attracts a variety of beneficial insects, including ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps, which help control common garden pests. However, it can become large and competitive if left unchecked, so it’s best to harvest it regularly. Dill is also a host plant for black swallowtail butterflies.

Although often grown as an herb, chives are members of the allium family, which also includes onions and garlic. Their strong scent may help discourage pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. When allowed to flower, chives produce nectar-rich blooms that attract bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects.

Garlic is commonly included in companion plantings because of its strong aroma and compact growth habit. As a cool-season crop, garlic is typically planted in the fall and harvested the following summer. It also makes good use of garden space during the off-season, keeping beds productive while helping protect and improve the soil before the next growing season.

Onions are commonly grown alongside other vegetables because their compact root systems make efficient use of garden space. This cool-season crop is typically planted in early spring and harvested by early summer. For the best results, start with seedlings or transplants rather than onion sets (small dormant bulbs), which are more likely to bolt and generally produce less reliable harvests.

Shallots offer many of the same advantages as onions, including a compact growth habit that works well in small gardens. Their slender roots create little competition for neighboring plants, and as they grow, they can help improve soil structure by gently loosening the soil around them.

Leeks have a deep, narrow root system that takes up very little lateral space, making them easy to tuck between other crops. Their upright growth habit allows neighboring plants plenty of room to grow while making efficient use of garden space.

Marigolds help suppress root-knot nematodes, microscopic soil-dwelling pests that damage plant roots. Their cheerful yellow, gold, and orange blooms also add color to the garden while attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects.

Nasturtiums are often used as a trap crop, attracting aphids and drawing them away from nearby vegetables. Their bright, colorful flowers also attract pollinators, and every part of the plant, including the leaves, blooms, and seeds, is edible, adding a peppery flavor to salads and other dishes.

Petunias provide nonstop color throughout the growing season and attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies. They are also believed to help deter pests such as hornworms and certain beetles by adding visual and scent diversity, making host plants harder for insects to find.

Calendula’s bright, daisy-like blooms attract pollinators and beneficial insects, adding color and biodiversity to the garden. Its long bloom period provides a steady source of nectar, helping support a healthy population of beneficial insects throughout the growing season.

Cosmos produce an abundance of blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season. Their tall, airy growth habit adds height and visual interest without crowding nearby vegetables.

Carrots develop long taproots that help loosen compacted soil and improve soil structure. Because they grow primarily below ground, they make efficient use of space and compete minimally with neighboring plants for nutrients.

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Radishes are fast-growing root vegetables that help loosen compacted soil while peppers are still getting established. Because they mature quickly, they can be harvested long before pepper plants reach full size. They’re also among the easiest spring vegetables to grow, making them a great choice for maximizing garden space.

Cucumbers are fast-growing, heavy-producing vines that can yield an impressive harvest in a small space. For best results, grow them vertically on a trellis or other support. Their leafy vines can provide light afternoon shade for peppers during the hottest part of the season.

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