If you’re a vegetable gardener, I’m sure you’ve tried growing peppers in your garden at least once.
Believe it or not, I actually had to plant peppers and throw away destroyed crops several times before I got the hang of it. The main issue: pest infestations every single time.
In today’s article, I’m going to share with you a long list of companion plants that I’ve personally experimented with for repelling pests and insects from my pepper plants.
Let’s dive straight into it, shall we?
What Is Companion Planting & Why Does It Work For Peppers?
So, before we get to the actual plants themselves, let’s first understand what on earth companion plants are and why they’re so useful.
Well, as the name suggests, companion plants are grown alongside other plants, and they essentially enhance growth or provide protection in the garden through their unique mechanisms.
Some might enhance growth by breaking up compacted soil, while others may emit certain compounds that confuse and repel pests. Both qualities have merit in the garden.
For peppers, companion plants can reduce common pest populations (aphids, thrips, beetles) as well as improve pollination, soil quality, and root health. In simple words, you want companion plants in your garden if your goal is to achieve optimal pepper plant growth and eventually fruit production.
Companion Plants That Support Pepper Health
1: Basil
Something quite unique about basil is that it not only repels harmful pests and insects from the garden, but also boosts flavor in nearby plants.
You can certainly expect aphid and thrip populations in your garden to begin disappearing once you plant basil in there. The herb thrives in full sun and can grow compactly next to peppers.
2: Marigolds
Marigolds are best known for deterring nematodes and beetles in the garden. French marigolds are ideal in raised beds as they attract beneficial insects that prey on harmful pests and can help drive them out in no time.
3: Chives
Chives repel aphids and have shallow roots that won’t compete with peppers. This fragrant herb is best for bed edges and containers. Chives were actually my first choice when I was dealing with pest issues in my pepper plants.
4: Carrots
Carrots can not only loosen up compact soil but also help pepper roots breathe better. Plant carrots early and give them enough space between rows to avoid overcrowding.
5: Onions
The strong, pungent aroma of onions can help keep aphids and spider mites away for good. Their upright growth and shallow roots make them a tidy, compact companion.
6: Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for aphids and other harmful creepy crawlies. Their trailing habit makes them perfect to fill gaps in raised beds or borders.
7: Lettuce
Although lettuce can take up some space, it’s fast-growing, shallow-rooted, and good for shading pepper roots during the scorching summer heat.
8: Spinach
Spinach is a cool-season leafy green that grows under pepper canopies early in the season. It can boost flavor in nearby plants and help retain soil moisture, which pepper plants need to grow and produce optimally.
9: Dill
Dill (aka: the perfect garnish) draws in predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings to the garden. However, you want to let it flower away from young pepper plants to avoid unwanted shade.
What Not To Plant With Peppers?
1: Fennel
When it comes to plants that you definitely shouldn’t pair with peppers, fennel is the first crop that comes to mind.
Although fennel is quite fragrant and productive in the garden, it actually releases certain compounds into the soil that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including peppers.
2: Brassicas
Brassicas (like cabbage, kale, or broccoli) and peppers don’t make a good, harmonious pairing because they have different growth needs and can compete for nutrients quite aggressively.
3: Beans
Though this one can vary depending on overall garden health and region, it’s generally advised not to pair beans with peppers as the beans can attract certain kinds of pests that peppers dislike.
Let’s Conclude
As much as I love companion plants, I do have to say that one needs to be careful and strategic about them.
Too many times, I see people suggesting plant pairs without taking into account the other person’s garden situation, free space, or what they aim to achieve through companion planting.
When it comes to growing peppers, the biggest challenge you face will probably be stunted growth and pest infestations. Therefore, when picking the right companion plant, figure out through what qualities or special mechanisms it can help you overcome those challenges. That’s all you need to know to pick the right companion plant!
