9 Companion Plants For Onions – Pots, Containers, Garden

Companion plants are more important than you think.

Growing certain vegetables and plants together strengthens both plants. If you want to have strong onions, you must plant other plants along with them that help the onions grow and become stronger.

Some plants will help onions grow, while others will repel pests. It’s all about balance.

9 Companion Plants For Onions – Pots, Containers, Garden

This section discusses all about the potential companion plants for onions and why certain pairings may work better than others.

Let’s get after it, shall we?

9 – Chamomile

Most people only know chamomile because of chamomile tea. But, trust me, a chamomile plant exists too…

Even though onions naturally have pest-repellent properties, a chamomile plant can further enhance this effect by attracting good insects that prey on pests and enhance the garden ecosystem.

Also, both plants fortunately have completely different root systems and growth habits, meaning they don’t compete for nutrients and resources in the soil.

8 – Marigolds

Marigolds somehow always make it to such lists. They have a strong scent to offer which naturally repels pests and insects that may try to infest your mature onions.

Pairing marigolds with onions also adds wonderful color diversity to the garden and contrasting forms since marigolds grow tall and bright while onions mostly remain underground and only sprout basic green leaves.

7 – Beets

Pairing onions with beets in the garden can be a fantastic idea.

Their root systems and growth patterns are quite different from each other, meaning they likely won’t compete in the soil for nutrients and space.

Since onions also repel pests, they will safeguard the beets and reduce the chances of disease/infestation spreading in the crop. 

6 – Lettuce

Some people love lettuce while for others…you can just say it’s their worst enemy…

If you’re a fan of lettuce, it’s a good idea to pair it with the onion in your garden.

Onions typically have much shallower roots and grow vertically whereas lettuce mostly grows in a rosette pattern above the ground. This difference in root system suggests both plants probably won’t create competition in the soil and will allow each other to grow without constant stress. 

5 – Spinach

The ultimate vegetable to eat if you want jacked forearms. Well…not really…guess we can’t all be Popeye, right?

Anyways, the combination of onion and spinach in the garden works very well for two reasons.

4 – Celery

Celery and onion in the same garden sounds like you’re getting ready to open up your own pickle business. But, all jokes apart, this is a very productive idea. 

The natural pest-repellent scent of onions will keep the garden ecosystem clean and reduce pest pressure from your celery.

However, the main advantage of having the two together in your garden is that they both have different root depths and systems which means less competition in the garden and more productive soil.  

3 – Parsley

The pairing of onion and parsley is a special one. Whether you choose to plant these in your garden or a container, parsley will create a better environment for the onions since they attract beneficial insects that prey on crop-destroying pests.

Unfortunately, onions are susceptible to spider mites and aphid infestations, so having good insects in the garden ecosystem can be very beneficial in the long run. 

2 – Sage

Sage naturally has excellent insect-repellent properties which will protect onions against pests and common insects.

1 – Oregano

Combining onions with oregano in the garden attracts good insects like lace flies that eliminate pests. 

Final Words

Sometimes, just one plant isn’t enough; it needs a companion or, rather, seeks one. 

Planting a companion plant for your onions can prove to be beneficial not only in terms of better onion yield but also improved overall garden ecosystem.

Now, choosing which companion plant to go with is up to you. I mean…it’s your garden, right?

You’re free to pair the plants however you want, as long as they complement each other and won’t compete in the soil for important resources and nutrients.