If you're a garlic lover, you know that this pungent herb is not only delicious but also has many health benefits. Garlic is easy to grow at home and is a versatile addition to any kitchen. But did you know that there are certain plants that make the best companions for your garlic?
In this blog post, we'll share the good garlic companion plants for your garden. With these helpful tips, you'll be able to create a thriving garlic patch that will provide you with plenty of bulbs for cooking and other uses. Keep reading for information about the benefits of garlic and the key to successful garlic companion planting.
What are companion plants?
Companion plants are plants that work together to provide benefits for each other. They can help improve the growth and health of each other, as well as protect them from pests and diseases. When planting garlic bulbs, it's important to choose companions that will have a positive effect on its growth. Companion Planting Planners can also help you to plan your garden beds before you plant so you can take advantage of companion planting.
Best garlic companion plants for your garden
1. Alliums
Alliums are a type of onion that includes garlic, leeks, and shallots. They share a similar pungent flavor and can be used in many of the same dishes. Planting alliums near your garlic will help to repel pests and improve their growth.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a great companion when you plant garlic, as they help to improve its flavor and growth. They also act as a natural repellent for many pests and diseases.
3. Basil
Basil is a delicious herb that is often used in Italian dishes. It has a strong, peppery flavor that pairs well with garlic. planting basil near your garlic will help to improve its flavor and growth.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is often used in Mediterranean dishes. It has a woody, earthy flavor that goes well with garlic. Planting rosemary near your garlic will help to improve its flavor and growth.
5. Sage
Sage is another fragrant herb that is often used in Mediterranean dishes. It has a peppery, earthy flavor that goes well with garlic. Planting sage near your garlic will help to improve its flavor and growth.
6. Mint
Mint is a refreshing herb that is often used in drinks and desserts. It has a strong, menthol flavor that pairs well with garlic. planting mint near your garlic will help to improve its flavor and growth.
7. Fruit Trees:
Fruit trees can also benefit from companion planting with garlic. Garlic will help repel borers and mites. It can also help protect against things like apple scab or leaf curl in peach trees or apple trees.
8. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are another type of flower that is often used in gardens to repel pests. They have a peppery flavor and can be used in salads or as a garnish. Planting nasturtiums near your garlic will help to keep pests away and improve their growth.
9. Petunias
Petunias are beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors. They have a sweet, floral scent that attracts beneficial insects to your garden. Planting petunias near your garlic will help to improve its yield
10. Zinnias
Zinnias are brightly-colored flowers that attract bees and other pollinators to your garden. They have a sweet, fruity flavor and can be used in salads or as a garnish. Companion planting garlic with zinnias will help to improve its growth and yield.
11. Chives
Chives are a type of onion that shares a similar pungent flavor with garlic. They can be used in many of the same dishes and make a great companion plant for garlic. Planting chives near your garlic will help to improve its growth and flavor.
12. Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant herb that is often used in Mediterranean dishes. It has a woody, earthy flavor that goes well with garlic. Planting thyme near your garlic will help to improve its flavor and growth.
13. Oregano
Oregano is a fragrant herb that is often used in Italian dishes. It has a strong, peppery flavor that pairs well with garlic. Planting oregano near your garlic will help to improve its flavor and growth.
14. Cilantro
Cilantro is a fragrant herb that is often used in Mexican and Asian dishes. It has a fresh, citrusy flavor that goes well with garlic. Planting cilantro near your garlic will help to improve its flavor and growth.
15. Parsley
Parsley is a fragrant herb that is often used in Italian and Mediterranean dishes. It has a fresh, herbal flavor that goes well with garlic bulbs. Planting parsley near your garlic will help to improve its flavor and growth.
When planting garlic, it's important to choose companions that will have a positive effect on its growth. By using these plants in your garden, you can help to improve the yield and flavor of your garlic cloves, as well as protect it from pests and diseases.
Benefits of using companion plants in your garden
There are many reasons to consider using companion plants in your garden, but here are a few of the most important ones:
1.ÌýImprove the growth and yield of your plants
Companion plants can help to improve the growth and yield of your plants by providing them with nutrients, water, and sunlight.
2. Repel pests and diseases
Companion plants with garlic deter pests and diseases by releasing toxins or scents that deter them from attacking your plants. Also, garlic itself repels cabbage loopers, cabbage maggots and cabbage worms.
3. Attract beneficial insects
Companion plants can attract beneficial insects, such as bees and ladybugs, to your garden. These insects help to pollinate your plants and control insect pests including fungus, gnats, cabbage loopers, codling moths, aphids ants spider mites, Japanese beetles, snails, and onion flies.
4. Reduce the need for pesticides
By using companion plants in your garden, you can reduce the need for pesticides, which can be harmful to both your plants and the environment.
5. Improve the flavor of your food
Companion plants can improve the flavor of your food by providing it with essential nutrients and flavors.
6. Increase the diversity of your garden
 Companion plants can help to increase the diversity of your garden by providing a habitat for beneficial wildlife.
7. Enhance the aesthetics of your garden
Companion plants can help to enhance the aesthetics of your garden by providing color and interest.Â
8. Improve the soil quality
Companion plants can improve soil quality by adding organic matter and nutrients.
9. Provide support for other plants
Companion plants can provide support for other plants by climbing on them or intertwining their roots.
10. Create a more sustainable, eco-friendly garden
Companion plants can help to create a more sustainable, eco-friendly garden by reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and chemicals.
By using companion plants in your garden, you can enjoy all of the benefits that they have to offer. Not only will your plants be healthier and more productive, but your garden will also be more beautiful and sustainable.
Do all companion plants benefit from garlic?
No, not all companion plants will benefit from garlic. Some plants, such as fennel and beans, can actually have a negative effect on their growth. It's important to avoid planting garlic near these plants in order to ensure its success.
What should not be planted near garlic?
There are only a few plants that should not be planted near garlic, as they can have a negative effect on its growth. These plants include:
1. Fennel
Fennel is a plant that shares a similar flavor to garlic. However, it can have a negative effect on the flavor of garlic if it is planted too close.
2. Beans
Beans are a type of legume that contains a compound called "lectin." This compound can inhibit the growth of garlic if it is planted too close.
3. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a type of plant that contains a compound called "heliocides." This compound can inhibit the growth of garlic if it is planted too close.
4. Potatoes
Potatoes are a type of tuber that contains a compound called "solanine." This compound can inhibit the growth of garlic if it is planted too close.
5. Eggplants
Eggplants are a type of plant that contains a compound called "solamine." This compound can inhibit the growth of garlic if it is planted too close.
When planting garlic, it's important to avoid companions that will have a negative effect on its growth. By avoiding these plants in your garden, you can help to ensure that your garlic plants will thrive.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to using companion plants in your garden. However, not all companion plants will benefit from garlic. It's important to avoid planting garlic near plants that can have a negative effect on its growth, such as fennel, beans, sunflowers, potatoes, and eggplants. By avoiding these plants in your garden, you can help your garlic plants thrive.