Introduction
Beets are one of the easiest and most rewarding root vegetables to grow. With their vibrant colors, earthy flavor, and edible greens, they bring both beauty and nutrition to your garden. But to get the best results, companion planting with beets can make all the difference. Knowing which beets companion plants to grow nearby—and what not to plant with beets—helps you deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and make the most of your garden space.
This guide explores the best and worst companion plants for beets, explaining how each relationship affects your crop and how to plan your garden for strong, healthy plants all season long. And if you're looking to expand your garden with something new, check out these unique beet varieties to cultivate in your garden for added color, flavor, and interest.
Understanding Beetroot Companion Planting
Beetroot companion planting is based on the idea that some plants naturally help each other grow, while others compete for nutrients or attract unwanted pests. Certain companions loosen the soil, provide shade, or repel insects, while some plants can actually hinder beet growth.
Beets are a root vegetable that prefer full sun and loamy, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Because they have shallow roots and grow relatively quickly, they pair well with crops that won’t crowd them or compete for nutrients.
You can start with beet seeds directly in the garden, in raised beds, or even in containers. Whether you’re new to beet growing or expanding your existing patch, understanding the benefits of companion planting will help you grow stronger, healthier plants.
Best Companion Plants for Beets
Let’s start with the good guys—the great companions that help your beets thrive.
1. Onions and Shallots: Natural Pest Control Allies
Onions and shallots are excellent beets companion plants because their strong scent deters pests like aphids and flea beetles. The sulfur compounds they release confuse insects that target beets, providing natural pest control without chemicals.
Plant onions or shallots between rows of beets to maximize garden efficiency. Since onions have upright growth and shallow roots, they won’t interfere with beetroot development. You can learn more about this pairing in Companion Planting the Best Plants to Grow with Shallots.
2. Lettuce: A Living Ground Cover
Lettuce and beets make wonderful neighbors. Lettuce acts as a ground cover, keeping the soil cool and moist while reducing weed growth. In return, beet plants loosen the soil and improve aeration for lettuce roots.
Sow lettuce seeds between beet rows, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Because lettuce matures quickly, it’s usually harvested before the beets reach full size—meaning both crops can share the same growing conditions without competing for nutrients.
3. Bush Beans and Pole Beans: Nitrogen Boosters
Beans are classic good companions for beets, but it’s important to know which types work best. Bush beans and pole beans are legumes that fix nitrogen in the soil, helping nearby beets develop strong roots and lush beet leaves.
Bush beans tend to be better companions for beets than pole beans since they occupy less vertical space and are easier to manage. However, pole beans can still work well if you train them vertically to avoid shading your beets.
4. Garlic and Chives: Powerful Pest Deterrents
Garlic and chives are another beet companion group worth planting. Like onions, they have a strong scent that deters pests like aphids and flea beetles. Garlic also helps prevent fungal diseases by releasing natural antibacterial compounds into the soil.
For more ideas, check out Companion Planting with Garlic: What Works Best for practical tips on pairing garlic with root crops.
5. Herbs and Flowers: Attract Beneficial Insects
Herbs such as dill, mint, and basil can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that help keep beet pests under control. Meanwhile, flowers such as marigolds and nasturtiums not only beautify your garden but also repel harmful insects.
These plants promote biodiversity and balance in your garden ecosystem, which leads to healthier, more resilient beets.
6. Swiss Chard: A Close Relative with Shared Needs
Swiss chard and beets belong to the same plant family (Chenopodiaceae) and thrive in similar growing conditions. While they can be grown near each other, it’s best to avoid crowding them too closely since they may compete for nutrients if the soil isn’t rich enough.
With careful spacing and proper crop rotation, both can coexist beautifully, adding color and nutrition to your garden.
7. Corn: A Shade Partner in Hot Climates
If you live in a warm region, tall crops like corn can provide partial shade to beets, keeping them cool during hot afternoons. Beets appreciate moderate shade in high heat, and corn benefits from the open soil beneath beet plants.
Learn how traditional systems like the Three Sisters Companion Planting Method make use of such beneficial plant relationships.
Bad Companion Plants for Beets (What Not to Plant with Beets)
While many plants grow happily beside beets, others can create serious problems. Here are some bad companion plants for beets to keep separate.
1. Brassicas (Broccoli, Kale, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts)
Brassicas are classic examples of what not to plant with beets. Crops like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders, drawing large amounts of potassium and phosphorus from the soil—two nutrients essential for beetroot development. This intense competition for nutrients can result in small, weak roots and yellowing leaves.
Additionally, some brassicas release root chemicals that inhibit beet seed germination. To avoid this, plant beets and brassicas in different areas of your garden and rotate them annually to maintain soil health.
2. Field Mustard and Other Strong-Rooted Crops
Field mustard and other plants with aggressive or deep roots can disrupt beet growth by crowding and drying out the soil. Beets prefer loose, evenly moist soil to grow their roots evenly—avoid pairing them with anything that will overtake that space.
3. Certain Nightshades
Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants can attract pests and diseases that may spread to beets. If you do want to grow them nearby, leave adequate spacing and maintain strong pest control practices, such as using soaker hoses to water at the root level and reduce leaf moisture.
Tips for Successful Beet Companion Planting
1. Prioritize Soil Health
Healthy soil means healthy beets. Enrich your garden with organic compost and use mulch to retain moisture. To optimize root growth, explore Maximizing Beet Yield: Advanced Soil Preparation and Fertilization Tips.
2. Practice Crop Rotation
Rotate your beets each season to prevent soil-borne diseases and nutrient depletion. Beets shouldn’t follow other root crops or heavy feeders in the same bed. Learn seasonal timing and rotation strategies in Seasonal Beet Cultivation Strategies for Year-Round Harvests.
3. Optimize Garden Space
Use intercropping to make the most of limited garden space. Pair fast-growing greens like lettuce or herbs between beet rows. For small-space gardeners, Growing Beets in Urban Gardens: Tips and Techniques offers excellent insights.
In Summary
Beets companion planting is one of the most effective ways to grow healthier, tastier roots naturally. By choosing good companion plants for beetroot—such as onions, lettuce, and beans—and avoiding poor companions like brassicas, you’ll create a thriving, balanced ecosystem that supports both yield and soil health.
Whether you’re planting in large garden beds or small urban spaces, smart beetroot companion planting brings lasting rewards: vibrant crops, fewer pests, and a more harmonious garden.