Companion planting is an age-old practice that has been proven to enhance the growth, health, and yield of various plants. One such versatile and beneficial plant is garlic. Known for its pungent aroma and flavor, garlic (Allium sativum) is not only a culinary staple but also a valuable ally in the garden.

This blog will explore the benefits of growing garlic alongside other plants, highlighting the best garlic companion plants that enhance garlic growth and health, including how to effectively plant garlic near fruit trees, all within the framework of organic gardening practices.

Definition and benefits of companion planting

Companion planting involves strategically placing different plants together to improve growth, deter pests, and attract beneficial insects. One effective example is companion gardening garlic, where garlic plants are grown alongside certain garlic companion plants.

The best garlic companion plants include tomato plants and various fruit trees, as they benefit from garlic's pest-repellent properties. When you plant garlic near these companions, it helps to protect them from harmful insects while promoting a healthy garden ecosystem. Garlic companion planting not only enhances plant health but also boosts overall garden productivity.

Why garlic is a popular choice for companion planting

Garlic is a popular choice for garlic companion plants due to its numerous benefits in vegetable gardens. Garlic plants act as a natural fungicide and help repel pests such as cabbage worms and spider mites, making them ideal for protecting vulnerable crops.

Planting garlic around crops like beans and late potatoes can enhance soil nutrients and provide effective ground cover, reducing the risk of diseases like late potato blight and apple scab.

Growing garlic in early spring improves the health of the garden ecosystem by attracting predatory insects and optimizing the growth conditions for both the garlic bulb and its companion plants.

Benefits of Companion Planting with Garlic

1. Pest Repellent: Garlic's strong scent acts as a natural deterrent for many pests, including aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. Planting garlic among susceptible crops can reduce the need for chemical pesticides, promoting a healthier, organic garden.

2. Disease Prevention: Garlic has antifungal properties that can help protect neighboring plants from diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. This natural defense mechanism helps maintain the health of the entire garden ecosystem.

3. Nutrient Enhancement: Garlic is known to enhance soil quality by releasing sulfur compounds that can improve nutrient uptake for neighboring plants. This symbiotic relationship leads to healthier and more productive crops.

4. Space Efficiency: Garlic is a compact plant that can be easily interplanted with larger crops, maximizing garden space and increasing biodiversity. This practice not only boosts productivity but also creates a more resilient garden system.

Best Companion Plants for Garlic

1. Tomatoes: Tomatoes and garlic are a classic pairing in the garden. Garlic repels red spider mites, which are common pests of tomatoes. Additionally, the sulfur compounds in garlic can help prevent fungal diseases that often affect tomato plants.

2. Carrots: Garlic can deter carrot root flies, which are notorious for damaging carrot crops. Carrots, in turn, can help improve soil structure around garlic bulbs, promoting better growth and bulb formation.

3. Cabbage Family (Brassicas): Members of the cabbage family, including broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, benefit greatly from garlic's pest-repelling properties. Garlic helps deter cabbage loopers, diamondback moths, and aphids, all of which can wreak havoc on brassicas.

4. Peppers: Both sweet and hot peppers thrive when planted near garlic. Garlic's pest-repelling abilities help protect pepper plants from aphids and other common pests. Additionally, the enhanced soil health from garlic's sulfur compounds can benefit pepper plants.

5. Roses: While not a vegetable, roses are a popular garden plant that can benefit from garlic's presence. Garlic can repel aphids and prevent black spot, a common fungal disease in roses, promoting healthier blooms and foliage.

6. Fruit Trees: Planting garlic around the base of fruit trees, such as apple and peach trees, can help repel pests like borers and aphids. This practice also enhances the overall health of the trees by reducing disease pressure.

7. Spinach: Spinach grows well alongside garlic, benefiting from its pest-repellent properties. Garlic can help deter leaf miners, which are common pests of spinach, leading to healthier and more productive spinach plants.

Planting Garlic with Companion Plants: Tips and Techniques

1. Timing: Garlic is typically planted in the fall, allowing it to establish roots before winter. When planning companion planting, consider the growth cycles of both garlic and its companions to ensure they complement each other. For instance, planting garlic cloves in the fall alongside overwintering vegetables like kale can create a harmonious garden bed.

2. Spacing: Proper spacing is crucial to ensure that both garlic and its companion plants have enough room to grow. Garlic cloves should be planted about 6 inches apart, with rows spaced 12 inches apart. Companion plants should be placed at appropriate distances to prevent overcrowding and competition for resources.

3. Soil Preparation: Garlic thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Before planting, amend the soil with organic compost to improve its structure and nutrient content. This will benefit both garlic and its companion plants, promoting healthy growth.

4. Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around garlic and its companions helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching also adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes, enhancing soil health.

5. Watering: Garlic requires consistent moisture, especially during its active growth phase in the spring. Ensure that both garlic and its companions receive adequate water, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses can help provide even moisture distribution.

6. Crop Rotation: To prevent soil-borne diseases and pests, practice crop rotation by planting garlic and its companions in different locations each year. Avoid planting garlic or its relatives (such as onions and leeks) in the same spot for at least three years.

Avoiding Bad Companions for Garlic

While garlic has many beneficial companions, there are also plants that do not thrive when planted near garlic. Avoid planting garlic alongside the following:

1. Legumes (Beans and Peas): Garlic can inhibit the growth of legumes by releasing compounds that interfere with nitrogen fixation. Beans and peas may struggle to establish healthy root systems and produce optimal yields when grown near garlic.

2. Asparagus: Garlic can stunt the growth of asparagus, making it a poor companion choice. It's best to plant these two crops in separate areas of the garden to ensure they both thrive.

3. Sage: Sage and garlic can compete for similar nutrients, leading to reduced growth for both plants. Consider planting sage in a different section of the garden away from garlic.

Organic Practices for Growing Garlic and Companions

1. Organic Fertilizers: Use organic fertilizers, such as compost, well-rotted manure, or fish emulsion, to provide essential nutrients to garlic and its companions. Avoid synthetic fertilizers, which can harm beneficial soil microorganisms and disrupt the natural balance of the garden ecosystem.

2. Natural Pest Control: Implement natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings) and using insecticidal soaps or neem oil, to manage pests without resorting to chemical pesticides. Garlic's natural pest-repellent properties will complement these organic practices.

3. Companion Plant Diversity: Incorporate a diverse range of companion plants in the garden to promote a balanced and resilient ecosystem. Diversity helps attract beneficial insects, improve soil health, and reduce the risk of pest and disease outbreaks.

4. Cover Cropping: Plant cover crops, such as clover or vetch, in the off-season to improve soil fertility, prevent erosion, and suppress weeds. Cover crops can also provide habitat for beneficial insects and enhance the overall health of the garden.

5. Hand Weeding: Regularly hand-weed the garden to keep the area around garlic and its companions free of competition from unwanted plants. Mulching can help reduce the need for frequent weeding.

Harvesting and Storing Garlic

1. Harvesting: Garlic is typically ready for harvest in mid to late summer when the lower leaves begin to yellow and dry out. Gently dig up the bulbs with a garden fork, taking care not to damage them. Allow the garlic to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for two to three weeks.

2. Storing: Once cured, trim the roots and stems, and store the garlic bulbs in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Properly stored garlic can last for several months, providing a valuable ingredient for culinary use and future planting.

In Summary

Companion planting with garlic offers numerous benefits, from pest and disease control to improved soil health and efficient use of garden space.

By carefully selecting compatible companion plants and following organic gardening practices, you can create a thriving and productive garden that supports the growth and health of garlic and its allies.

Whether you're growing tomatoes, carrots, brassicas, or even roses, integrating garlic into your garden plan can lead to a more resilient and bountiful harvest.

Enjoy our Seed Garlic for sale.  We have multiple varieties available.

FAQs About Companion Planting with Garlic: What Works Best?

• 1. What are garlic companion plants?

  • Garlic companion plants are those that benefit from being grown alongside garlic. They can help deter pests and diseases, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

• 2. What are good garlic companion plants?

  • Some good garlic companion plants include strawberries, apple trees, and various vegetables. These plants thrive when garlic is planted nearby due to its strong aroma, which repels many pests.

• 3. How does garlic help with common garden pests?

  • Garlic can deter aphids, onion flies, root maggots, and other pests thanks to its strong aroma. This natural barrier can protect your vegetable garden from many pests.

• 4. Can garlic help prevent fungal diseases?

  • Yes, garlic has antifungal properties that can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases, promoting healthier garden beds and preventing issues like leaf curl and stunted growth.

• 5. What type of soil is best for growing garlic?

  • Garlic grows best in well-drained soil with good nutrient content. Proper soil conditions are essential for healthy garlic plants and their companion plants.

• 6. Are there any plants that shouldn’t be grown with garlic?

  • Certain plants, like beans, can be adversely affected by garlic. It’s important to research and choose companion plants wisely to ensure a healthy garden.

• 7. How does garlic affect other crops?

  • Garlic can enhance the growth of many plants in the allium family and deter many pests that threaten other crops, making it a great companion for various vegetables.

• 8. Can I plant garlic near my strawberry plants?

  • Yes, planting garlic near strawberry plants can provide benefits, as garlic can deter pests that may harm strawberries, enhancing the overall health of the garden.

• 9. How does companion planting with garlic benefit most gardeners?

  • Many gardeners find that incorporating garlic into their planting schemes not only helps in pest control but also improves the yield and health of their vegetable garden.

• 10. What should I consider when growing garlic with other plants?

  • Consider the growth habits and nutrient needs of your plant companions. Observing how two plants interact can reveal beneficial relationships that enhance your gardening success.

Read More

1. West Virginia University Extension: Companion Planting This article explains the fundamentals of companion planting, emphasizing the importance of plant interactions to maximize garden productivity and pest control. Garlic is highlighted for its pest-repellent properties, particularly effective against Japanese beetles and aphids. The article also provides a comprehensive chart detailing compatible and incompatible plant pairings, making it a valuable resource for gardeners looking to optimize their planting strategies. Read more here.

2. University of Arizona: The Best of Enemies - A Brief Guide to Companion Planting This guide focuses on the use of repellent plants in companion planting to deter pests. Garlic is noted for its strong scent, which helps repel a variety of insects, including Japanese beetles and aphids. The article provides practical tips on how to integrate garlic with other plants and offers a list of other beneficial repellent plants, making it a handy reference for enhancing garden health through strategic planting. Read more here.

3. Oregon State University Extension: Practice the Good Neighbor Policy in the Garden This article explores the synergistic effects of planting certain vegetables, herbs, and flowers together. It highlights garlic's role in repelling pests like cabbage loopers, codling moths, and carrot root flies. The article also provides examples of successful plant pairings and offers advice on creating a balanced garden ecosystem that leverages natural pest control and nutrient sharing. Read more here.