Corn may grow tall and proud, but it definitely does better with a few good friends by its side. Over the seasons, I’ve found 20 companion plants that help it thrive—boosting growth, keeping pests in check, and making the most of your garden space.
Each one brings something special to the mix, and once I started planting them together, my harvests really improved. I’ll break down why these buddies work so well and how to use them in your own garden.
Let’s turn your corn patch into a thriving team effort!
1. Beans
The classic companion for corn in the famous “Three Sisters” planting method used by Native Americans for centuries. Beans climb up corn stalks, eliminating the need for separate trellises while fixing nitrogen in the soil.
This natural fertilizing process feeds hungry corn plants throughout the growing season. The physical support relationship benefits both plants—corn provides the structure, while beans improve the soil for everyone.
2. Squash
Completing the Three Sisters trio, squash creates a living mulch with its broad leaves that shade the soil. This natural ground cover prevents weed growth while retaining precious soil moisture during hot summer days.
The prickly stems and leaves also deter raccoons and other critters from raiding your corn. Many gardeners choose zucchini, pumpkins, or butternut varieties to maximize this beneficial relationship.
3. Sunflowers
Towering sunflowers act as natural windbreaks, protecting delicate corn stalks from damage during storms. Their height also attracts pollinators that benefit the entire garden ecosystem while drawing birds away from ripening corn.
Plant them on the north side of your corn patch to avoid shading. Sunflowers and corn share similar growing conditions, making them natural partners that create a stunning visual display in your garden.
4. Nasturtiums
These cheerful flowers serve as living pest control for your corn patch. Their bright blooms attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybugs that hunt down aphids and other corn pests.
The peppery-scented leaves confuse and repel squash bugs and cucumber beetles that might otherwise damage your corn. As an added bonus, nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible, adding a spicy kick to summer salads.
5. Dill
Feathery dill attracts beneficial predatory insects like wasps and ladybugs that feed on corn earworms and aphids. When allowed to flower, its umbrella-shaped blooms become magnets for pollinators that improve overall garden productivity.
The aromatic oils in dill confuse pests looking for corn to munch on. Plant dill throughout your corn patch, but harvest before it goes to seed, as it can self-sow enthusiastically if left unchecked.
6. Marigolds
The strong scent of marigold roots repels nematodes and other soil pests that can damage corn roots. Their bright orange and yellow flowers attract beneficial insects while deterring many problematic beetles and worms.
French marigold varieties work particularly well for pest control. Plant them around the perimeter of your corn patch to create a protective barrier that helps keep the underground ecosystem healthy and balanced.
7. Borage
The star-shaped blue flowers of borage attract pollinators and beneficial insects that help control corn pests. Its deep taproot brings up nutrients from lower soil layers, making them available to more shallow-rooted corn plants.
Borage also deters tomato hornworms and cabbage worms that might otherwise move to your corn. The cucumber-flavored leaves and flowers make refreshing additions to summer drinks while supporting your corn’s health.
8. Mint
Aromatic mint confuses and repels corn earworms, one of the most destructive corn pests. The strong scent masks the smell of corn that would normally attract these troublesome moths looking to lay eggs.
Keep mint contained in pots near your corn to prevent it from spreading too aggressively. Mint also deters ants and rodents while attracting beneficial predatory insects that hunt down other corn pests.
9. Cilantro
Allow cilantro to flower and it becomes a powerful attractant for beneficial insects that prey on corn-eating pests. The tiny white blooms draw in parasitic wasps, hoverflies, and ladybugs that hunt down aphids and corn borers.
Cilantro’s strong scent also confuses pests searching for corn. Plant it throughout your corn patch and let some go to seed—the resulting coriander can be harvested while new cilantro plants will self-sow.
10. Cucumber
Sprawling cucumber vines make excellent use of space between corn rows. Their shallow root systems don’t compete with corn’s deeper roots, creating a harmonious underground relationship that maximizes garden space.
Cucumbers benefit from the partial shade corn provides during the hottest part of summer. The natural trellis of corn stalks can even support some cucumber varieties, creating a symbiotic physical relationship that boosts yields for both crops.
11. Melons
Sweet melons thrive in the partial afternoon shade created by tall corn stalks. Their sprawling growth habit covers the soil, reducing weed competition and water evaporation around corn roots.
The heavy feeding of corn and the different nutritional needs of melons create a balanced demand on soil resources. Plant melons when corn is about knee-high to ensure they don’t get too much shade early in the season.
12. Potatoes
Underground potatoes and above-ground corn create a space-efficient pairing that maximizes harvest from a single bed. Their different root depths mean they don’t compete for nutrients in the same soil layers.
Potatoes deter certain beetles that might otherwise damage corn. Plant potatoes first, then add corn when potato plants are about 6 inches tall for best results and easier harvesting timing.
13. Thyme
Low-growing thyme creates aromatic ground cover that deters corn earworms with its strong scent. Its shallow roots don’t compete with corn, while its tiny flowers attract beneficial insects that hunt down pests.
Thyme thrives in the partial shade between corn rows and helps retain soil moisture. The hardy perennial nature of thyme means it can remain in place year after year, creating permanent pest-deterrent zones in your corn patch.
14. Oregano
The strong aroma of oregano masks the scent of corn from potential pests. Its flowers attract beneficial predatory insects that feed on corn earworms, aphids, and other problematic bugs.
Hardy oregano thrives in the same well-drained soil that corn prefers. Plant it around the edges of your corn patch to create a protective barrier that enhances biodiversity while providing fresh herbs for your kitchen.
15. Basil
Aromatic basil improves the flavor of corn when grown nearby, according to many gardeners. Its strong scent confuses pests searching for corn while attracting pollinators that benefit the entire garden.
Basil thrives in the light shade provided by corn stalks during the hottest part of summer. Regular harvesting of basil leaves stimulates bushier growth, creating more beneficial oils that help protect your corn crop.
16. Yarrow
Feathery yarrow attracts an army of beneficial predatory insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. These helpful bugs hunt down corn earworms, aphids, and other pests that would damage your harvest.
Yarrow’s deep roots bring up nutrients from lower soil layers, indirectly feeding corn plants. The umbrella-shaped flower clusters become landing pads for beneficial insects that help control pest populations throughout your garden.
17. Parsley
Parsley attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps that prey on corn-eating pests. Its deep taproot brings up nutrients from lower soil layers, indirectly feeding more shallow-rooted corn plants.
The rich green foliage creates living mulch that helps retain soil moisture. Allow some parsley to flower in its second year to maximize its pest control benefits while providing a continuous harvest of fresh leaves.
18. Radishes
Quick-growing radishes make perfect corn companions because they mature before corn needs the space. Their pungent odor confuses corn root pests, while their fast growth suppresses early weeds that would compete with corn seedlings.
Plant radishes between corn rows as soon as corn is planted. They’ll be harvested long before corn needs the extra room, providing an early crop while protecting your developing corn plants.
19. Calendula
Bright orange and yellow calendula flowers attract beneficial insects while repelling nematodes and asparagus beetles that might damage corn. Their roots release compounds that improve soil health around corn plants.
Also known as pot marigold, calendula is different from regular marigolds but offers similar benefits. The cheerful flowers can be harvested for herbal uses while they work hard protecting your corn crop from unseen pests.
20. Amaranth
Tall, colorful amaranth attracts beneficial insects while serving as a trap crop for some corn pests. Its deep root system doesn’t compete with corn, while its nutrient needs complement rather than rival corn’s requirements.
The edible leaves and seeds provide an additional harvest from the same space. Some varieties grow as tall as corn, creating beautiful mixed plantings that confuse pests while maximizing garden productivity.