Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! Have you ever wondered how to turn your bell pepper patch into a thriving paradise? Well, buckle up, because we’re diving into the enchanting world of companion planting. Growing the right plants alongside your bell peppers can not only boost their growth but also ward off pesky pests and improve soil health. Let’s explore 20 fantastic companions that will keep your bell peppers smiling and singing a happy tune all season long. Also, see five plants that should be kept away from your bell pepper plants to ensure a bountiful harvest.
1. Basil
Ever wondered how your bell peppers can be as happy as a clam? Enter basil, the sweet-scented superstar of the herb world. Basil doesn’t just jazz up your pasta; it also acts as a great buddy for your peppers.
When planted nearby, basil can help enhance the flavor of your bell peppers. Plus, its aromatic oils can deter unwanted insects that may have bad intentions for your precious peppers. Grow basil in a sunny spot, and give it plenty of water to keep both it and your bell peppers thriving like old pals.
2. Marigolds
Imagine a garden where pests take the hint and stay away. That’s the magic marigolds bring to the table when planted with your bell peppers. These vibrant flowers not only add a splash of color but also act as natural pest repellents.
Their strong scent confuses and deters many garden pests, keeping your peppers safe from harm. Plant marigolds generously around your bell peppers to form a protective barrier. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them an easy and effective companion plant that brings beauty and protection.
3. Onions
Who knew onions could be the unsung heroes of the pepper patch? These tear-inducing vegetables pull their weight by repelling pests like aphids and slugs.
Their strong, pungent aroma acts as a natural deterrent, keeping unwanted intruders at bay. Plant onions around the perimeter of your bell pepper garden to form a protective circle. Onions prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, just like their pepper pals. The combination of flavors and scents will create a harmonious and pest-free pepper paradise.
4. Spinach
If there was ever a leafy green that knew how to keep its cool, it’s spinach. This nutritious power-green serves as a fantastic companion for bell peppers by providing ground cover.
Spinach helps retain soil moisture and suppresses weeds, creating a more hospitable environment for your peppers. Plant spinach alongside your peppers in partial shade to sunny spots. Water them frequently to keep them both happy. The combination results in a lush, productive garden with a mix of textures and flavors to enjoy in salads and stir-fries.
5. Garlic
Garlic might be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to protecting your bell peppers. Its strong smell is a natural deterrent to many common pests that might target your pepper plants.
By planting garlic around your bell peppers, you’re setting up a protective scent barrier that keeps those pesky insects at bay. Garlic requires similar growing conditions as bell peppers—plenty of sun and well-drained soil. Together, they create a robust duo that wards off unwanted visitors and keeps your garden thriving.
6. Carrots
Carrots may just be the secret sidekicks your bell peppers have been waiting for. These root vegetables help break up the soil, improving aeration and drainage around your peppers.
Their presence can lead to healthier pepper plants by allowing their roots to expand more freely. Plant carrots among your bell peppers to maximize space and promote mutual growth. Both veggies thrive with plenty of sunlight and regular watering, making them a delightful and practical pairing for any garden layout.
7. Cilantro
Ever think about how cilantro could spice up your garden? This flavorful herb is more than just a garnish; it’s a companion plant that supports your bell peppers.
Cilantro attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, which can help control aphid populations. Planting cilantro near your peppers can create a natural pest control system. Give cilantro some shade during the hottest part of the day to keep it from bolting. Together, cilantro and bell peppers make a dynamic duo in both the garden and the kitchen.
8. Lettuce
Lettuce and bell peppers? It’s a match made in garden heaven! Lettuce provides excellent ground cover, retaining moisture and preventing weeds from taking over.
This leafy green grows well in the same conditions as bell peppers, making them perfect partners. Plant lettuce around your peppers to create a lush, green carpet that benefits both crops. The combination enhances your garden’s productivity and offers a variety of fresh ingredients for your salads, making it a win-win for your taste buds and your plants.
9. Chives
Meet chives, the understated garden champions that pack a flavorful punch. These slender herbs do wonders for your bell peppers by repelling aphids and other pests.
Their mild onion-like scent acts as a natural pest deterrent, creating a protective barrier around your peppers. Plant chives at the edges of your pepper beds for best results. Chives enjoy similar growing conditions—sunny spots and well-drained soil—to your peppers, ensuring a harmonious and productive partnership that benefits both parties.
10. Beets
Beets, with their earthy charm, can be a surprising ally for your bell peppers. Their ability to improve soil structure makes them an excellent companion plant.
Beets help enhance soil aeration, allowing pepper roots to breathe and thrive. Plant beets nearby to promote healthy root development and a more vigorous growth environment for your peppers. Both plants appreciate a sunny spot and regular watering, making them a dynamic duo that enhances your garden’s productivity and flavor potential.
11. Oregano
Oregano doesn’t just add flavor to your pizza; it plays a vital role in your garden too. This aromatic herb is a fantastic companion for bell peppers, offering pest-repelling properties.
The strong scent of oregano can help deter insects that might otherwise munch on your peppers. Plant oregano in a sunny spot near your peppers to benefit from its protective qualities. Both oregano and peppers love well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine, making them ideal partners in creating a thriving and aromatic garden.
12. Tomatoes
Tomatoes and bell peppers—what a colorful duo! These two nightshade cousins complement each other perfectly in the garden.
Tomatoes help by providing shade and support to growing pepper plants, while also sharing similar nutritional needs. Plant them together in a sunny spot with rich soil to optimize growth. Their partnership results in a bountiful harvest and a striking visual contrast that delights the eyes and the taste buds. Together, they form a formidable garden team that thrives in harmony.
13. Parsley
Parsley isn’t just a garnish; it’s a garden ally for your bell peppers. Known for attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs, parsley helps control pest populations.
This herb can support a healthy garden ecosystem while enhancing the growth of your peppers. Plant parsley in partial shade to prevent bolting and enjoy a fresh supply of herbs. Parsley and bell peppers together create a vibrant, productive garden, offering an abundant harvest of fresh ingredients for your culinary adventures.
14. Radishes
Radishes might be small, but they play a mighty role in your garden. These fast-growing root vegetables help break up compacted soil, improving aeration for your bell peppers.
Their quick growth cycle means they won’t compete for resources, leaving your peppers free to flourish. Plant radishes early in the season around your peppers for best results. With similar light and water needs, radishes and peppers can share space harmoniously, creating a productive partnership that benefits your entire garden.
15. Thyme
Thyme is more than just a seasoning; it’s a garden companion that brings flavor and protection to your bell peppers. Its aromatic oils can repel common pests, providing a natural shield for your peppers.
Plant thyme in a sunny spot near your peppers to enjoy its protective benefits. This low-growing herb doesn’t compete for space, making it an excellent partner. Both thyme and peppers thrive in similar conditions—sun and well-drained soil—creating a harmonious environment that enhances the productivity and aesthetics of your garden.
16. Dill
Dill, with its wispy charm, is a garden favorite that also happens to be a boon for bell peppers. This herb attracts beneficial insects like predatory wasps, which can help control pest populations.
Plant dill around your bell peppers to create a thriving ecosystem that supports growth and protection. Dill thrives in sunny spots, just like your pepper plants. Together, they create a balanced garden environment where both plants can flourish, adding flavor and health benefits to your harvest.
17. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are the fun-loving party guests in your garden. With their bright, cheerful blooms, they do more than just look pretty—they act as trap crops.
Nasturtiums attract pests like aphids away from your bell peppers, keeping them safe from harm. Plant nasturtiums around your pepper plants to form a protective and decorative barrier. These flowers thrive in sunny locations and don’t require much maintenance, making them an easy and effective addition to any pepper-loving garden.
18. Peas
Peas may be the unsung heroes of the pepper patch, offering benefits that extend beyond their delicious taste. These legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for your bell peppers.
Plant peas near your peppers to create a nutrient-rich environment that supports healthy growth. Their climbing nature also provides a natural trellis for peppers to lean on. Both plants enjoy similar conditions—sunny spots and well-drained soil—creating a symbiotic relationship that enhances your garden’s productivity and flavor diversity.
19. Corn
Corn and bell peppers make a towering team in the garden. These plants provide mutual benefits—corn offers shade and support, while peppers improve the soil.
Plant corn around the perimeter of your pepper patch to create a sheltered microclimate for your peppers. This combination leads to healthier plants and more abundant harvests. Both crops thrive in similar conditions, enjoying full sun and well-drained soil, making them a match made in garden heaven that enhances both productivity and visual appeal.
20. Cucumbers
Cucumbers and bell peppers—what a refreshing partnership! These two plants work together beautifully, with cucumbers offering shade and ground cover.
Their sprawling vines help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, creating a hospitable environment for your peppers. Plant cucumbers in sunny spots with well-drained soil for best results. Their complementary nature results in healthier plants and a more productive garden, providing a variety of flavors and textures for your culinary creations.
21. Don’t Grow Fennel Next To Your Bell Peppers
Fennel may seem like a harmless herb, but it can be a troublesome neighbor for bell peppers. This is because fennel releases allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants.
When planted in close proximity to bell peppers, these chemicals can interfere with their root systems, leading to stunted growth. Gardeners should consider placing fennel in a separate area of the garden to avoid any adverse effects on their bell pepper crop.
22. Brassicas Aren’t Good Companions
Brassicas, including cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, are not ideal neighbors for bell peppers. These plants are heavy feeders, which can deplete soil nutrients quickly, leaving bell peppers struggling for essential resources.
Additionally, brassicas attract pests like cabbage worms and aphids, which may migrate to the bell peppers. To promote healthy growth, it’s best to plant bell peppers away from brassicas.
23. Kohlrabi And Bell Peppers Don’t Get Along Well
Kohlrabi, a member of the cabbage family, shares similar growth requirements with bell peppers but can become a problematic companion.
It competes for nutrients and space, leading to a less productive garden. Additionally, kohlrabi can attract common pests, which might spread to bell peppers. Gardening success can be improved by separating these plants to allow each to thrive without competition.
24. Keep Them Far Away From Apricot Trees
Apricot trees can be surprisingly detrimental to bell peppers when planted nearby. These trees are potential hosts for a fungus that causes root rot, a serious threat to bell peppers.
The dense canopy of an apricot tree can also limit sunlight exposure, hindering the photosynthesis process in peppers. Keeping these plants separated can ensure that bell peppers receive ample light and are less vulnerable to fungal diseases.
25. Potatoes And Bell Peppers Aren’t Friends
Potatoes and bell peppers are both susceptible to similar diseases, such as blight, making them unsuitable garden companions.
Planting them together increases the risk of disease transmission, which can devastate both crops. Potatoes also require substantial soil nutrients, which can leave bell peppers without the essentials they need to flourish.
To safeguard your garden, consider planting these vegetables in separate plots.