Companion planting in a raised garden bed: what to grow together

Companion planting is the practice of putting certain plants next to each other so they help one another out. Some repel pests, some attract helpful insects, and some simply grow better with a good neighbour alongside them. It is one of the easiest, cheapest ways to look after a veggie patch without reaching for a spray bottle.

Which companion plant combinations actually work?

1. Marigolds with almost everything. French marigolds are one of the best companions in a raised bed. Their scent puts off whiteflies, aphids and thrips, and their flowers bring in bees and ladybirds. Plant them around tomatoes, beans and brassicas.
2. Basil with tomatoes. Basil is said to improve tomato flavour and helps deter flies. It also likes the same warm, sunny conditions, so they are easy to grow side by side.
3. Nasturtiums as a trap crop. Nasturtiums are a magnet for aphids and caterpillars. They lure pests away from your food plants and in doing so they also feed the beneficial insects that eat those pests. Plant them at the edge of the bed.
4. Garlic with leafy greens. Garlic's strong scent deters a range of insects. Tuck it in around lettuce, spinach and Asian greens.
5. Dill and fennel to attract the good guys. Both attract lacewings, hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which prey on caterpillars and aphids. Keep fennel in its own spot as it can inhibit some nearby vegetables if it gets too big.

A few things to watch: not every plant gets along. Onions and garlic can stunt beans and peas if planted too close. Fennel is best kept to a corner or its own pot. And remember that companion planting works best as one part of a broader approach, alongside good watering, healthy premium potting mix, and safe pest management.

A raised bed actually makes companion planting easier because everything is within arm's reach and you can see at a glance how your plants are doing.

More garden guides: what to plant in SEQ · insect netting pros and cons · what grows on a trellis?

What should I plant right now? Our free garden calendar tells you what suits your postcode this month, so you can pick companions that are all in season together. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.