What should I avoid planting together?

plants growing together

Gardening can seem like a complex job or hobby, for those with rich knowledge, who understand the ins and outs of hundreds of different plant species, who are able to reel off when it’s the best time of year to plant X, Y and Z – but you too could be a green-fingered individual. Follow R&J’s simple tricks and tips to help yourself on your way to successful planting.

Companion planting explained

When planting it’s good to take into consideration what your plants will need, especially if you’re going to plant a few different species together. Plants must work together in order to survive, after all, they’ll be sharing the same nutrients from the soil, and so, if one is too greedy, it’s likely your other species will suffer or die. An example of this is Ivy, commonly known for spreading rapidly and aggressively, suffocating other plants and trees for survival – which is why many gardeners will think about companion planting.

Companion planting is a method avid gardeners practice because not only can it help different types of plants flourish together, but it also creates higher yields and keep pests at bay. When we plant something our intentions are for growth: for our seeds or bulbs to develop strong roots, flower heads to flourish or shrubs and trees to bear fruit – so there’s no point planting a certain type of species if you know they’re not going to pair well.

Plants that don’t grow well together

  • Melons with potatoes
  • Fuchsia with tomatoes
  • Sunflowers with pole beans
  • Azalea with aubergine
  • Marigolds with walnut trees
  • Garlic or basil with cabbage or cauliflower
  • Cucumbers with sage or rosemary
  • Kale with basil
  • Lettuce with onions or garlic

Why it’s important to find the right pairings:

  • It’s great pest control – so it’s good to pair a plant that pests love with a plant that pests hate, so you can say bye bye to pests such as aphids and moths – with the use of marigolds or garlic for example.   
  • Helps to maximise and save space in your garden – there’s no need to plant your flowers, vegetables, fruits or herbs in all different directions – with the right pairing, you could increase the amount you plant in your garden and free up space elsewhere.
  • Increases your gardens growth – if your plants are working together, rather than against each other, they will be able to spend more time growing than wasting their energy trying to compete for sunlight and nutrients.

plants growing together

Give your plants a good home

When planting, it’s important to choose the best location in your garden – a place where vegetation will be able to absorb maximum sunlight and nutrients from quality soil with good drainage. Consider how large your plants will be once they are fully grown and consider your spacing, so that they have enough room to spread roots and share nutrients with your other surrounding plants.

Plants that grow well together

Examples of flowering plants that benefit from a vegetable, fruit or herb pairing:  

  • Rose and garlic
  • Blackberries and oak trees
  • Basil and grapes
  • Sage and rosemary
  • Sunflowers and squash/cucumber
  • Marigold, melons and tomatoes
  • Nigella damascena and strawberries
  • Sweet alyssum and potatoes
  • Lavender and lettuce


R&J Landscapes are an experienced team of professional landscapers providing every aspect of landscaping and paving work to all customers who expect nothing but an exceptional standard of service. We have a wealth of knowledge and countless completed projects under our belts, so if it’s a comprehensive job you’re looking for, speak to our specialist team today. We operate throughout Harrow, Aylesbury, Berkhamsted and Watford.