Companion Plants for Garlic: What You Can Plant with Garlic

Garlic is a versatile crop that can grow by itself or in the company of certain plants. That being said, planting garlic with the right companions can improve its growth, flavor, and health while deterring pests and diseases. In this article, we will explore some of the best companion plants for garlic and why they work well together.

Alliums

Alliums are a family of plants that include garlic, onions, leeks, and chives, among others. Planting other alliums with garlic can help repel onion flies, a common pest that infests both garlic and onions. Moreover, alliums have similar soil and nutrient requirements to garlic, so they can coexist peacefully without competing for resources.

Some popular alliums to plant with garlic include shallots, chives, and onions. Shallots are especially useful because they take up little space and can be planted between garlic cloves. Chives, on the other hand, can help deter aphids, slugs, and mites, which are known to damage garlic leaves. Finally, onions can provide additional protection against pests and diseases, as well as add variety and flavor to your garden.

Legumes

Legumes are a group of plants that belong to the pea family, such as beans, peas, and lentils. Planting legumes with garlic can help fix nitrogen in the soil, a vital nutrient that garlic needs to grow and produce large bulbs. Additionally, legumes can help break up compacted soil and improve its drainage, which is essential for healthy garlic plants.

Some legumes that are beneficial for garlic include snap peas, fava beans, and clover. Snap peas are climbing plants that can provide shade and support for garlic while improving the soil structure. Fava beans are legume crops that can be grown in the off-season, adding organic matter to the soil and reducing weed growth. Finally, clover is a cover crop that can be sown around garlic in the fall and then tilled into the soil in the spring to improve its fertility.

Herbs

Herbs are aromatic plants that are often used in cooking, medicine, and landscaping. Planting herbs with garlic can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects, such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. Additionally, herbs can add flavor and nutritional value to garlic dishes, making them more enjoyable and healthful.

Some herbs that complement garlic well include basil, oregano, and thyme. Basil is a fragrant herb that can help repel aphids, mosquitoes, and flies, as well as improve the flavor of garlic. Oregano is a hardy herb that can survive harsh conditions and provide a natural antibiotic for garlic. Thyme is a low-growing herb that can create ground cover and complement garlic in many recipes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, garlic can benefit from planting with certain companion plants, such as alliums, legumes, and herbs. These plants can help repel pests, fix nitrogen, improve soil structure, attract beneficial insects, and add flavor and nutrition to your garden. Keep in mind that garlic should not be planted with certain plants that have similar vulnerabilities or requirements, such as other nightshades, brassicas, or fennel. By choosing the right companions for garlic, you can maximize its growth and health while enjoying a diverse and productive garden.