What Not to Plant with Garlic

Introduction

Garlic is a great addition to any garden. Not only is it a delicious and healthy herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, but it also has natural pest-fighting properties that can protect your other plants. However, not all plants play well with garlic. In this article, we will discuss what plants should not be planted alongside garlic.

The Problem with Certain Plants

While garlic is a natural pest repellent, some plants can interfere with its effectiveness. Certain plants produce chemicals that can harm garlic's natural insect-repelling abilities. Additionally, some plants are not compatible with garlic because of their growth patterns or nutrient requirements.

What Not to Plant with Garlic

1. Legumes: Plants in the legume family, such as beans and peas, are not good companions for garlic. These plants fix nitrogen in the soil, which can lead to an overabundance of nitrogen for garlic, resulting in leafy growth but smaller bulbs.

2. Alliums: While garlic is a member of the allium family, it is not recommended to plant it alongside other alliums, such as onions or leeks. This is because they compete for the same nutrients in the soil, which can result in stunted growth and smaller bulbs.

3. Brassicas: Plants in the brassica family, including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, should not be planted with garlic. These plants also have high nutrient requirements and can deplete the soil of nutrients, which can lead to smaller and weaker garlic bulbs.

What to Plant with Garlic

Now that we know what not to plant with garlic, let's discuss some plants that can be planted alongside garlic:

1. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a great companion plant for garlic. They repel many pests that can harm garlic, such as nematodes, and they also have similar nutrient requirements.

2. Roses: If you have a rose garden, planting garlic around the base of your rose bushes can help deter pests such as aphids and spider mites.

3. Carrots: Carrots are another vegetable that pairs well with garlic. They have similar nutrient requirements and don't compete for the same nutrients in the soil.

Conclusion

While garlic is a great herb to plant in your garden, it is important to know what plants should not be planted alongside it. Legumes, alliums, and brassicas can all interfere with garlic's growth and effectiveness as a pest repellent. Instead, consider planting tomatoes, roses, or carrots alongside your garlic for a healthy and productive garden.