Companion Planting: What to Plant with Peppers

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together in the same garden bed to benefit one another. By pairing plants that have a mutualistic relationship, you can improve soil health, deter pests and disease, and increase yields. In this article, we'll explore what to plant with peppers to help your garden thrive.

Companion Plants for Peppers

Peppers thrive when grown alongside certain companion plants. These include:

Basil: Basil repels pests like aphids and whiteflies while enhancing the flavor of peppers.

Marigolds: Marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings while deterring harmful pests like nematodes and whiteflies.

Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums repel aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs while adding a pop of color to your garden.

These companion plants not only benefit peppers, but they also benefit other plants in your garden. By incorporating them into your pepper bed, you'll create a thriving ecosystem that supports healthy plant growth.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Peppers

While certain plants can benefit peppers, others can harm their growth. Avoid planting peppers alongside:

Fennel: Fennel releases a chemical that inhibits the growth of peppers, making them stunted and unhealthy.

Brassicas: Brassicas like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower attract aphids and other pests that can harm peppers.

Nightshades: Nightshades like tomatoes and eggplants are susceptible to the same diseases and pests as peppers, so planting them together can increase the risk of infection.

By avoiding these plants, you'll reduce the risk of pest and disease problems in your garden and allow your peppers to grow to their full potential.

Other Tips for Growing Peppers

Along with companion planting, there are a few other tips you can follow to help your peppers thrive:

Provide plenty of sunlight: Peppers love plenty of sunshine, so make sure they get at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Water regularly: Peppers need consistent moisture to grow properly, so water them regularly and deeply.

Feed with compost: Peppers benefit from nutrient-rich soil, so feed them with compost or a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.

By following these tips and companion planting with basil, marigolds, and nasturtiums, you can enjoy a bountiful pepper harvest and a thriving garden ecosystem.