Companion Plants New Zealand
Candy RoseCompanion Planting: Plants That Work Wonders
Not all garden friendships are meant to be. But when plants find the right company? That's when the real magic begins.
Welcome to the world of companion planting, a beautiful, time-tested approach that's less about rules and more about relationships. Whether you're nurturing a few lettuces on the balcony or orchestrating a full symphony of veggies in raised beds, the plants you pair together can boost growth, fend off pests and create a garden that's as harmonious as it is productive.
What's So Great About Companion Plants?
Here in Aotearoa, more Kiwi gardeners are tuning into the rhythms of nature. We're facing unpredictable weather, soil challenges and a collective desire to garden more gently, with fewer sprays and more smarts. Companion planting fits right into that vision.
Some plants confuse pests with their scent. Others lure in the good guys, pollinators and predators alike. Some quietly enrich the soil, others offer shelter, shade or ground cover. Together, they form a vibrant, living ecosystem, a plant village where everyone's got a role to play.
It's thoughtful, intentional gardening. And it works.
Why Companion Plant?
Prevention beats cure! And battling bugs with sprays feels like fighting fire with fire. Planting marigolds and chives feels like peacekeeping. Because there's something deeply satisfying about solving garden problems with flowers and herbs instead of chemicals.
Strong-scented herbs like basil and rosemary don't just flavour your dinner; they also throw pests off the scent of their favourite crops. Nasturtiums act like living decoys, pulling bugs away from your brassicas. Marigolds & radishes don't just brighten up your plot; they wage an invisible war against soil-dwelling nematodes.
And the real gift? Biodiversity. With more insects, worms, birds and more life then comes more resilience. Nature has a way of finding balance when we give it the chance.
Top Companion Plants
Not all heroes wear capes; some grow quietly at the base of your tomatoes. Here are some tried-and-true companions you'll want in your corner:
For Veggie Gardens
– Marigolds, basil, calendula, coriander, nasturtium—think of these as the social butterflies of the veggie world. They mix well, multitask, and look good doing it.
For Fruit Trees
– Comfrey, borage, calendula, nasturtiums, alyssum—great at attracting pollinators and helping build healthy soil below the surface.
For Pest Patrol
– Chives, garlic, sage, basil—sharp on the senses, tough on aphids and beetles.
For Pollinators
– Phacelia, borage, alyssum, thyme—a bee buffet with blooms to spare.
For Brassicas
– Dill, chamomile, nasturtium—confuse the white butterflies, draw in the right predators.
For Roots
– Radish, onions, leeks, chives — these underground allies break up soil and along with their strong scent, repel pests, and make way for better harvests.
For Leafy Greens
– Spring onions, calendula, chives, spearmint, basil — partners that keep aphids away, bring in the bees and keep your greens thriving from base to tip.
More Companion Plants: What Pairs Well With...
Here are some favourite crops and the companions that play well with them:
– Basil (tastes great, repels pests), Marigolds (fight nematodes and aphids).
– Corn and beans (the legendary Three Sisters: support, nitrogen, protection).
– Onions, chives and leeks (mask the scent from carrot flies), radishes (loosen up the soil for better roots and great for intercropping).
– Spring onions (ward off aphids), borage, corn or taller crops (offer natural shade in peak summer) and chives (the general all-rounder).
– Carrots and turnips (make use of the vertical space and enrich the soil), peppermint (helps deter aphids).
– Radishes (deter cucumber beetles), nasturtiums (attract aphids & whiteflies away from vines) and marjoram (improves flavour and growth).
– Dill and nasturtium (repel pests like cucumber beetles, whiteflies & aphids), sunflowers (provide natural trellising and attract pollinators).
– Marigolds (keep beetles at bay), corn (offers climbing support), Summer savory (repels bean beetles and improves growth).
– Pumpkins and beans (groundcover and nitrogen-fixers in the Three Sisters combo), sunflowers (draw in pollinators and provide extra structure).
Having a companion planting guide nearby when you plan your beds is a simple but powerful way to garden with more success and less stress.
Natural Pest Control
There's nothing more disheartening than watching your hard-grown produce get munched overnight. Companion plants turn your garden into a neighbourhood watch.
Nasturtiums lure pests away. Marigolds send underground signals to keep root pests out. Thyme, onion and oregano confuse insects trying to zero in on your crops. And when you blend flowers with your food crops, you invite lacewings, hoverflies and ladybirds—the unsung heroes of any organic garden.
This isn't just pest control. It's ecosystem-building. It's a conversation between plants, insects, soil and you.
In the End, It's About the Partnership
Companion planting is more than just a checklist of who likes whom. It's a mindset. A way of tuning into the wisdom of nature, choosing partnership over pesticides, and letting your garden do some of the hard work for you.
So, as you plan your patch this season, think not just about what you're growing but who you're growing it with.
Ready to sow smarter? Explore our full range of companion-friendly seeds, organic options and clever gardening advice at Kings Seeds. Let's grow a more beautiful, balanced garden, together.
