Best Companion Plants for Beets (And What to Avoid)

Companion planting is a time-tested gardening method that pairs crops to improve growth, deter pests, and boost flavor. After more than 30 years of gardening in California’s Central Valley and Sonoma Valley, I’ve seen firsthand how the right plant neighbors can make a noticeable difference in beet harvests.

Table of Contents

Why Companion Planting Matters for Beets

Beets benefit from companions that:

Loosen soil for easier root growth
Attract beneficial insects
Provide shade for tender greens in summer
Repel common pests like aphids and leaf miners

They can also be harmed by plants that compete for nutrients or release chemicals that slow beet growth.

Beets, carrots, and onions — Leaves of carrots and beets growing in the beds

Best Companion Plants for Beets

1. Onions, Garlic, and Shallots

Deter pests like aphids and certain beetle species.
Fit neatly between beet rows.

2. Bush Beans

Improve soil nitrogen levels, aiding leafy growth.
Provide light shade in hot weather.

3. Lettuce and Spinach

Grow quickly and don’t compete with beet roots.
Help suppress weeds around beet seedlings.

4. Radishes

Loosen soil as they grow, helping beets develop straight, smooth roots.

5. Cabbage Family (Broccoli, Kale, Brussels Sprouts)

Pair well without nutrient conflict.
Their leaves can help shelter young beets from strong sun.

Plants to Avoid Near Beets

1. Pole Beans

Can stunt beet growth by competing for nutrients and space.

2. Field Mustard

Releases chemicals that can inhibit beet germination.

3. Plants with Heavy Root Competition (e.g., corn)

Demand more nutrients and water than beets can comfortably compete with.

My Experience in the Garden

In the Central Valley, I often plant beets between rows of onions and lettuce for pest control and efficient space use. In cooler Sonoma Valley gardens, pairing beets with bush beans has been effective for improving soil and giving the beet greens a slight shade during warm spells. Avoiding pole beans has been key—every time I’ve tried the combo, beet yields were noticeably smaller.

Quick Companion Planting Chart for Beets

Good Companions	Benefits	Avoid Planting With	Why Avoid
Onions, Garlic, Shallots	Pest deterrent	Pole Beans	Nutrient competition
Bush Beans	Nitrogen boost	Field Mustard	Allelopathic chemicals
Lettuce, Spinach	Weed suppression, low competition	Corn	Heavy nutrient demand
Radishes	Soil loosening
Cabbage Family	Shade and compatibility