Garlic companion plants

Best Companion Plants for Garlic (And What to Avoid)

ByStephen Albert

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Garlic (Allium sativum) is not only a flavorful staple in the kitchen but also a powerful companion plant in the garden. Over my 30+ years of gardening, I’ve seen garlic protect neighboring plants from pests, boost growth, and even improve flavor in some cases.

In this guide, I’ll share plants that thrive with garlic, ones to avoid, and practical tips to create a healthy, productive garden.

Best Companion Plants for Garlic

1. Tomatoes

  • Garlic can help repel red spider mites and aphids that target tomatoes.
  • Plant cloves around tomato plants to reduce pest pressure.

2. Carrots

  • Garlic can deter the carrot root fly, a common pest.
  • Interplanting encourages stronger growth for both crops.

3. Roses

  • Garlic can help reduce black spot and aphid infestations.
  • I’ve seen rose blooms improve in both color and health when planted near garlic.

4. Spinach, Lettuce, and Other Leafy Greens

  • Garlic provides natural pest control for these tender crops.

5. Fruit Trees

  • Plant garlic at the base of trees to help repel borers and other pests.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Garlic

1. Legumes (Beans and Peas)

  • Garlic may inhibit nitrogen-fixing bacteria, reducing soil fertility for legumes.

2. Cabbage Family (Broccoli, Cauliflower, etc.)

  • Garlic may stunt growth if planted too close to other alliums or brassicas.

3. Other Alliums

  • Avoid planting onions, leeks, or chives too close; they compete for nutrients and space.

Tips for Successful Companion Planting

  • Spacing: Leave at least 6–8 inches between garlic and sensitive plants.
  • Rotation: Rotate garlic annually to prevent soil-borne diseases.
  • Mulching: Helps garlic thrive and protects neighboring plants from moisture fluctuations.

🌱 Gardener’s note: In my Sonoma Valley garden, interplanting garlic with tomatoes and roses has noticeably reduced pest pressure without chemicals.

🌱 Bottom line: Garlic is a versatile companion plant that protects and enhances growth for many crops. Avoid legumes, brassicas, and other alliums to maximize results.

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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