Pea plant

The Best Companion Plants for Peas and What to Avoid

ByStephen Albert

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Companion planting is a time-tested way to improve pea growth, deter pests, and maximize garden space. Over decades of growing peas in raised beds and open rows, I’ve found that choosing the right neighbors can boost yields and keep plants healthy, while poor companions can invite problems. Here’s my expert guide to the best and worst plants to grow with peas.

Best Companion Plants for Peas

Carrots and Radishes
These root crops benefit from the nitrogen peas add to the soil and don’t compete for above-ground space.

Lettuce and Spinach
Leafy greens thrive in the cool, moist conditions peas prefer. They also grow quickly, making efficient use of space beneath pea trellises.

Turnips and Beets
These root vegetables appreciate the nitrogen-fixing ability of peas and help loosen soil as they grow.

Cucumbers and Zucchini
Once peas finish in early summer, trailing cucumbers and zucchini can follow in the same bed, using residual nitrogen.

Corn
Tall corn provides natural shade and wind protection for peas while benefiting from the added soil nitrogen.

Herbs (Mint, Dill, and Basil)
Fragrant herbs help repel pests like aphids and can enhance biodiversity around pea beds.

Plants to Avoid with Peas

Onions, Garlic, and Shallots
Members of the allium family can stunt pea growth and reduce yields due to chemical interactions in the soil.

Potatoes
Peas and potatoes share some diseases, including blight, which can spread when planted too close together.

Fennel
Fennel releases compounds that inhibit growth in many vegetables, including peas.

My Experience

In my own garden, pairing peas with leafy greens and root vegetables consistently produces stronger plants and bigger harvests. Avoiding onions and other alliums prevents unnecessary stress on peas and keeps the soil healthy for future plantings.

Peas Growing Hub

Start here: The Ultimate Peas Growing Guide: From Seed to Harvest

Pea Basics & Types

Planting & Site Prep

Care & Maintenance

Pollination, Pests & Diseases

Harvest & Beyond

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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