15 Companion Plants That Benefit From Growing Next To Garlic

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Garlic is a great plant to have in the garden, especially when it comes to growing other crops nearby. Its strong scent can help keep common pests away, and it can support better growing conditions for certain plants.

That said, not every plant does well next to garlic. Some may struggle when planted too close, either from competing for nutrients or reacting poorly to it.

Here are 15 plants that grow well alongside garlic and can help create a healthier, more balanced garden.

Tomatoes

Garlic is a great partner for tomatoes. It helps keep aphids, spider mites, and other harmful pests away. A few garlic plants scattered near your tomato patch can make a big difference in reducing infestations. And they won’t compete much for space.

Peppers

Like tomatoes, garlic is a natural shield against aphids and spider mites that love to attack pepper plants. Growing garlic bulbs together can keep your peppers healthier without needing chemical sprays. You can plant the garlic bulbs between your peppers or at the end of each row.

Carrots

Carrot flies can ruin a good crop, but garlic’s strong scent confuses them and keeps them away. Just give your carrots enough space so they don’t have to fight for room with the garlic. Since carrots are typically planted in mounds, you can plant the garlic at the bottom or along the edge of a row.

Beets

Garlic doesn’t just protect beets from pests—it also encourages better growth. Since both are root crops, leave enough space for them to thrive. Because garlic is so pungent, even the greens, you don’t need a lot to scare off pests.

Spinach

Spinach is vulnerable to a variety of insects, but garlic’s natural pest-repelling properties can help keep them at bay. Plus, spinach grows quickly and doesn’t take up much space, making it an easy neighbor for garlic.

Cabbage

Garlic is a great companion for cabbage because it repels cabbage worms, loopers, and aphids. These pests can do serious damage, but the strong scent of garlic helps keep them away. Make sure to leave enough space for the cabbage to grow out without smothering the garlic.

Broccoli

Broccoli is another brassica that benefits from garlic’s ability to ward off cabbage moths and other insects. Planting garlic nearby is a smart move if you want to avoid holes in your broccoli leaves.

Depending on the variety of broccoli, you’ll need to plant the garlic about six inches away to keep it from being overshadowed by the broccoli.

Cauliflower

Like broccoli, cauliflower is prone to pest problems, and garlic serves as a natural deterrent. The strong aroma confuses insects and keeps them from laying eggs on your plants. This means less damage and better-looking cauliflower heads.

Lettuce

Slugs and other leaf-eating pests love to snack on lettuce, but garlic helps keep them away. Placing garlic near your lettuce beds can make a big difference in protecting your greens. Lettuce has shallow roots, but you still want to give garlic and lettuce about six inches apart.

Potatoes

Garlic isn’t just a pest deterrent—it can also help prevent fungal diseases in potatoes. Planting a few garlic bulbs near your potato rows is usually enough to make a difference.

It’s a simple trick to keep your potato plants healthy and productive. Don’t get carried away with the garlic. You don’t want to crowd your potatoes.

Celery

Celery can be a magnet for pests, but garlic offers natural protection. The two plants grow well together without competing too much for nutrients. Plus, you get the added benefit of an easy, organic pest-control solution.

Kale

Garlic helps keep cabbage moths and aphids away from kale. These are two of the biggest problems for kale. They can quickly destroy the leaves, sometimes overnight. It’s an easy way to keep your kale plants looking lush and healthy.

Fruit Trees

blueberry bushes — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Planting garlic around fruit trees can help repel borers and other insects that can damage your trees. Just place a few garlic plants around the base of the tree to create a natural pest barrier. It’s a low-maintenance way to support your fruit production.

Strawberries

Garlic is a great companion for strawberries because it helps reduce fungal infections and deters slugs. It won’t interfere with the strawberries’ growth and can actually improve their overall health. You don’t need a lot of garlic to be effective.

Chamomile

Chamomile and garlic make a great team because chamomile improves soil health and attracts beneficial insects. This helps garlic grow stronger while also supporting a healthier garden ecosystem.