Companion Planting with Onions: Plants to Grow With and Avoid

[Stephen Albert]

Onions are fantastic companion plants that can improve garden health by repelling pests and enhancing growth. But not all plants thrive when grown near onions. After decades of gardening experience, I’ve learned which neighbors work best and which to keep apart.

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Onions and carrots

Best Plants to Grow With Onions​

• Carrots: Onions repel carrot flies; carrots loosen soil for better onion roots.
• Lettuce: Onions can deter aphids and other pests that target leafy greens.
• Beets: Both have different nutrient needs and don’t compete heavily.
• Tomatoes: Onions can help repel aphids and other tomato pests.
• Strawberries: Onions improve pest resistance and don’t compete for resources.

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Plants to Avoid Planting Near Onions​

• Beans and Peas: Legumes and onions inhibit each other’s growth.
• Sage: Tends to stunt onion growth when planted too close.
• Asparagus: Both have strong flavors and allelopathic effects that reduce growth.
• Fennel: Strong allelopathic properties make fennel a poor neighbor for onions.

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My Experience Tip​

Planting onions alongside carrots and lettuce has consistently reduced pest issues in my garden, leading to healthier crops and higher yields.

Companion Planting Chart for Onions​

Good Companion Plants	Why They Work Well	Plants to Avoid	Reason to Avoid
Carrots	Onions repel carrot flies; improve soil	Beans & Peas	Inhibit each other’s growth
Lettuce	Onions deter aphids and pests	Sage	Stunts onion growth
Beets	Different nutrient needs, minimal competition	Asparagus	Allelopathic effects reduce growth
Tomatoes	Onions repel tomato pests	Fennel	Strong allelopathic properties
Strawberries	Improve pest resistance, no competition

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