ALLOTMENT HUB UK

Better together

Explore plant pairings, their uses and the limits of the evidence.

Pairings can help use space or support wildlife. Many pest-deterrent claims have limited evidence; use crop protection and regular checks alongside mixed planting.

Sweetcorn + Climbing beans

Support

Corn can provide support if established first. Vigorous beans can overwhelm short corn; separate canes are safer on small plots.

Evidence: Traditional mixed planting

Sweetcorn + Squash

Ground cover

Squash foliage shades the ground, but both crops still need sufficient water, fertility and space.

Evidence: Practical benefit

Lettuce + Radish

Intercropping

Quick radishes can be harvested before lettuce occupies the space. Avoid crowding.

Evidence: Practical benefit

Carrot + Radish

Intercropping

A few quick radishes can mark slow carrot rows. Remove promptly to avoid competition.

Evidence: Practical benefit

Brussels sprout + Lettuce

Intercropping

An early lettuce crop can use the gaps before sprouts grow large.

Evidence: Practical benefit

Tomato + Basil

Shared conditions

Both enjoy warmth. Keep basil out of deep shade; improved tomato flavour is not established.

Evidence: Practical benefit

Carrot + Onion

Pest deterrence

Scent masking is commonly claimed, but insect mesh is more reliable against carrot fly.

Evidence: Limited evidence

Tomato + French marigold

Pest deterrence

Some protected-growing research supports whitefly effects; results depend on conditions. Not a guarantee.

Evidence: Context dependent

Broad bean + Nasturtium

Trap cropping

Often suggested as an aphid trap crop. Inspect both plants; it can also host pests.

Evidence: Limited evidence

Brassicas + Nasturtium

Trap cropping

A traditional suggestion for cabbage pests. Netting is a more dependable physical barrier.

Evidence: Limited evidence

Courgette + Borage

Pollinator habitat

Borage flowers offer forage for insects; allow space and manage self-seeding.

Evidence: Practical benefit

Strawberry + Borage

Pollinator habitat

Flowering plants can support visitors; greater strawberry yield is not guaranteed.

Evidence: Practical benefit

Apple + Chives

Flowering underplanting

Chive flowers provide forage. Keep the immediate trunk area clear and avoid root competition.

Evidence: Practical benefit

Cabbage + Dill

Insect habitat

Dill flowers can provide nectar for beneficial insects; this does not guarantee pest suppression.

Evidence: Practical benefit

Lettuce + Spring onion

Intercropping

Different canopy shapes can share a bed if spacing is maintained.

Evidence: Practical benefit

Tomato + Potato

Disease caution

Both can suffer late blight. Monitor carefully and avoid a crowded, poorly ventilated planting.

Evidence: Established shared susceptibility

Runner bean + Sweet pea

Identification caution

Sweet pea seeds are not edible. Keep them clearly separate from edible peas and beans.

Evidence: Food safety

Fennel + Lettuce

Competition caution

Large fennel plants shade neighbours. Allow generous spacing; universal incompatibility claims are poorly supported.

Evidence: Practical benefit

Further reading: RHS companion planting. Database entries distinguish practical use from traditional claims.