Some people assume that companion planting recommendations are all old wives’ tales, but in reality, this classic gardening hack could save your plot this season.

Companion planting is the process of planting certain combinations of plants together to provide a mutual benefit. There are all kinds of plants that work in harmony to help each other resist pests, prevent diseases, attract pollinators, or even take up nutrients.

It’s a practice that has been well-studied, too, so there are plenty of reasons to do it in your garden. If you’re looking for ways to make your yard more inviting and productive, you’ve got to consider these companion planting ideas for your backyard garden.

20 Companion Planting Ideas

• Cucumbers and Nasturtiums

These two plants look good together but the main reason why they are good to be next to each other is that the nasturtiums help the cucumbers by protecting them from pests.

• Peppers and Basil

By planting basil next to peppers you are protecting the peppers from spider mites, aphids, flies and mosquitoes, but you are also providing a better taste for the peppers.

• Squash and Herbs

Growing all kinds of squash near herbs is great because the flower herbs are attracting beneficial insects that are good for the plants.

• Alyssum and Swiss Chard

Alyssum is a flowering herb that can be planted next to rolls of vegetables and works as a common pest of Swiss Chard.

• The Three Sisters

This kind of method was used by the Native Americans in order to maximize the growing space. By this the plants are simply helping each other with the needed minerals.

• Broccoli and Calendula

By planting calendula next to broccoli you are protecting the broccoli from ladybugs and other insects.

• Tomatoes and Lettuce

This combination of planting partners is perfect because as the season cools down the lettuce likes to have a shadier area so here come the tomatoes in handy.

• Eggplant and Lettuce

Lettuce can also grow in the shadow of eggplant but this doesn’t work all the time because not always eggplant grows big.

• Carrots and Radishes

This pair even though they look like a crowded plant next to each other they are not. They are feeding from different nutrients from the soil and they are good together. Also radishes are faster to grow than carrots.

• Tomatoes and Basil

Basil is really helpful to be next to tomatoes not only because it is protecting the plants from all kinds of pests but it also gives the tomatoes a better taste.

• Lettuce and Garlic

Aphids are not a fan of stinky stuff so that’s why a garlic plant next to lettuce is a good thing.

• Lettuce and Chives

Aphids just like garlic don’t like chives too so there is a plus solution to protect your lettuce.

• Roses and Chives

The strong smell of these plants are keeping the aphids away. That’s why they are mostly great to be planted next to your other plants, even roses.

• Geraniums and Roses

Geraniums look a little bit better next to roses than garlic and chives but do the same thing as them.

• Cabbage and Chamomile

These two plants will help each other to make the soil richer and chamomile will also keep the pets at bay.

• Green Beans and Marigolds

These two help each other in different kinds of ways. Beans provide nitrogen in the soil and marigolds improve the growth rate.

• Green Beans and Summer Savory

Summer savory also provides for the grow rate but also provides for better flavor.

• Carrots and Onions

Onion protects the carrots from carrots flies but also keeps the other pest away.

• Radishes and Cucumbers

These two in combination are keeping the cucumbers beetles and aphids away.

• Sage and Cabbage

Sage is keeping the cabbage healthier but also is protecting the cabbage from moths.