Carrots are a popular vegetable for growing in your own garden and are also very healthy. You can still enjoy your carrot harvest in the winter if you grow them yourself, because some types keep well. The best way to get a good harvest with the least amount of trouble from diseases and pests is to plant carrots next to other plants. We talk about plants that grow well together and plants that don’t get along, as well as the rules for succession planting and crop rotation for carrots.
Carrots are a classic crop that most gardeners try growing at some point Who can resist their sweet, earthy crunch right out of the soil? But carrots can be finicky to grow, especially when it comes to consistent moisture for seed germination That’s where companion planting comes in!
Certain flowers, herbs, and vegetables make excellent partners for carrots in the garden bed By choosing the right companions, you can help deter pests, improve flavor, and maximize yields even in a small space
Why Companion Plant Carrots?
Companion planting simply refers to strategically placing different plants next to each other in the garden for mutual benefits. The ideal companions for carrots provide advantages like:
- Repelling carrot-loving pests
- Improving soil structure
- Offering biodiversity
- Using garden space efficiently
- Enhancing flavor
Carrots thrive when their companions have complementary growth habits. This allows both plants to flourish in the same area without competing for resources.
The Best Herb and Flower Companions
Herbs and flowers often make excellent companion plants thanks to their pest-repelling qualities and ability to attract beneficial insects.
Chives
Chives deserve the first mention on any carrot companion list. All members of the onion family release sulfur compounds that help mask the scent of carrots to pests. Chives are easy to grow, provide a quick harvest, and their grassy tops don’t compete for sunlight.
Benefits: Repels pests like carrot rust fly
How to plant: Scatter chive seeds or transplants 4-6 inches from carrots
Marigolds
Another classic companion, marigolds contain pyrethrin compounds in their roots that deter nematodes and other soil-dwelling pests. Their vibrant flowers also attract hoverflies that prey on aphids.
Benefits: Repel nematodes and soil pests
How to plant: Plant 8-12 inches from carrots
Borage
With edible flowers and dynamic star-shaped foliage, borage is a beautiful addition that brings beneficial insects. It’s also supposed to improve the flavor of nearby vegetables!
Benefits: Attracts beneficial insects, enhances flavor
How to plant: On margins of beds, 8-12 inches from carrots
Dill
Make sure to let some dill plants flower and go to seed. The umbels attract parasitic wasps that help control hornworms, cabbage worms, and carrot rust flies.
Benefits: Attract beneficial wasps
How to plant: Nearby, but not directly next to carrots
The Best Vegetable Companions
When it comes to veggies, choose companions with care to prevent overcrowding and competition.
Onions
Onions rank right up there with chives as an excellent pest-repelling companion. Every part of the onion plant releases those beneficial sulfur compounds.
Benefits: Deters onion maggots, carrot flies
How to plant: 4-6 inches away in rows
Radishes
With their quick growth, radishes are perfect for interplanting with carrots. Their shallow roots don’t compete for nutrients.
Benefits: Efficient use of space
How to plant: Scatter seeds 4-6 inches from carrots
Spinach
Spinach makes a great early spring or late summer companion. Its low growth habit leaves plenty of sunlight for carrots.
Benefits: Efficient use of space
How to plant: 4-6 inches from carrots
Bush Beans
Bush beans provide living mulch and fix nitrogen without overcrowding carrots. Pick beans regularly so plants don’t get too large.
Benefits: Add nitrogen, efficient use of space
How to Plant: 6 inches away
Lettuce
A classic combo, lettuce thrives in cool weather. Its loose leaves don’t compete with carrot tops for sunlight.
Benefits: Efficient use of space
How to Plant: 4-6 inches away
Companions to Avoid
Some vegetables are not the best companions for carrots:
- Parsley: Can attract the same pests
- Dill: Produces chemicals that stunt carrots
- Tomatoes: Tend to outcompete carrots for nutrients
- Peppers: Grow too large and shade out carrots
Maximizing Your Carrot Companion Plantings
Here are a few more tips for success with companion planting carrots:
- Use taller plants like tomatoes only if you provide support to keep them from falling over onto the carrots
- Watch out for vigorous vines from squash, melons, cucumbers, etc. that could take over
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizers that cause cracked roots
- Plant garlic or onions on the sunniest side of beds to provide afternoon shade
What Not to Plant With Carrots: Bad Companion Plants
Vegetables | Herbs |
---|---|
field beans | lovage |
chervil | mint |
horseradish | parsley |
parsnip | |
beetroot | |
soy bean | |
jerusalem artichoke | |
root parsley |
Carrots develop long taproots that grow deep into the soil. Because of this, root vegetables like beets and parsnips are not as good for carrots as vegetables that grow right next to them. Otherwise there could be competition for space, with one crop losing out and the harvest being smaller. You should therefore plant another shallow-rooted crop between root vegetables. The rule of avoiding planting clusters of the same plant family in one bed also applies here. One more reason not to plant parsnips, root parsley and chervil next to carrots.
Prevent Carrot Fly With Companion Planting
The carrot fly is a dreaded pest in the vegetable patch that destroys the carrot roots. Carrrots can stay away from this pest if they are grown next to other plants. For example, onions, garlic or celery can be planted near carrots to keep carrot flies away. Another option is to combine carrots with herbs such as rosemary, dill or parsley. These plants attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which can reduce the carrot fly population.
As a tip, parsley and carrots are not meant to grow together because they are from the same plant family. Parsley does not like to grow next to other plants of the same species. You can plant parsley at the edge, though, because its smell will keep the carrot fly away. Then plant other crops between the carrot and parsley so that they are far enough apart.
Watch This BEFORE You Plant Carrots
FAQ
What should you not plant next to carrots?
What compliments carrots?
Can you grow carrots and cucumbers together?
Can I plant carrots and tomatoes together?
How do you grow carrots in a garden?
Dig your garden bed to a depth of at least 12 inches to allow the carrots to develop straight and healthy roots. Loose and well-drained soil is crucial for carrots, so make sure to amend the soil with compost or sand if necessary. – Growing potatoes: Potatoes also have extensive root systems that require enough depth to expand.
How do you grow carrot seeds?
Mix carrot seeds in your hand with some sand as it makes them easier to sow. You can purchase pelletized carrot seeds where you can sow them one by one. Cover seeds with 1/4 inch of peat moss or potting soil and gently press on the soil covered seed.
How do you grow carrots in the winter?
You can store in sand or sawdust, or simply leave carrots under heaped soil in the garden during the winter, and pull as you need them. Plant with bean seeds, Brassicas, chives, leeks, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, pole beans, radish, rosemary, sage, and tomatoes. Avoid planting with dill, parsnips, and potatoes.