Explore 12 Onion Companion Plants For Successful Harvest
- Author: Saiqa Najeeb
- Last Updated On: June 27, 2023
Are you tired of dealing with pests, poor soil quality, and stunted onion growth in your garden? Look no further than companion planting!
This gardening technique involves strategically planting different plants together to create a mutually beneficial relationship. Not only can companion planting help you avoid common gardening problems, but it can also result in healthier, more flavorful onions.
In this blog post, we will delve into the world of onion companion plants and uncover the secrets to achieving a bountiful onion crop. From herbs that repel pests to flowers that attract beneficial insects, you’ll learn how to create a thriving onion garden that will sing your taste buds.
So wear your gardening gloves and get ready to discover the wonders of onion companion planting!
Why Onion Companion Plants?
Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different species of plants in close proximity to one another to achieve mutual benefits. While it may seem like an extra step in your gardening process, companion planting can offer numerous benefits for your onion plants.
Onion plants can face several issues when grown on their own. One of the most common problems is the attack of pests such as onion maggots, thrips, and onion flies. These pests can cause serious damage to your onion plants, leading to reduced yield and stunted growth.
Companion planting can help solve these problems in several ways.
You can repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve soil quality by strategically planting certain herbs, flowers, and vegetables alongside your onion plants. Not only does this benefit your onion plants, but it also creates a more diverse and sustainable ecosystem in your garden.
Additionally, companion planting can help you create a more attractive and visually appealing garden by incorporating different colors, textures, and heights.
Floral Companions
Companion planting with flowers can benefit tomato plants, such as deterring pests, improving soil quality, and increasing yield. Here are some of the spinach companion plants that work great as onion companion plants:
1
Marigolds
Marigolds contain compounds such as limonene and linalool, which have insecticidal properties and can help repel onion pests such as nematodes, thrips, and maggots. Additionally, marigolds produce alpha-terthienyl, which is toxic to root-knot nematodes, a common pest of onions. Planting marigolds near onions can also improve soil health by suppressing certain pathogens.
Planting Tips
- Plant French marigolds as they have a stronger insecticidal effect than other marigold varieties.
- Plant marigolds in the spring before onions to allow the roots to establish before the onions are planted.
2
Roses
Roses can attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which prey on onion pests such as aphids and thrips. Additionally, roses produce bioactive compounds, believed to stimulate the growth of onions and other plants.
Planting Tips
- Choose fragrant roses to attract more beneficial insects to your garden.
- Plant roses near the perimeter of your garden or around the onion bed to attract beneficial insects to the area.
3
Amaranth
Amaranth can attract beneficial insects suchas bees and butterflies which prey on onion pests such as aphids and thrips. Amaranth can also help to suppress weeds, which can compete with onions for nutrients and resources.
Planting Tips
- Choose a variety of amaranth appropriate for your growing zone and soil conditions.
- Plant amaranth in the spring or early summer after the soil has warmed up and there is no longer a risk of frost.
4
Sow Thistle
Sow thistle can attract beneficial insects which prey on onion pests such as aphids and thrips. Additionally, sow thistle’s deep roots help to loosen the soil and improve drainage, which can benefit onion plants.
Planting Tips
- Plant sow thistle in a location that receives full sun or partial shade.
- Plant sow thistle in the spring or early summer after the soil has warmed up and there is no longer a risk of frost.
Vegetable Companions
Here are some of the onion companion plants among vegetables that work well with each other:
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Carrots
Carrots make excellent companions for onions as they help repel the onion fly, a common pest that can damage onion plants. Additionally, carrots help loosen the soil, making it easier for onion roots to penetrate and absorb nutrients. This is due to the carrot’s ability to secrete root exudates, which stimulates the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. These microorganisms, in turn, help break down organic matter, improve soil structure, and promote nutrient uptake in onion plants.
Planting Tips
- Plant carrot seeds at the same time as onion sets or transplants to ensure they mature around the same time.
- Choose smaller varieties of carrots, such as Nantes or Chantenay, to avoid overcrowding and competition with onion plants.
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Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another great onion companion plant as they help repel pests like aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, tomato plants release a compound called solanine that repels cutworms, a common pest that can damage onion bulbs. Tomatoes also have deep roots that help loosen soil and promote better drainage, which can also benefit onion plants. However, it’s worth noting that onions and tomatoes are both heavy feeders and may compete for nutrients in the soil, so it’s important to provide adequate fertilization.
Planting Tips
- Plant determinate varieties of tomatoes, such as Roma or Celebrity, to ensure they mature before onion plants become too large.
- Provide support for tomato plants, such as staking or trellising, to prevent them from falling over and damaging onion plants.
7
Lettuce
Lettuce and onions make great companions as they have different nutrient requirements and root depths. Lettuce is a shallow-rooted plant that prefers cooler temperatures, while onions have deeper roots and can tolerate warmer temperatures. By planting them together, you can maximize your garden space and avoid competition for nutrients and water. Lettuce can also act as a living mulch, helping conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth around onion plants.
Planting Tips
- Plant lettuce seeds or transplants between onion rows to maximize garden space and avoid nutrient competition.
- Choose heat-tolerant lettuce varieties, such as Salad Bowl or Black Seeded Simpson, to ensure they grow even in warmer temperatures.
8
Cabbage
Cabbage is another great onion companion plant as it helps repel pests like cabbage loopers and diamondback moths. Additionally, cabbage has deep roots that can help loosen soil and promote better drainage, which can benefit onion plants. However, it’s important to note that cabbage and onions are both heavy feeders and may compete for nutrients in the soil. To avoid this, it’s best to plant them at least 18 inches apart and provide adequate fertilization.
Planting Tips
- Plant cabbage transplants at least 18 inches away from onion plants to avoid competition for nutrients.
- Choose varieties of cabbage, such as Early Jersey Wakefield or Copenhagen Market, that mature earlier to avoid crowding onion plants.
Herb Companions
Here are some of the onion companion plants among herbs that thrive together:
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Basil
Basil contains compounds such as eucalyptol and cineole, which have insecticidal properties and can help repel onion pests such as thrips and aphids. Additionally, planting basil near onions is believed to improve the flavor of the onions, possibly due to the transfer of essential oils from the basil to the onions.
Planting Tips
- Plant basil seeds or transplants near onions, but not so close that they shade them or compete for nutrients.
- Sweet basil and Thai basil are both great varieties for onion companion planting.
- Pinch off the top of the basil plant to promote bushier growth and prevent it from flowering too soon.
12
Mint
Mint contains menthol and other essential oils with insecticidal properties and can help repel onion pests such as onion flies and flea beetles. Additionally, mint’s strong aroma can mask the smell of onions, making them less attractive to pests.
Planting Tips
- Water mint regularly and prune it back as needed to keep it under control.
- Avoid planting mint too close to onions, as it can become invasive and compete for nutrients.
- Spearmint and peppermint are both good choices for onion companion planting.
13
Chamomile
Chamomile attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which prey on onion pests such as thrips and maggots. Additionally, chamomile roots help to loosen the soil, making it easier for onion roots to grow and access nutrients.
Planting Tips
- Water chamomile regularly and deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
- German chamomile and Roman chamomile are both great options for onion companion planting.
- Leave some chamomile plants to seed at the end of the season, as this will attract even more beneficial insects to the garden.
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Parsley
Parsley attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and predatory wasps, which feed on onion pests such as thrips and aphids. Additionally, parsley’s deep roots help to aerate the soil and improve drainage, which can benefit onion plants.
Planting Tips
- Italian flat-leaf and curly parsley are excellent varieties for onion companion planting.
- Onions should be planted about 4-6 inches apart, while parsley should be planted about 6-8 inches apart.
The Bottom Line
Companion planting is more than just a trendy gardening technique. It’s a smart and sustainable way to improve the overall health and productivity of your onion plants, and it’s something that every gardener should consider.
Imagine your onion plants growing tall and strong, with vibrant green leaves and plump bulbs bursting with flavor. Picture yourself spending less time battling pests and diseases and more time enjoying the fruits of your labor. That’s the power of onion companion plants!
Choose your vegetable, herb, and flower companions wisely, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Your garden (and your taste buds) will thank you!
