Garlic
Family: Liliaceae (LIL)
Do not transplant after: Potato, Swiss Chard
Favorable to transplant after: Compositae
Years before repeating in the same soil: 4
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Tomato
Distance between rows: 30 cm | In the row: 15 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | At transplanting
Irrigation: Weekly only in case of drought.
Watermelon
Family: Cucurbitaceae (CUC)
Do not transplant after: Cucurbitaceae
Favorable to transplant after: Legumes
Years before repeating in the same soil: 4
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Onion
Distance between rows: 200 cm | In the row: 100 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base dressing | In the planting hole | Monthly after transplanting
Irrigation: Abundant at the beginning of fruit set and fruit enlargement.
Asparagus
Family: Liliaceae (LIL)
Do not transplant after: Potato, Carrot
Favorable to transplant after: Corn
Years before repeating in the same soil: 7
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Spinach
Distance between rows: 100 cm | In the row: 30 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base dressing
Irrigation: Weekly in dry periods.
Basil
Family: Lamiaceae (LAB)
Do not transplant after: Solanaceae
Favorable to transplant after: Green Bean, Fennel
Years before repeating in the same soil: 2
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Tomato, Bell Pepper, Zucchini
Distance between rows: 30 cm | In the row: 20 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | In the planting hole
Irrigation: Frequent, without wetting the leaves.
Swiss Chard
Family: Chenopodiaceae (CHE)
Do not transplant after: Spinach, Onion
Favorable to transplant after: Onion
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Onion, Radish, Carrot
Distance between rows: 30 cm | In the row: 25 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base dressing
Irrigation: Frequent, without waterlogging.
Leaf Beet (Cutting Chard)
Family: Chenopodiaceae (CHE)
Do not transplant after: Spinach, Onion
Favorable to transplant after: Onion
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Onion, Radish
Distance between rows: 30 cm | In the row: 10 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base dressing
Irrigation: Frequent, without waterlogging.
Beetroot
Family: Chenopodiaceae (CHE)
Do not transplant after: Spinach, Onion
Favorable to transplant after: Onion
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Onion, Lettuce
Distance between rows: 30 cm | In the row: 10 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base dressing | Suspend before harvest
Irrigation: Frequent, without waterlogging. Reduce before harvest.
Artichoke
Family: Compositae (COM)
Do not transplant after: Solanaceae, Cardoon
Favorable to transplant after: Legumes
Years before repeating in the same soil: 5
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Radish, Spinach
Distance between rows: 100 cm | In the row: 100 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base dressing
Irrigation: Weekly during production, in case of drought.
Cardoon
Family: Compositae (COM)
Do not transplant after: Solanaceae, Artichoke
Favorable to transplant after: Legumes
Years before repeating in the same soil: 4
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Radish, Spinach
Distance between rows: 100 cm | In the row: 100 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base dressing | In the planting hole
Irrigation: Frequent, avoiding waterlogging in hot and dry periods.
Carrot
Family: Umbelliferae (UMB)
Do not transplant after: Parsley, Celery
Favorable to transplant after: Onion
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Onion, Leek, Tomato
Distance between rows: 25 cm | In the row: 5 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base dressing | Suspend before harvest
Irrigation: Weekly during enlargement, without waterlogging.
Cabbages
Family: Cruciferae (CRU)
Do not transplant after: Solanaceae, Umbelliferae, Onion
Favorable to transplant after: Legumes, Lettuce
Years before repeating in the same soil: 2
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Fennel, Celery
Distance between rows: 50 cm | In the row: 40 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base dressing | In the planting hole | Monthly after transplanting
Irrigation: Frequent irrigations with moderate volumes.
Kohlrabi
Family: Cruciferae (CRU)
Do not transplant after: Solanaceae, Umbelliferae, Onion
Favorable to transplant after: Lettuce, Legumes
Years before repeating in the same soil: 2
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Swiss Chard, Onion
Distance between rows: 50 cm | In the row: 20 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base dressing | In the planting hole
Irrigation: Frequent irrigations with moderate volumes.
Chickpea
Family: Leguminosae (LEG)
Years before repeating in the same soil: 2
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Cabbage, Cucumber, Fennel
Distance between rows: 50 cm | In the row: 10 cm
Organic fertilization: Low
Irrigation: Drought-resistant.
Cucumber
Family: Cucurbitaceae (CUC)
Favorable to transplant after: Legumes
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Celery, Onion
Distance between rows: 100 cm | In the row: 40 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base dressing | In the planting hole | Monthly after transplanting
Irrigation: Frequent irrigations with moderate volumes.
Head Chicories
Family: Compositae (COM)
Do not transplant after: Lettuce, Chicory
Favorable to transplant after: Leek, Pea
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Fennel, Lettuce, Tomato
Distance between rows: 40 cm | In the row: 30 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base dressing
Irrigation: Always wait for the soil to dry.
Onion
Family: Liliaceae (LIL)
Do not transplant after: Cabbage, Swiss Chard
Favorable to transplant after: Cucumber, Tomato
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Carrot
Distance between rows: 30 cm | In the row: 15 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base dressing
Irrigation: In case of drought, weekly during enlargement.
Scallion
Family: Liliaceae (LIL)
Do not transplant after: Liliaceae
Favorable to transplant after: Bean
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Carrot
Distance between rows: 30 cm | In the row: 5 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base dressing
Irrigation: Always wait for the soil to dry.
Curly Endive and Escarole
Family: Compositae (COM)
Do not transplant after: Lettuce, Chicory
Favorable to transplant after: Radish
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Radish, Artichoke, Onion
Distance between rows: 40 cm | In the row: 30 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base dressing
Irrigation: Always wait for the soil to dry.
Bean and Green Bean
Family: Leguminosae (LEG)
Do not transplant after: Cucurbitaceae, Swiss Chard
Favorable to transplant after: Broccoli
Years before repeating in the same soil: 2
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Celery, Cabbages
Distance between rows: 50 cm | In the row: 10 cm
Organic fertilization: Low
Irrigation: Scarce but frequent irrigations.
Fava Bean
Family: Leguminosae (LEG)
Do not transplant after: Cucurbitaceae, Broccoli
Years before repeating in the same soil: 2
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Potato, Spinach
Distance between rows: 50 cm | In the row: 10 cm
Organic fertilization: Low
Irrigation: Limited water needs. Water only during drought.
Fennel
Family: Umbelliferae (UMB)
Do not transplant after: Umbelliferae
Favorable to transplant after: Legumes
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Spinach, Celery
Distance between rows: 40 cm | In the row: 25 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base | In the hole at transplanting | Monthly after transplanting
Irrigation: Frequent watering, avoiding waterlogging.
Strawberry
Family: Rosaceae (ROS)
Do not transplant after: Rosaceae
Favorable to transplant after: Cabbage
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Spinach, Onion
Distance between rows: 100 cm | In the row: 30 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base | In the hole at transplanting
Irrigation: Sparse but frequent watering.
Lettuce
Family: Compositae (COM)
Do not transplant after: Chicory, Endive
Favorable to transplant after: Onion, Tomato
Years before repeating in the same soil: 2
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Onion, Radish, Carrot
Distance between rows: 40 cm | In the row: 25 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base
Irrigation: Frequent watering, avoiding waterlogging.
Cutting Lettuces
Family: Compositae (COM)
Do not transplant after: Solanaceae, Swiss Chard
Favorable to transplant after: Tomato
Years before repeating in the same soil: 2
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Celery, Spinach, Radish
Distance between rows: 30 cm | In the row: 5 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base
Irrigation: Frequent watering, avoiding waterlogging.
Sweet Corn
Family: Poaceae (GRA)
Favorable to transplant after: Legumes
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Pea, Bean, Pumpkin
Distance between rows: 30 cm | In the row: 50 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base | In the hole at transplanting
Irrigation: During tassel formation and ear development.
Eggplant
Family: Solanaceae (SOL)
Do not transplant after: Solanaceae
Favorable to transplant after: Chicory, Lettuce
Years before repeating in the same soil: 4
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Snap Bean
Distance between rows: 100 cm | In the row: 40 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base | In the hole at transplanting
Irrigation: Fears deficiency and waterlogging. Grafted is less delicate.
Melon
Family: Cucurbitaceae (CUC)
Do not transplant after: Cucurbitaceae
Favorable to transplant after: Legumes, Lettuce
Years before repeating in the same soil: 4
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Cabbage, Lettuce
Distance between rows: 150 cm | In the row: 80 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base | In the hole at transplanting | Monthly after transplanting
Irrigation: Abundant at the beginning of fruit set and end of fruit enlargement.
Okra
Family: Malvaceae (MAL)
Favorable to transplant after: Legumes
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Pepper
Distance between rows: 100 cm | In the row: 100 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base
Irrigation: In dry periods, sparse but frequent watering.
Potato
Family: Solanaceae (SOL)
Do not transplant after: Solanaceae
Favorable to transplant after: Legumes, Celery
Years before repeating in the same soil: 4
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Fava Bean, Spinach
Distance between rows: 80 cm | In the row: 30 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base | In the hole at transplanting | Monthly after transplanting
Irrigation: Avoid deficiencies before and during flowering.
Pepper
Family: Solanaceae (SOL)
Do not transplant after: Solanaceae
Favorable to transplant after: Chicory, Lettuce
Years before repeating in the same soil: 4
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Basil
Distance between rows: 100 cm | In the row: 40 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base | In the hole at transplanting
Irrigation: Fears deficiency and waterlogging. Hilling recommended.
Peas
Family: Leguminosae (LEG)
Do not transplant after: Chicory, Bean
Favorable to transplant after: Cabbages
Years before repeating in the same soil: 2
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Cabbage, Cucumber, Fennel
Distance between rows: 50 cm | In the row: 10 cm
Organic fertilization: Low
Irrigation: Limited water needs. Water during drought.
Tomato
Family: Solanaceae (SOL)
Do not transplant after: Cucurbitaceae, Asparagus
Favorable to transplant after: Chicory, Lettuce
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Celery, Basil
Distance between rows: 100 cm | In the row: 40 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base | In the hole at transplanting | Monthly after transplanting
Irrigation: Abundant in dry periods.
Leek
Family: Liliaceae (LIL)
Do not transplant after: Cabbage
Favorable to transplant after: Cucumber
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Cabbage, Celery, Tomato
Distance between rows: 30 cm | In the row: 15 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base | In the hole at transplanting | Monthly after transplanting
Irrigation: Frequent watering, avoiding waterlogging.
Parsley
Family: Umbelliferae (UMB)
Do not transplant after: Umbelliferae
Favorable to transplant after: Lettuce
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Tomato, Strawberry, Asparagus
Distance between rows: 15 cm | In the row: 5 cm
Organic fertilization: Low
Irrigation: Sparse but frequent watering.
Radish
Family: Cruciferae (CRU)
Do not transplant after: Cruciferae, Tomato
Favorable to transplant after: Parsley, Asparagus
Years before repeating in the same soil: 2
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Leek
Distance between rows: 15 cm | In the row: 5 cm
Organic fertilization: Low
Irrigation: Sparse but frequent watering.
Arugula
Family: Cruciferae (CRU)
Do not transplant after: Cruciferae
Years before repeating in the same soil: 2
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Leek, Spinach, Lettuce
Distance between rows: 15 cm | In the row: 5 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base
Irrigation: Frequent watering, avoiding waterlogging. Irregular watering results in a more intense flavor.
Shallot
Family: Liliaceae (LIL)
Do not transplant after: Cabbage, Cucumber
Favorable to transplant after: Leek
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Carrot, Eggplant
Distance between rows: 30 cm | In the row: 15 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base
Irrigation: Weekly only in case of drought.
Celery
Family: Umbelliferae (UMB)
Favorable to transplant after: Legumes
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Tomato, Leek
Distance between rows: 40 cm | In the row: 25 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base | In the hole at transplanting | Monthly after transplanting
Irrigation: Frequent watering, avoiding waterlogging.
Spinach
Family: Chenopodiaceae (CHE)
Do not transplant after: Swiss Chard, Cabbage
Favorable to transplant after: Bean, Onion
Years before repeating in the same soil: 2
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Salads, Tomato
Distance between rows: 25 cm | In the row: 5 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base
Irrigation: Frequent watering, avoiding waterlogging.
Valerian
Family: Valerianaceae (VAL)
Years before repeating in the same soil: 2
Tolerates partial shade: Yes
Possible companion planting: Tomato, Carrot, Zucchini
Distance between rows: 25 cm | In the row: 5 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base
Irrigation: Frequent watering, avoiding waterlogging.
Pumpkin
Family: Cucurbitaceae (CUC)
Do not transplant after: Zucchini, Tomato
Favorable to transplant after: Legumes, Lettuce
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Celery, Fennel, Cabbage
Distance between rows: 200 cm | In the row: 100 cm
Organic fertilization: Medium | Base | In the hole at transplanting | Monthly after transplanting
Irrigation: Abundant at the beginning of fruit set and fruit enlargement.
Zucchini
Family: Cucurbitaceae (CUC)
Do not transplant after: Cucurbitaceae, Tomato
Favorable to transplant after: Legumes, Lettuce
Years before repeating in the same soil: 3
Tolerates partial shade: No
Possible companion planting: Lettuce, Radish, Spinach, Cabbages
Distance between rows: 120 cm | In the row: 80 cm
Organic fertilization: Abundant | Base | In the hole at transplanting | Monthly after transplanting
Irrigation: Abundant every other day in very hot periods.
4. How to read the fertilization notes
In the table, you have seen different types of fertilization. Here is what they mean in the daily practice of gardening:
- Base organic fertilization: manure, stable manure, chicken manure, hornmeal, compost and similar. It is mainly applied in winter, buried with digging. If not done before, it should be provided before transplanting.
- In-hole fertilization: guano, chicken manure, compost, NPK fertilizers etc. can be placed in the hole at transplanting, without direct contact with the roots, or even better 2 weeks before.
- Fertilization after transplanting: for long-cycle species that love abundant fertilization for more generous yields, it is advisable to apply NPK or vinasse-based fertilizer every 3 weeks also during cultivation.
- Suspension before harvesting: for some species, it is important to stop fertilization a few weeks before harvesting, so as not to alter the quality of the final product.
5. Our practical tips for the best companion planting
Now that you have the complete table, here are the Millstore experts' tips for applying companion planting in your garden correctly:
- Always alternate botanical families: never plant two vegetables of the same family next to each other. For example, avoid putting tomato and pepper (both Solanaceae) in the same row: they share the same pests and deplete the soil in the same way.
- Use legumes as "natural fertilizers": beans, peas, fava beans, and chickpeas enrich the soil with nitrogen. Plant them near demanding species like tomatoes, cabbages, and cucurbits, or use them as a rotation crop before these.
- Use aromatics as "guards": basil near tomatoes, parsley near strawberries, onion near carrots. Aromatic plants deter many harmful insects with their essential oils.
- Combine quick and long cycles: pair fast-growing species (radishes, cutting lettuces, arugula) with long-cycle species (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants). The former will be harvested before the latter need all the space.
- Always maintain distances: Even in companion planting, every plant needs its space. Never reduce the minimum distances between rows and within rows indicated for each species: a suffocated plant produces little and gets sick easily.
Start designing your companion garden with Millstore
As you've seen, companion planting in the garden isn't complicated: all it takes is a bit of initial planning and a good reference table close at hand. With the right precautions, you can achieve more abundant harvests, healthier plants, more fertile soil, and a more beautiful garden to look at, minimizing the use of treatments.
If you have questions about how to organize your garden, which varieties to choose, or which products to use for fertilization and plant care, Millstore provides a team of professionals and experts ready to answer all your questions and give you concrete help to resolve any doubts.
Do not hesitate to contact us by phone, email, WhatsApp, or through the chat on our website.