Do your plants get along? Ten combinations to avoid in your garden

Not all plants can be friends, and a couple of bad combinations can lead to a whole season of wasted effort. But a little advance planning can prevent fights to the death and ensure a productive and harmonious garden.

1. Beans can hinder growth for the onion and cabbage families. This includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale, chives, and garlic.

2. Carrots and herbs, such as dill or celery, attract the same pests and are easily overrun. Grow your carrots alongside legumes and nightshades, such as tomatoes or peppers, instead.

3. Kale and other vegetables from the cabbage family will stunt your tomatoes. Instead, plant kale with fragrant companion plants like mint or rosemary to repel pests.

4. Asparagus and onions compete for the same resources. Grow your asparagus alongside parsley or basil instead.

5. Rosemary is great for pollination, but can antagonize your cucumbers with chemicals that limit or prevent their growth.

6. Corn and tomatoes attract the same pests and compete for resources. But corn and melons thrive together.

7. Lettuce won’t grow well alongside onions or garlic, but can flourish with cabbage or broccoli.

8. Cauliflower grows poorly next to strawberries and prefers the companionship of onions and herbs.

9. Spinach can’t compete with aggressive potato plants, but grows well with peas and strawberries.

10. Fennel doesn’t get along with anything. Give your fennel plenty of space, or plant in a deep container to prevent self-seeding.