Boost the growth of your asparagus by planting these beneficial companion plants.
Asparagus is a crop that requires lots of patience as it takes around 2-3 years to fully establish itself, but once it does, the plant can provide delicious harvests for up to 15 years or even more! To help with the establishment of asparagus, companion planting is a must! These crops not only keep pests away and attract pollinators, but also add nutrients to the soil, which helps asparagus grow strong and healthy.
Additionally planting companion crops with asparagus is a great way to utilize more of your gardening space and have something to harvest all year long as asparagus has a relatively short harvest season. It’s better than having plain asparagus beds that aren’t giving you any harvest for a long period of time.
In This Article
Best Companion Plants for Asparagus
Tomato and Other Nightshades
Tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers – all members of the nightshade family are great companion plants for asparagus. They release a chemical called solanine which helps deter asparagus beetles. Asparagus beetles can be detrimental to your plants. They feed on shoots and spears, leading to a decreased harvest.
Nightshades can also benefit from asparagus. It repels nematodes which can destroy the roots of tomatoes. It’s a win-win situation for both plants!
Peas
Peas can help asparagus grow healthy by adding nitrogen to the soil. Peas also have a short growing season, so they won’t take up lots of space or compete for nutrients.
Strawberries
Strawberries have a shallow root system while asparagus has deep, large roots making them perfect to grow alongside each other without disturbance. These plants also both have similar growing seasons and thrive in similar conditions. Strawberries grow close to the ground, providing cover and suppressing weeds, which can also benefit the growth of asparagus.
Spinach and Lettuce
These cool-season crops grow quickly and won’t compete with asparagus for nutrients.
Marigold
Not only do marigolds add a beautiful pop of color to the garden, but their strong scent keeps many pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes away from asaparagus. They’ll also attracts lots of pollinators.
Nasturtiums
Like marigolds, nasturtiums will also act as an insect repellent and attract lots of pollinators. These beautiful flowers are also edible and very easy to grow.
Petunias
Petunias, part of the nightshade family will help keep asparagus beetles away.
Comfrey
This medicinal plant will not only attract lots of pollinators, but it is also great for adding lots of nutrients to your compost at the end of the season.
Basil
Basil attracts beneficial insects like predatory wasps that eat aphids. Its strong aroma will also deter asparagus beetles.
Cilantro and Dill
Both these herbs will keep spider mites away from your asparagus. They also attract ladybugs and lacewings which eat aphids.
Parsley
Parsley will help improve the flavor of your asparagus. Its flowers will attract pollinators.
Plants to Avoid Growing With Asparagus
In general, avoid plants with deep root systems and long growing seasons to prevent competition for resources and stunted growth. The most important crops to avoid are:
1. Potatoes
Potatoes take up a lot of space plus their root systems, just like asparagus are very deep. The foliage of potatoes can also shade the asparagus, which requires full sun to grow properly. Therefore, it is best to plant these two crops separately to ensure that they both get the space and nutrients they need to thrive.
2. Alliums
All members of the allium family, such as onions, garlic, leeks, and chives, should be completely avoided. These crops have a long growing season, meaning they will compete with asparagus for nutrients and slow their growth.
3. Beans
Like peas, beans can also add nitrogen to the soil, however, they should not be planted with asparagus as they inhibit their growth.
FAQ
Does asparagus spread over time?
Once your asparagus plants are established, they will begin to spread. However, this can lead to smaller spears. To increase your yields, you’ll need to dig up the asparagus crowns and divide them.
What is the best place to plant asparagus in the garden?
A spot in the garden with fertile, well-draining soil that receives full sun is best, although partial shade is tolerated. It is also a good idea to grow in the ground as opposed to containers as asparagus have very large roots.
Can you plant tomatoes next to asparagus?
Yes, tomatoes are one of the best companion plants for asparagus. They both greatly benefit each other in keeping harmful pests away.
Should asparagus be planted in rows?
Asparagus crowns should be planted in rows that are at least 15 inches apart and 4 feet between each row.
