Companion plant peas to increase harvests and maximize your garden space!
As gardeners, we’re always looking for ways to maximize the productivity and health of our crops. One of the most effective techniques for achieving this is the art of companion planting.
When it comes to peas, this can be particularly rewarding, as peas are compatible with a variety of other plants. Companion planting peas with beneficial crops has many benefits such as attracting pollinators, keeping common pests away from your peas, and maximizing garden space which all leads to a better harvest! Since peas prefer to grow in cooler climates, interplanting other cool-weather plants with them is the best way to utilize garden space during the fall and winter.
In This Article
Best Pea Companion Plants
1. Brassicas
Cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are great companion plants for peas because they are all cool-weather crops. These brassicas are low-growing plants, which complement peas that like to trellis. This partnership is beneficial as brassicas provide ground cover, maintaining soil moisture, while peas offer shade that helps extend the growing season of the brassicas and prevents them from bolting.
2. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, swiss chard, and celery are also cool-weather plants and make great cover crops for your peas, helping to suppress weed growth. Moreover, the peas will provide shade for the greens.
Corn
Corn is a great companion plant for peas that are sown in late summer. The tall stalks of corn can provide valuable shade for the peas during hot weather. Additionally, peas can use the sturdy corn stalks as support to vine upwards as they grow.
3. Root Vegetables
Root vegetables such as turnips, radishes, carrots, and beets are excellent companion plants for peas. These veggies not only occupy minimal space but also help to aerate the soil, improving the absorption of water and nutrients for pea plants. Radishes are especially beneficial because they act as deterrents for pests.
4. Flowers
Marigold
Marigolds are one of the best companion plants for any vegetable including peas! Their strong scent deters pests while their bright colors attract lots of pollinators. Marigolds are also edible and can be used to make teas as well as used as a natural dye!
Nasturtiums
Just like marigolds, nasturtiums are also edible flowers. They can act as a trap crop which means that pests will prefer to snack on them and leave your peas alone. Nasturtiums are very easy to care for and come in many different shades of oranges and reds.
Alyssum
These delicate flowers can help attract beneficial insects, such as lacewings, ladybugs, and predatory wasps, which will help keep away aphids and many other pests. Planting alyssum with your peas can also control weeds, as it acts as a ground cover. The best part is that these flowers come in many different shades you can choose from!
Calendula
This bright yellow flower keeps aphids and whiteflies away while attracting pollinators. Calendulas are also edible flowers and can be used in so many different ways!
5. Herbs
You can naturally deter pests like aphids and spider mites by planting basil, mint, cilantro, and oregano alongside your peas. These herbs have the added benefit of not taking up much space and can thrive in the shade provided by the pea plants. Their growth habit aligns well with peas, making them excellent companions in your garden.
6. Nightshades
Members of the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, eggplants, and early potatoes, can all be planted together with peas. Although they won’t provide much benefit to each other, by the time your nightshades are ready for harvest, the peas can be pulled out, as the weather will get too warm for them. Try leaving the roots of the peas in the soil, as they will break up and gradually provide nitrogen for your nightshades.
7. Vining plants
You can grow other vining plants, such as beans or cucumbers, on the same trellis as your peas. This will save you space since peas can be pulled out shortly after planting beans and cucumbers. Similarly, as fall approaches, you can plant peas again on the same trellis while removing other vining plants.
Companion Plants to Avoid
Some plants don’t grow well when planted alongside peas because they have different needs and compete for resources, which can limit the growth of your peas. It’s also best not to plant peas in soil where these incompatible crops were grown the year before.
1. Alliums
It’s important to avoid planting members of the allium family, such as garlic, onions, chives, leeks, and shallots, next to peas. These plants release chemicals that can inhibit the growth of peas, which can negatively impact your harvest.
2. Gladiolus
This flower will stunt the growth of your peas, so it’s best to not plant it near them. Gladiolus and peas also have different growing seasons.
3. Late Potatoes
Late potatoes will compete with peas for both nutrients and space.
FAQ
Where should I plant peas in my garden?
Plant your peas in an area with ample sunlight, ideally at least 6 hours per day, and make sure that there is a trellis or other support for the plant to grow on.
Are peppers and peas companion plants?
Peppers and peas can be planted alongside, but they won’t really provide any benefits to one another as they have different growing conditions. You should also keep in mind that peas are cool-weather crops while peppers grow in hot weather.
Can you plant different varieties of peas next to each other?
Yes, you can plant different varieties with one another, it’s a great way to utilize the same trellis space.
How far apart should I plant peas?
When compared to other vegetables, peas can be planted much closer together. This helps them support one another while climbing. Sow peas about 1-2 inches apart and space your rows about 7 inches apart.
