Hey fellow gardeners! I’ve been growing asparagus for years, and lemme tell you – finding the right companion plants can make a HUGE difference in your harvest. Today I’m gonna share everything I’ve learned about what to plant with asparagus to create the perfect garden harmony.
Why Should You Care About Companion Planting with Asparagus?
Before we dive into the plant bestie list, here’s why companion planting matters:
- Your asparagus takes 3 whole years to get established – that’s a long-term commitment! Having the right neighbors helps protect this investment
- Good companions help keep those pesky asparagus beetles away (they’re the worst!)
- Some plants actually improve soil nutrients for your asparagus
- Smart companion planting lets you maximize your garden space while waiting for asparagus to mature
Best Friends Forever: Top Companion Plants for Asparagus
Herbs That Love Asparagus
-
Basil
- Naturally repels asparagus beetles
- Attracts beneficial predatory wasps
- Plant at bed edges, 2 feet from asparagus
-
Parsley
- Helps ward off asparagus beetles
- Supports pollinators
- Great for shaded spots under taller companions
-
Dill
- Attracts helpful insects like lacewings and ladybugs
- Keep in pots nearby (has deep roots that could compete)
-
Cilantro
- Repels aphids and spider mites
- Plant in early spring or fall
- Works great under taller plants for shade
Veggies That Play Nice
-
Tomatoes – The Perfect Partner!
- They protect each other: tomatoes deter asparagus beetles while asparagus keeps away root nematodes
- Plant at the ends of asparagus beds
- Different harvest times mean better space usage
-
Eggplant
- Similar benefits as tomatoes
- Keeps beetles away
- Plant after asparagus harvest
-
Lettuce & Spinach
- Act as living mulch
- Get shade protection from asparagus
- Plant between rows
Flowering Friends
-
Marigolds
- Repel multiple pests including:
- Nematodes
- Beetles
- Even rabbits!
- Attract pollinators
- Plant anywhere around bed edges
- Repel multiple pests including:
-
Nasturtiums
- Deter beetles and ants
- Attract beneficial hoverflies
- Trailing varieties help suppress weeds
-
Petunias
- Attract pollinators
- Help keep soil cool
- Look pretty while being useful!
Big No-No’s: What NOT to Plant with Asparagus
Avoid these troublemakers:
-
Alliums (Onions, Garlic, Leeks)
- Compete for nutrients
- Can stunt asparagus growth
- Keep at least several meters away
-
Potatoes
- Root systems compete badly
- Harvest disrupts asparagus roots
- Different growing needs
-
Carrots
- Deep roots compete directly
- Harvesting disturbs asparagus roots
- Just don’t do it!
Pro Tips for Successful Companion Planting
-
Spacing Matters
- Keep companions at least 2 feet from asparagus crowns
- Allow room for asparagus to reach full size (up to 5 feet tall!)
- Consider mature plant sizes when planning
-
Timing is Key
- Plant most companions after asparagus harvest
- Some herbs and flowers can go in early spring
- Think about harvest schedules
-
Soil Preparation
- All companions should like well-draining soil
- Sandy loam is ideal
- Maintain consistent moisture
My Personal Experience
I gotta tell ya, when I first started growing asparagus, I made the rookie mistake of planting onions nearby – big oops! But over the years, I’ve found that tomatoes and marigolds are my go-to companions. They’re like the three musketeers in my garden, working together perfectly.
Wrapping It Up
Remember, asparagus is a long-term garden investment. Choosing the right companion plants isn’t just about making your garden look pretty – it’s about creating a healthy ecosystem that’ll give you amazing harvests for years to come.
Start with a few easy companions like marigolds or basil, and expand as you get comfortable. Your asparagus will thank you with bigger, better yields!
Happy gardening, folks! Got any questions about companion planting with asparagus? Drop ’em in the comments below – I’d love to help out!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
12 Best Companion Plants for Asparagus
- One of twelve basil plants. Photo: deepblue4you/Getty. Wasps that hunt for food love to live near basil plants. Also, predatory wasps will get rid of aphids, beetles, and other pests that eat asparagus in your garden. They may sound scary. That’s why asparagus and basil taste great together. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and needs full sun and soil that drains well.
- 02 of 12: Dill (Credit: 2ndLookGraphics/Getty): Dill does attract bugs, but they’re the kind of bugs that eat asparagus. Lacewings and ladybugs are attracted to dill plants because they eat aphids, which hurt asparagus. Dill (Anethum graveolens) grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 2–11. It needs full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
- 03 of 12: Marigold (Wulingyun) / Getty Images: When marigolds are planted next to asparagus, they cover the ground with pops of warm, bright color. But these bright flowers do more than just look nice; they keep away some of asparagus’ worst enemies, like aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. Name: Marigold (Tagetes spp. )USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11Light: Full sunSoil: Evenly moist, well-drained .
- 04.12. Parsley – Picture: Priscila Zambotto / Getty s If you want the best asparagus, plant parsley near your plants. This lovely herb is high in nitrogen, which not only helps the asparagus grow but also makes the flavor stronger. Type of plant: Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)USDA Hardiness Zones: 9–11Light: Full sun to light shade Soil: Always wet but well-drained Continue to 5 of 12 below
- Five of twelve strawberries. Photo: Jacky Parker Photography / Getty Images. Strawberry plants have shallow roots that let them creep along the ground. They protect the soil and help asparagus grow by giving it ground cover. They keep weeds away and help the soil hold on to water. Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. It needs full sun and soil that is rich, loamy, and well-drained.
- 06 of 12 Nasturtium – Photo: Nadya So / Getty s Nasturtiums are beautiful in the garden because of their bright color and strong floral scent. But that’s not the only reason they’re great to add to your asparagus bed. Their fragrance repels asparagus beetles. Name: Nasturtium (Tropaeolum spp. )USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11Light: Full sunSoil: Acidic, well-drained .
- 07 of 12 Peas – Photo: Ben Monk / Getty s Peas grow well with asparagus because they help keep the soil moist, which is what asparagus plants need for best growth. Pea (Pisum sativum): USDA Hardiness Zones 2–11; Light: Full sun; Soil: Moist, neutral; Care: Peas are legumes, which are great plants to grow with asparagus, but not all legumes are the same. Beans, also a legume, are a poor companion for asparagus.
- 08 of 12 Eggplant Source: Juana Mari Moya / Getty s. Asparagus and eggplant are both popular summer vegetables, but the nutrients that they need are very different. Thats why they make for excellent companion plants. Additionally, asparagus keeps away the nematodes that will ravage eggplants. Eggplant (Solanum melongena) grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 9–12. It needs full sun and soil that drains well. Keep reading to see Zone 9 of 12
- 08 of 12 Tomato Picture: Esin Deniz / Getty Images Tomatoes and asparagus know how to protect each other from the things that are bad for them. Tomatoes repel asparagus beetles, while asparagus repel tomato-destroying nematodes. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum): USDA Hardiness Zones 2–10: Full sun; loamy, well-drained soil
- 10 of 12: Lettuce (Image: Anna Mardo/Getty): Lettuce does better in cooler weather than asparagus, which is why they grow well together. The tall asparagus will help shade the low-growing lettuce, which will keep it cool on hot days. It will also make a great ground cover because it will keep the soil warm and stop water from evaporating. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 2–11. It likes full sun to part sun and loamy, rich, well-drained soil.
- 11 of 12 Spinach Credit: JackF / Getty s Spinach plants stay together and grow in neat rows, which makes them a great plant to grow with asparagus. They don’t take away from the soil’s nutrients either, so the asparagus won’t even know they’re there. The plant is called spinach and is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 2–11. It grows best in full or partial sun and in soil that is loamy, moist, and well-drained.
- 12 of 12 Cilantro Credit: Adrian Crook / Getty s Asparagus and cilantro grow in different ways. Asparagus grows taller and its roots go deeper into the ground, while cilantro has a low profile. That makes them the perfect companions for a garden. Plus, cilantros flowers attract beneficial insects. The plant is called cilantro and is native to USDA Hardiness Zones 2–11. It does best in full sun or partial sun and soil that is moderately wet but well-drained.
companion planting asparagus
FAQ
What should you not plant next to asparagus?
- #1: Allium Family (onion, garlic leeks, shallots, chives)
- #2: Potatoes
- #3: Carrots
What pairs well with asparagus in the garden?
The Best Companion Plants for AsparagusTomatoes. Tomatoes are among the top companions for asparagus due to the mutually beneficial relationship they share. Basil. Parsley and Dill. Marigolds and Nasturtiums. Strawberries. Carrots. Cucumbers. Alliums (Onions, Garlic, Leeks).
What do you put around asparagus?
Some suitable types of mulch for asparagus include well-rotted manure, compost, leaves, grass clippings, wood chips, straw, hay, bark mulch, and bark chippings. The landscape fabric or black plastic will trap the asparagus shoots, so don’t use them. Also, don’t use grass clippings that have been sprayed with broadleaf herbicides.
Does asparagus like sun or shade?
Gardening guides say that asparagus does best in full sun and needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.