Best Companion Plants for Peppers (And What to Avoid)
Peppers are pretty easygoing garden plants once they get going, but what you grow around them can make a noticeable difference in yield and pest pressure. I've tested dozens of combinations over the years and some pairings are clearly better than others.
Unlike tomatoes, peppers are compact plants that don't sprawl everywhere, so you've got more flexibility with what goes nearby. Here's what works, what doesn't, and why.
Pepper companion planting chart
| Companion | Why It Works | Spacing from Peppers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Repels aphids and spider mites; attracts pollinators | 8-12 inches | Best companion overall |
| Onions | Strong scent deters many pepper pests | 6-8 inches | Don't block pepper's sun |
| Carrots | Use space below ground; don't compete | 6-8 inches | Harvest before peppers size up |
| Spinach | Cool-season understory crop; harvested early | 6-8 inches | Perfect spring interplant |
| Marigolds | Nematode suppression; general pest confusion | 12 inches (border) | Use French marigolds |
| Tomatoes | Similar needs; mutual pest awareness | 24+ inches | Shared diseases are the risk |
| Beets | Different root depth; no competition | 8 inches | Good space filler |
| Parsley | Attracts beneficial wasps that eat pepper pests | 8-12 inches | Let some flower for best effect |
| Oregano | Aromatic pest confusion; ground cover | 12 inches | Keep trimmed to prevent takeover |
| Nasturtiums | Aphid trap crop | 12-18 inches | Plant on border |
Top 5 companions explained
1. Basil
If you only pick one companion for your peppers, make it basil. The essential oils that give basil its aroma also confuse and repel aphids, spider mites, and thrips — three of the most common pepper pests. When basil flowers, it attracts bees and hoverflies that also pollinate pepper flowers.
I plant basil between every other pepper plant, about 8-12 inches from the stem. Both crops like identical conditions: full sun, warm soil, consistent moisture. They're practically roommates by nature. Plus, peppers and basil end up in a lot of the same recipes, so having them next to each other in the garden makes the kitchen run smoother too.
2. Onions and alliums
Onions, garlic, chives — the whole allium family puts out sulfur compounds that many insects find repulsive. Interplanting alliums around pepper plants creates a scent barrier that makes it harder for pests to locate your peppers.
Onions are especially practical because they're slim plants that don't compete for light or space. Tuck them in around the base of pepper plants, 6-8 inches away. They'll be harvested before your peppers really hit full production.
3. Spinach (early season)
Spinach is a cool-season crop that'll be done producing by the time peppers really take off in summer. Plant spinach between your pepper transplants in late spring. You'll get a nice spinach harvest in May and June, and by the time it bolts in the heat, your pepper plants will fill in the space.
This is more about efficient use of space than any direct benefit to the peppers, but it works beautifully. No wasted garden space, no competition. For ideas on spring timing, check our best spring vegetables guide.
4. Carrots
Carrots work well next to peppers for the same reason they work next to tomatoes — they occupy different zones. Pepper roots stay relatively shallow and spread wide. Carrot roots grow deep and narrow. They're not competing for the same space underground.
Plant carrots between pepper plants as a space-efficient interplanting strategy. If you're growing carrots, our carrot planting depth guide has the specifics on getting them started.
5. French marigolds
Same story as with tomatoes — French marigolds suppress root-knot nematodes and their scent confuses flying pests. Ring your pepper bed with marigolds and you're adding a proven layer of pest protection. They also add a splash of color that makes the garden look intentional rather than just utilitarian.
What to keep away from peppers
| Plant | Problem |
|---|---|
| Fennel | Allelopathic — releases chemicals that inhibit pepper growth |
| Kohlrabi | Known to stunt pepper growth (unclear mechanism) |
| Brassicas (heavy feeders) | Compete aggressively for soil nutrients |
| Very tall crops (corn, sunflowers) | Shade peppers, which need full sun (6-8 hours minimum) |
The fennel warning applies to nearly everything in the garden, not just peppers. Plant fennel in its own isolated spot or in a container. It doesn't play well with others.
Pepper garden layout example
Here's a layout for a 4x4 foot raised bed:
- 4 pepper plants in the center, 18 inches apart in a square
- Basil between each pepper plant
- Onions around the inner perimeter, 6 inches from peppers
- Marigolds at each corner
- Spinach (early season only) filling gaps before peppers fill in
This gives you four crops from a tiny bed while keeping your peppers happy and relatively pest-free.
For more on growing peppers successfully, see our guides on when to plant peppers outdoors and pepper seed planting depth. And our full companion planting chart covers all vegetables if you're planning a larger garden.
🌶️ Get pepper planting dates for your area
Use our free planting calendar — enter your zip code to find when to start pepper seeds and transplant outside.
Frequently asked questions
What grows well next to peppers?
Basil, onions, carrots, spinach, and marigolds are all good companions for peppers. They help with pest control, space efficiency, or soil improvement without competing for the same resources.
Can you plant peppers and tomatoes together?
It's possible but not ideal. Both are nightshades sharing the same pests and diseases. If space is limited it works fine, but keep an eye out for blight or hornworms spreading between them.
What should you not plant near peppers?
Avoid fennel (inhibits growth), kohlrabi (stunts peppers), and very tall crops that will shade peppers — they need full sun.
Do peppers and beans grow well together?
They can work in the same bed but plant them with some space. Beans fix nitrogen which can benefit peppers over time. Just make sure pole beans don't shade pepper plants.