Garlic is a steadfast and reliable garden crop, thriving when planted in the fall and harvested by midsummer. Yet, as I plan for next season, I’m reconsidering how I grow it. Traditionally, I’ve kept garlic in its own bed, but this year I’m branching out. In addition to planting garlic the usual way, I plan to use it as a companion plant for my cabbage and pepper crops. Garlic’s long history as a beneficial garden plant, dating back over a thousand years, is supported by modern research, which reveals it’s much more than just a kitchen staple.
Companion planting with garlic may seem complicated at first, especially because garlic grows from fall to summer, while most garden vegetables are planted in spring. However, strategic planning can make this method highly beneficial. Garlic not only deters pests but can also enhance soil health, making it a valuable tool for gardeners looking to maximize limited space.
Garlic and Strawberries: A Natural Pest Deterrent
One of the most compelling benefits of companion planting with garlic is its ability to reduce pest issues. For example, a 2017 Brazilian study found that planting garlic alongside strawberries can help reduce spider mite populations by 44 to 65%. Garlic was shown to be the most effective compared to other plants like chives, coriander, and fennel. Russian gardeners have long known about this benefit, often planting garlic between strawberry rows. Depending on your climate, you can plant garlic in the fall, mulch it through the winter, and add strawberries in the spring for a pest-reducing duo.
Garlic and Spinach: Winter Garden Companions
Garlic also pairs well with spinach, a crop that shares similar cold tolerance. Although I found that spinach didn’t fare well between garlic rows in the fall, I’ve had success planting spinach in early spring. This timing allows spinach to thrive, as it helps suppress weeds during garlic’s most active growth period. Together, they make an excellent team for your winter garden.
Garlic and Peppers: Soil Boosters and Pest Protection
When paired with peppers, garlic has been shown to benefit the soil. A study in China found that planting garlic in triple rows with peppers on the outside can invigorate the soil, likely due to garlic’s root exudates feeding beneficial microbes. However, timing is crucial, as garlic is a cool-season plant, while peppers thrive in warm weather. The solution, as found by researchers at Michigan’s Grand Valley State University, is to plant garlic in the fall, harvest the middle rows as green garlic in early summer, and then plant peppers in the space. This timing ensures that garlic helps protect young pepper plants from pests without overcrowding them.
Garlic and Cabbage: A Defense Against Pests
Garlic’s ability to deter pests extends to cabbage as well. Studies have shown that garlic can protect cabbage from common pests like cabbage worms and diamondback moths. As a fan of cabbage, I’m planning to plant small clusters of garlic every 3 feet in my cabbage rows this spring. The garlic will be harvested in early summer, just as both crops are nearing maturity, creating a natural pest shield.
Garlic and Oats: Erosion Control and Weed Prevention
In beds where garlic is the primary crop, I’ll be planting oats as a companion. Oats grow tall enough before cold weather sets in to provide valuable mulch, which helps suppress winter weeds and protect the garlic bed from erosion. This method not only benefits the garlic but also contributes to overall garden health.
By strategically companion planting with garlic, gardeners can make the most of their limited space, improve soil quality, and keep pests at bay. While it requires some foresight, the benefits of this approach are well worth the effort.