Steve Yoder
I'm Steve, a 30-something urban gardener fascinated by companion planting research. Growing up surrounded by greenery sparked my passion for gardening early on. I enjoy transforming my small backyard, experimenting with companion planting techniques and eco-friendly practices. Sustainability matters—I advocate for native plants and composting.
Table of Contents
Companion planting is a way to maximize your garden space. By growing certain plants next to each other, you can use your land more efficiently, and get more from the fruits of your gardening labors. It’s not new, but the idea has been gaining steam in recent years thanks to renewed interest in organic farming and sustainable living. Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables. It has a great taste and is also part of many different recipes. I love to eat it fresh, but I also like to include it in stir-fries and other dishes. But what happens if you want to grow asparagus? Should you plant it by itself or with other plants? Which are asparagus companion plants?
Benefitting from Asparagus
If you’re growing asparagus, companion planting can help to deter pests, weeds, disease, and soil erosion. Asparagus is typically planted in rows and if you don’t have room for a separate plot for your companion plants then plan on placing them among the asparagus rows.
Furthermore, as a perennial plant that grows in the same spot year after year, asparagus requires little maintenance other than watering it now and then during dry spells. It is also a good source of vitamin C.
In addition to that, Asparagus can be eaten raw or cooked—the latter method will bring out the flavor more prominently. For those who prefer to eat their veggies this way without boiling them into submission first, try sautéing them in olive oil with some garlic (to add some kick), then sprinkle over red pepper flakes for extra heat!
Best Companion Plants for Asparagus
Marigolds as Companion Plants
Planting marigolds next to your asparagus bed will help keep away cabbage moths and cabbage worms that feed on their leaves. Marigolds also repel nematodes that affect plant roots and cause root rot.
Using Radish Seeds as Companions
Radish seeds are another good companion seed to plant near your asparagus beds because they will help deter pests such as slugs, snails, and cutworms that like to feed on radish seeds (and thus stay away from your precious little spears). The radish plants themselves also attract ladybugs which are great at eating other garden pests including aphids!
Tomatoes, Basil, and Dill as Companion Plants
Planting the right thing can be a good way to improve your garden. For example, asparagus is often planted with tomatoes and basil because it improves the flavor of both plants. Use the same technique for planting with dill. This plant helps keep pests away from your asparagus.1
Planting asparagus with the right companion plants can make your garden a beautiful and productive place to grow. It’s important to understand which plants will thrive in your climate and soil type before choosing them. I hope this article could help you and give you some ideas!
References
- Bajpai, V., Singh, P., Chandra, P., & Kumar, B. (2022). Asparagus Sp.: Phytochemicals and Marketed Herbal Formulations. In Medicinal Plants (pp. 299-318). Apple Academic Press.