7 Best & 5 Worst Avocado Companion Plants

In this guide, we delve into the 7 best and 5 worst companion plants for avocados, exploring how the right—or wrong—plant neighbors can influence your avocado tree’s growth and yield. Let’s embark on a journey to enhance our avocado trees’ environment, ensuring they thrive alongside companions that contribute to their well-being, while steering clear of those that could spell trouble.

Avocado Companion Plants in A Nutshell

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are remarkable allies for avocado trees, offering both beauty and beneficial properties. These vibrant flowers not only add a splash of color to your garden but also attract pollinators and repel unwanted pests, creating a healthier environment for your avocados. Why plant them together? Nasturtiums serve as a natural pest deterrent, saving your avocados from common threats without the need for harsh chemicals.

To plant nasturtiums with avocado trees:

1. Choose a sunny spot near your avocado tree.
2. Sow nasturtium seeds directly into the soil, ensuring they are spaced about 10 inches apart.
3. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
4. As they grow, nasturtiums will provide ground cover, reducing weeds and retaining soil moisture.

Interested in more companion plants? Explore our detailed guide on nasturtium companion plants.

Marigolds

Marigolds are another excellent choice for avocado companion planting. Their ability to repel nematodes—a common soil pest—protects the delicate roots of avocado trees, promoting a healthier growth environment. Marigolds are not just practical; they also beautify the garden with their golden blooms.

Planting marigolds with avocados involves:

1. Selecting a location that receives full sunlight.
2. Planting marigold seeds or seedlings around the base of the avocado tree.
3. Keeping the soil consistently moist, especially in the first few weeks.
4. Enjoying the dual benefits of pest control and aesthetic appeal as the marigolds flourish.

For an in-depth look at marigold companion plants, check out our comprehensive post here.

Basil

Basil stands out as a fantastic companion for avocados due to its strong scent, which naturally repels pests like flies and mosquitoes. This herb enhances the surrounding environment of avocado trees by promoting a pest-free zone. Basil’s aromatic leaves can also be harvested to add flavor to your culinary creations, making it a dual-purpose companion plant.

To successfully plant basil with avocados:

1. Find a sunny location near your avocado tree where basil can thrive.
2. Plant basil seeds or seedlings, ensuring they are spaced about 12 inches apart for optimal growth.
3. Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
4. Harvest basil leaves as needed, encouraging a bushier growth and continuous pest protection.

Dive deeper into basil and its companion planting benefits at basil companion plants.

Garlic

Garlic acts as a powerful ally for avocado trees by deterring common pests such as aphids and borers, thanks to its strong odor. This allium family member not only protects avocados from unwanted visitors but also enriches the soil with essential nutrients, promoting overall garden health.

To integrate garlic into your avocado companion planting:

1. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade near your avocado tree.
2. Plant garlic cloves, pointed end up, about 4 inches apart and 2 inches deep in the soil.
3. Water consistently to keep the soil moist, particularly during dry periods.
4. Harvest garlic as it matures, and enjoy the added benefit of having fresh garlic at hand.

Learn more about the wonders of garlic in the garden at garlic companion plants.

Chives

Chives, with their delicate onion-like flavor, offer more than just culinary versatility. They repel pests such as aphids and mites, safeguarding avocado trees. Additionally, chives improve soil quality and promote pollinator activity, contributing to a more productive avocado harvest.

To plant chives around your avocado tree:

1. Select a spot with full sun to ensure vigorous growth.
2. Plant chive seeds or divisions about 8 inches apart, allowing room for their clumping growth habit.
3. Maintain consistent soil moisture through regular watering.
4. Cut chives as needed for cooking, which also encourages new growth and continued pest protection.

For an extensive guide on chive companions, visit chive companion plants.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass, known for its citronella-like scent, acts as a natural repellent against mosquitoes and other pests, making it an excellent companion for avocados. This tropical grass not only enhances garden aesthetics with its tall, graceful foliage but also contributes to a more balanced ecosystem around your avocado tree.

Planting lemongrass with avocado involves:

1. Choosing a well-drained, sunny location near your avocado tree.
2. Planting lemongrass either from seed or as small plants, spaced about 24 inches apart to accommodate their size.
3. Watering regularly to keep the soil moist, especially in hot, dry conditions.
4. Harvesting lemongrass stalks for culinary use, which encourages further growth and pest protection.

Explore the benefits of lemongrass in companion planting at lemongrass companion plants.

Tansy

Tansy is beneficial for avocado trees due to its ability to repel several pests, including ants and some nematode species. Its bright yellow flowers also attract beneficial insects, promoting a healthier garden ecosystem. However, handle tansy with care, as it can become invasive if not managed properly.

To incorporate tansy into your garden:

1. Plant tansy in a controlled area or container to prevent it from spreading unchecked.
2. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade.
3. Plant tansy seeds or seedlings, spacing them about 18 inches apart.
4. Water moderately, as tansy is drought-tolerant once established.

What not to Plant with Avocado Trees

When it comes to companion planting, it’s essential to consider not only the beneficial plants but also those that might have adverse effects on avocado trees. Here are five plants to avoid planting near avocado trees:

Walnuts

Walnuts contain allelopathic compounds that can inhibit the growth of avocado trees. These compounds released by walnut roots can hinder the development and overall health of avocado trees, making them unsuitable companions.

Fennel

Fennel is known to attract pests that can harm avocados. While fennel itself may have some benefits in certain gardening contexts, its ability to draw pests makes it a less desirable plant to have near avocado trees, which already require protection from various pests.

Cabbage and Its Relatives

Cabbage and its relatives, including broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, compete for nutrients and water. Planting these brassica vegetables near avocado trees can lead to increased competition for essential resources, potentially stunting the growth of both plant types.

Potatoes

Potatoes pose a risk of sharing common pests and diseases with avocado trees. Planting potatoes near avocados can create an environment conducive to the spread of pests and diseases, leading to decreased health and productivity for both crops.

Mint

Mint is notorious for its invasive nature, sending out runners and quickly spreading throughout garden beds. This aggressive growth can overwhelm the root systems of nearby avocado trees, potentially disrupting their access to water and nutrients.

Avoiding these plants around avocado trees can help maintain a healthy and productive growing environment for your avocado crop. Always consider the compatibility of plants when planning your garden to maximize the benefits of companion planting.

Companion Planting Chart for Avocado Trees

Here’s a quick reference chart summarizing the good companions for avocado trees and key reasons to plant them together:

Good Companion Plants	Reasons to Plant Together
Nasturtium	Pest deterrent, attracts pollinators
Marigolds	Nematode repellent, beautifies garden
Basil	Repels pests, enhances flavor profile
Garlic	Deters pests, enriches soil
Chives	Improves soil quality, repels pests
Lemongrass	Mosquito repellent, aesthetic appeal
Tansy	Repels pests, attracts beneficial insects

Enhancing your avocado tree’s surroundings with these companion plants not only boosts its growth and fruit yield but also contributes to a more vibrant, healthy, and sustainable garden ecosystem. Remember, companion planting is as much an art as it is a science, so feel free to experiment and observe what works best in your unique garden environment.