11 Amazing Turmeric Companion Plants & 7 Bad Companions

Steve_Yoder
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.

Unlock the full potential of your turmeric garden by strategically selecting its companions! In the quest for vibrant turmeric growth, choosing the right plants to accompany it can be a game-changer. Dive into the world of turmeric companion plants with us, as we explore the symbiotic relationships that foster thriving gardens. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, understanding the dynamics of companion planting is essential for cultivating a flourishing turmeric patch. Let’s delve into the intricate web of plant interactions and discover how to create a harmonious environment where turmeric can thrive alongside its ideal companions.

Turmeric Companion Plants

1. Kiwi

kiwi companion plants

As a dynamic addition to your turmeric garden, kiwi vines offer multiple benefits that complement the growth of turmeric. Kiwi plants provide natural shade and help regulate soil moisture, creating a favorable microclimate for turmeric to thrive. Additionally, kiwi roots penetrate deeply into the soil, improving its structure and aeration, which enhances turmeric root development. Furthermore, the sprawling nature of kiwi vines acts as a natural ground cover, suppressing weeds and reducing competition for nutrients, further supporting the growth of turmeric.

To successfully plant kiwi alongside turmeric, follow these simple steps:

  1. Choose the Right Location: Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil for planting both kiwi and turmeric.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is loose, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its texture and nutrient content.
  3. Plant Kiwi Vines: Plant kiwi vines along a sturdy trellis or support structure, allowing ample space for them to spread and climb.
  4. Plant Turmeric Rhizomes: Dig holes for turmeric rhizomes, spacing them appropriately to accommodate their growth. Place the rhizomes in the holes with the buds facing upwards, covering them with soil.
  5. Maintain Adequate Moisture: Water both kiwi and turmeric regularly, ensuring consistent moisture levels, especially during dry periods.
  6. Provide Support: As kiwi vines grow, provide additional support to prevent them from weighing down on the turmeric plants. Regularly prune kiwi vines to manage their growth and prevent overcrowding.
  7. Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that may affect either kiwi or turmeric plants. Implement appropriate pest control measures as needed to protect both crops.
  8. Harvest and Enjoy: Harvest ripe kiwis and turmeric rhizomes as they mature, enjoying the fruits of your labor in your garden.

2. Pepper

what type of pepper to grow in pots

Peppers serve as fantastic companions to turmeric, contributing to a thriving garden ecosystem in several ways. Firstly, pepper plants emit natural compounds that deter certain pests, helping to protect turmeric from common garden threats. Additionally, the compact size of pepper plants makes them ideal companions for turmeric, as they can be interplanted between turmeric rows, maximizing space utilization. Furthermore, peppers have similar soil and sunlight requirements to turmeric, making them compatible companions that can coexist harmoniously in the same growing environment.

To successfully plant peppers alongside turmeric, follow these straightforward steps:

  1. Choose the Right Location: Select a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil for planting both peppers and turmeric.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage. Ensure the soil pH is within the optimal range for both peppers and turmeric.
  3. Plant Pepper Seedlings: Plant pepper seedlings at the appropriate spacing, ensuring they have enough room to grow and develop without overcrowding the turmeric plants.
  4. Plant Turmeric Rhizomes: Dig holes for turmeric rhizomes, spacing them according to the recommended guidelines. Plant the rhizomes with the buds facing upwards, covering them with soil.
  5. Water and Mulch: Water both peppers and turmeric regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
  6. Provide Support if Needed: Depending on the variety of peppers you’re growing, provide support such as stakes or cages to prevent them from drooping and ensure proper air circulation.
  7. Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye out for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies in both pepper and turmeric plants. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading and affecting plant health.
  8. Harvest and Enjoy: Harvest ripe peppers and turmeric rhizomes as they mature, incorporating them into your culinary creations for a flavorful and nutritious harvest.

3. Cilantro/Coriander

cilantro choosing the right varieties

Cilantro, also known as coriander in some regions, is an excellent companion plant for turmeric due to its multifaceted benefits in the garden. Firstly, cilantro attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which help control pests that may harm turmeric plants. Additionally, cilantro’s aromatic foliage acts as a natural repellent for certain pests, further protecting turmeric from potential infestations. Furthermore, cilantro’s shallow root system complements turmeric’s deep roots, allowing both plants to coexist without competing for resources. Moreover, cilantro can provide a protective canopy for turmeric, shielding it from excessive sunlight and helping conserve soil moisture.

To successfully plant cilantro alongside turmeric, follow these simple steps:

  1. Choose the Right Location: Select a location with partial shade to full sun for planting both cilantro and turmeric. Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and texture. Cilantro prefers slightly acidic soil, so adjust the pH if necessary.
  3. Direct Sow Cilantro Seeds: Scatter cilantro seeds directly onto the prepared soil surface, gently pressing them into the soil. Alternatively, transplant cilantro seedlings with care, ensuring they are spaced appropriately.
  4. Plant Turmeric Rhizomes: Dig holes for turmeric rhizomes, spacing them according to the recommended guidelines. Plant the rhizomes with the buds facing upwards, covering them with soil.
  5. Water and Mulch: Water the newly planted cilantro and turmeric regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
  6. Thin Cilantro Seedlings if Necessary: Once cilantro seedlings emerge, thin them to ensure proper spacing and adequate airflow between plants. This will help prevent disease and encourage healthy growth.
  7. Harvest Cilantro Leaves: Harvest cilantro leaves as needed for culinary use, ensuring not to disturb the turmeric plants. Regular harvesting encourages continuous growth and prolongs the harvest period.
  8. Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye out for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies in both cilantro and turmeric plants. Address any issues promptly to maintain plant health and productivity.

4. Lemongrass

planting next to lemongrass companion plans

Lemongrass is a superb companion plant for turmeric, offering a range of benefits that promote mutual growth and well-being. Firstly, lemongrass emits a citrusy aroma that naturally repels pests such as mosquitoes and whiteflies, helping protect turmeric from potential infestations. Additionally, lemongrass has antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of harmful pathogens in the soil, promoting a healthier growing environment for turmeric. Moreover, lemongrass’s tall and slender stalks provide shade for turmeric rhizomes, helping regulate soil temperature and moisture levels. Furthermore, the deep roots of lemongrass help improve soil structure and prevent erosion, benefiting turmeric’s root development and overall growth.

To successfully plant lemongrass alongside turmeric, follow these straightforward steps:

  1. Choose the Right Location: Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting both lemongrass and turmeric. Ensure there is ample space for both plants to spread and grow without overcrowding.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to enrich its fertility and improve drainage. Lemongrass prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, so adjust if necessary.
  3. Plant Lemongrass: Dig holes or trenches for lemongrass rhizomes, spacing them according to the mature size of the plants. Plant the rhizomes horizontally in the soil, covering them with a thin layer of soil.
  4. Plant Turmeric Rhizomes: Dig holes for turmeric rhizomes, spacing them appropriately to allow for their growth. Plant the rhizomes with the buds facing upwards, covering them with soil.
  5. Water and Mulch: Water both lemongrass and turmeric regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.
  6. Provide Support if Needed: As lemongrass and turmeric grow, provide support such as stakes or trellises to prevent them from falling over and ensure proper air circulation.
  7. Harvest Lemongrass Stalks: Harvest lemongrass stalks as needed for culinary use, cutting them close to the base of the plant. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prolongs the harvest period.
  8. Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye out for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies in both lemongrass and turmeric plants. Address any issues promptly to maintain plant health and productivity.

5. Beans

beans

Beans serve as excellent companion plants for turmeric, offering multiple advantages that contribute to a thriving garden ecosystem. Firstly, beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is readily available to plants, including turmeric. This nitrogen fixation enriches the soil with essential nutrients, promoting healthy turmeric growth and development. Additionally, the sprawling vines of beans provide natural ground cover, helping suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture, which benefits turmeric plants. Furthermore, beans and turmeric have complementary root systems, with beans’ shallow roots occupying the upper soil layers while turmeric’s deep roots penetrate deeper, allowing both plants to coexist without competing for resources.

To successfully plant beans alongside turmeric, follow these simple steps:

  1. Choose the Right Location: Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting both beans and turmeric. Ensure there is sufficient space for both plants to grow and spread without overcrowding.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and structure. Beans prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, so adjust if necessary.
  3. Direct Sow Bean Seeds: Plant bean seeds directly into the prepared soil at the appropriate spacing, ensuring they are sown at the correct depth. Alternatively, transplant bean seedlings with care, spacing them according to the mature size of the plants.
  4. Plant Turmeric Rhizomes: Dig holes for turmeric rhizomes, spacing them appropriately to allow for their growth. Plant the rhizomes with the buds facing upwards, covering them with soil.
  5. Water and Mulch: Water both beans and turmeric regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
  6. Provide Support if Needed: Depending on the variety of beans you’re growing, provide support such as trellises or stakes to help them climb and prevent them from sprawling onto the turmeric plants.
  7. Harvest Beans: Harvest beans regularly once they reach maturity, picking them when they are young and tender for the best flavor and texture. Regular harvesting encourages continuous production and prolongs the harvest period.
  8. Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye out for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies in both beans and turmeric plants. Address any issues promptly to maintain plant health and productivity.

6. Peas

Peas

Peas are superb companion plants for turmeric, offering a range of benefits that promote mutual growth and well-being in the garden. Firstly, peas, like beans, are nitrogen-fixing legumes, enriching the soil with essential nitrogen that benefits turmeric’s growth and development. This natural fertilization improves soil fertility and promotes lush foliage and healthy rhizome development in turmeric plants. Additionally, peas’ climbing vines provide vertical support for turmeric, reducing the need for additional trellises or stakes and maximizing space utilization in the garden. Furthermore, peas’ dense foliage acts as a living mulch, shading the soil and conserving moisture, which is beneficial for turmeric plants, especially during hot and dry periods.

To successfully plant peas alongside turmeric, follow these straightforward steps:

  1. Choose the Right Location: Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting both peas and turmeric. Ensure there is ample space for both plants to grow and spread without competition.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and texture. Peas prefer slightly alkaline soil pH, so adjust if necessary.
  3. Direct Sow Pea Seeds: Plant pea seeds directly into the prepared soil at the appropriate spacing, ensuring they are sown at the correct depth. Alternatively, transplant pea seedlings with care, spacing them according to the mature size of the plants.
  4. Plant Turmeric Rhizomes: Dig holes for turmeric rhizomes, spacing them appropriately to allow for their growth. Plant the rhizomes with the buds facing upwards, covering them with soil.
  5. Water and Mulch: Water both peas and turmeric regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
  6. Provide Support if Needed: Depending on the variety of peas you’re growing, provide support such as trellises or stakes to help them climb and prevent them from sprawling onto the turmeric plants.
  7. Harvest Peas: Harvest peas regularly once they reach maturity, picking them when they are young and tender for the best flavor and texture. Regular harvesting encourages continuous production and prolongs the harvest period.
  8. Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye out for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies in both peas and turmeric plants. Address any issues promptly to maintain plant health and productivity.

7. Cardamom

Cardamom seedlings

Cardamom emerges as an excellent companion plant for turmeric, offering a host of benefits that foster mutual growth and vitality in the garden. Firstly, cardamom plants emit aromatic compounds that act as natural insect repellents, deterring pests that may harm turmeric. This natural pest control helps protect turmeric plants from potential infestations, promoting healthier growth and higher yields. Additionally, cardamom’s lush foliage provides shade for turmeric rhizomes, helping regulate soil temperature and moisture levels, which is especially beneficial during hot and dry periods. Furthermore, both cardamom and turmeric prefer similar growing conditions, including well-drained soil and partial shade, making them compatible companions that can thrive together in the same garden environment.

To successfully plant cardamom alongside turmeric, follow these simple steps:

  1. Choose the Right Location: Select a partially shaded location with well-drained, fertile soil for planting both cardamom and turmeric. Ensure there is sufficient space for both plants to grow and spread without competition.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and structure. Cardamom prefers slightly acidic soil pH, so adjust if necessary.
  3. Plant Cardamom Rhizomes: Dig holes for cardamom rhizomes, spacing them appropriately to allow for their growth. Plant the rhizomes with the buds facing upwards, covering them with soil.
  4. Plant Turmeric Rhizomes: Dig holes for turmeric rhizomes, spacing them according to the recommended guidelines. Plant the rhizomes with the buds facing upwards, covering them with soil.
  5. Water and Mulch: Water both cardamom and turmeric regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
  6. Provide Shade if Needed: If your garden receives intense sunlight, provide additional shade for both cardamom and turmeric plants using shade cloth or strategically placed taller plants.
  7. Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye out for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies in both cardamom and turmeric plants. Address any issues promptly to maintain plant health and productivity.

8. Ginger

The best ginger companion plants

Ginger stands out as an exceptional companion plant for turmeric, offering numerous advantages that promote mutual growth and well-being in the garden. Firstly, ginger shares similar growing requirements with turmeric, including well-drained soil, partial shade, and regular watering, making them compatible companions that can thrive together. Additionally, ginger’s rhizomes exude natural compounds that repel certain pests, protecting turmeric from potential infestations and promoting healthier growth. Moreover, the dense foliage of ginger plants provides natural ground cover, suppressing weed growth and conserving soil moisture, which benefits turmeric plants, especially during dry periods. Furthermore, both ginger and turmeric belong to the same botanical family (Zingiberaceae), sharing symbiotic relationships that support their coexistence and enhance overall garden productivity.

To successfully plant ginger alongside turmeric, follow these straightforward steps:

  1. Choose the Right Location: Select a partially shaded location with well-drained, fertile soil for planting both ginger and turmeric. Ensure there is sufficient space for both plants to grow and spread without competition.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and structure. Ginger prefers slightly acidic soil pH, so adjust if necessary.
  3. Plant Ginger Rhizomes: Dig shallow trenches for ginger rhizomes, spacing them appropriately to allow for their growth. Plant the rhizomes horizontally in the soil, covering them with a thin layer of soil.
  4. Plant Turmeric Rhizomes: Dig holes for turmeric rhizomes, spacing them according to the recommended guidelines. Plant the rhizomes with the buds facing upwards, covering them with soil.
  5. Water and Mulch: Water both ginger and turmeric regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
  6. Provide Shade if Needed: If your garden receives intense sunlight, provide additional shade for both ginger and turmeric plants using shade cloth or strategically placed taller plants.
  7. Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye out for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies in both ginger and turmeric plants. Address any issues promptly to maintain plant health and productivity.

9. Tomato

best tomato companion plants

Tomatoes serve as excellent companion plants for turmeric, offering several benefits that promote mutual growth and overall garden health. Firstly, tomatoes produce compounds known as allelochemicals, which can deter certain pests that may harm turmeric plants, such as aphids and whiteflies. This natural pest control helps protect turmeric from infestations and reduces the need for chemical pesticides. Additionally, tomatoes and turmeric have complementary root systems, with tomatoes’ shallow roots occupying the upper soil layers while turmeric’s deep roots penetrate deeper, allowing both plants to coexist without competing for nutrients. Moreover, tomatoes provide natural shade for turmeric, helping regulate soil temperature and moisture levels, which is beneficial for turmeric’s growth and development, especially during hot and dry periods.

To successfully plant tomatoes alongside turmeric, follow these simple steps:

  1. Choose the Right Location: Select a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil for planting both tomatoes and turmeric. Ensure there is sufficient space for both plants to grow and spread without competition.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and structure. Tomatoes prefer slightly acidic soil pH, so adjust if necessary.
  3. Plant Tomato Seedlings: Plant tomato seedlings in the prepared soil, spacing them according to the recommended guidelines. Ensure the planting depth is appropriate, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves.
  4. Plant Turmeric Rhizomes: Dig holes for turmeric rhizomes, spacing them according to the recommended guidelines. Plant the rhizomes with the buds facing upwards, covering them with soil.
  5. Water and Mulch: Water both tomatoes and turmeric regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
  6. Provide Support for Tomatoes: Depending on the tomato variety, provide support such as stakes, cages, or trellises to help the plants grow upright and prevent them from sprawling onto the turmeric plants.
  7. Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye out for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies in both tomatoes and turmeric plants. Address any issues promptly to maintain plant health and productivity.

10. Eggplant

What to pay attention to when starting with eggplant companion planting

Eggplant serves as an excellent companion plant for turmeric, offering numerous benefits that enhance mutual growth and garden productivity. Firstly, eggplants emit compounds that can deter certain pests, such as aphids and spider mites, helping protect turmeric from potential infestations. This natural pest control reduces the need for chemical pesticides, promoting a healthier garden ecosystem. Additionally, eggplants and turmeric have complementary root systems, with eggplants’ shallow roots occupying the upper soil layers while turmeric’s deep roots penetrate deeper, allowing both plants to coexist without competing for nutrients. Moreover, eggplants provide natural shade for turmeric, helping regulate soil temperature and moisture levels, which is particularly beneficial during hot and dry periods.

To successfully plant eggplant alongside turmeric, follow these simple steps:

  1. Choose the Right Location: Select a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil for planting both eggplant and turmeric. Ensure there is sufficient space for both plants to grow and spread without competition.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and structure. Eggplants prefer slightly acidic soil pH, so adjust if necessary.
  3. Plant Eggplant Seedlings: Plant eggplant seedlings in the prepared soil, spacing them according to the recommended guidelines. Ensure the planting depth is appropriate, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves.
  4. Plant Turmeric Rhizomes: Dig holes for turmeric rhizomes, spacing them according to the recommended guidelines. Plant the rhizomes with the buds facing upwards, covering them with soil.
  5. Water and Mulch: Water both eggplants and turmeric regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
  6. Provide Support for Eggplants: Depending on the eggplant variety, provide support such as stakes or cages to help the plants grow upright and prevent them from sprawling onto the turmeric plants.
  7. Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye out for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies in both eggplants and turmeric plants. Address any issues promptly to maintain plant health and productivity.

11. Onion

Onion Companion Planting

Onions are excellent companion plants for turmeric, offering several benefits that support mutual growth and garden health. Firstly, onions emit compounds that can repel pests such as aphids and carrot flies, helping protect turmeric from potential infestations and reducing the need for chemical pesticides. This natural pest control contributes to a healthier garden ecosystem and promotes higher yields. Additionally, onions have shallow root systems that complement turmeric’s deep roots, allowing both plants to coexist without competing for nutrients. Moreover, onions’ pungent aroma can mask the scent of turmeric, potentially deterring pests that are attracted to the turmeric plants. Furthermore, interplanting onions with turmeric can help maximize space utilization in the garden and discourage weed growth.

To successfully plant onions alongside turmeric, follow these simple steps:

  1. Choose the Right Location: Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting both onions and turmeric. Ensure there is sufficient space for both plants to grow and spread without competition.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and structure. Onions prefer slightly acidic soil pH, so adjust if necessary.
  3. Plant Onion Sets or Seedlings: Plant onion sets or seedlings in the prepared soil, spacing them according to the recommended guidelines. Ensure the planting depth is appropriate, burying the bulbs or roots just below the soil surface.
  4. Plant Turmeric Rhizomes: Dig holes for turmeric rhizomes, spacing them according to the recommended guidelines. Plant the rhizomes with the buds facing upwards, covering them with soil.
  5. Water and Mulch: Water both onions and turmeric regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
  6. Provide Adequate Spacing: Ensure that onions and turmeric are spaced appropriately to allow for their growth without overcrowding. Proper spacing promotes airflow and reduces the risk of disease.
  7. Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye out for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies in both onions and turmeric plants. Address any issues promptly to maintain plant health and productivity.

What not to Grow with Turmeric

1. Corn

Corn

Corn is not a suitable companion for turmeric for several reasons. Firstly, corn has dense and shallow roots that compete with turmeric for nutrients and water, leading to reduced growth and yield for both plants. Additionally, corn is a heavy feeder that depletes soil nutrients quickly, which can negatively impact turmeric’s growth and development. Furthermore, corn’s tall stalks can overshadow turmeric plants, depriving them of adequate sunlight and stunting their growth. Overall, planting corn alongside turmeric can result in decreased yields and poor performance for both crops.

2. Walnuts

walnuts companion plants

Walnuts are not suitable companions for turmeric due to their allelopathic properties, which inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including turmeric. Walnuts produce juglone, a chemical compound that is toxic to many plants and can significantly suppress turmeric’s growth and development. Additionally, walnut trees have dense and extensive root systems that compete with turmeric for nutrients, water, and space, further limiting turmeric’s ability to thrive. Planting turmeric near walnut trees can result in poor growth, reduced yields, and overall decline in turmeric health.

3. Pecans

pecan companion plants

Pecans are not suitable companions for turmeric primarily due to their allelopathic effects and nutrient competition. Pecan trees produce allelochemicals, such as juglone, that inhibit the growth of surrounding plants, including turmeric. These allelochemicals can interfere with turmeric’s root development, nutrient uptake, and overall growth, leading to poor performance and reduced yields. Additionally, pecan trees have deep and extensive root systems that compete with turmeric for nutrients and water, further exacerbating the nutrient competition and limiting turmeric’s ability to thrive. Planting turmeric near pecan trees can result in stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and overall poor health.

4. Black Walnut Trees

black walnut tree companions

Black walnut trees pose a significant threat to turmeric due to the juglone they release. Juglone is a toxic substance that inhibits the growth of many plants, including turmeric. The presence of black walnut trees in the vicinity can lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and overall poor health of turmeric plants. Additionally, black walnut trees have dense and extensive root systems that compete with turmeric for nutrients, water, and space, further limiting turmeric’s ability to thrive.

5. Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower)

cabbage, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts

Brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower are not suitable companions for turmeric due to their allelopathic effects and nutrient competition. Brassicas produce allelochemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including turmeric, leading to reduced yields and poor performance. Additionally, brassicas are heavy feeders that require high levels of nutrients, which can deplete soil fertility and limit the availability of nutrients for turmeric. Planting turmeric near brassicas can result in nutrient deficiencies, stunted growth, and overall decline in turmeric health.

Turmeric Companion Planting Chart

Companion PlantWhy it’s a Good Turmeric CompanionHow to Plant Them Together
KiwiKiwi plants attract beneficial insects and provide shade for turmeric.Plant kiwi vines near turmeric, ensuring adequate spacing for both plants to thrive.
PepperPepper plants emit natural compounds that deter pests and have similar soil requirements to turmeric.Interplant pepper seedlings between turmeric rows, ensuring proper spacing for both plants.
Cilantro/CorianderCilantro attracts beneficial insects and has a shallow root system that complements turmeric.Direct sow cilantro seeds or transplant seedlings alongside turmeric, providing adequate spacing.
LemongrassLemongrass repels pests, improves soil structure, and provides shade for turmeric.Plant lemongrass rhizomes near turmeric, ensuring they have sufficient space to grow together.
BeansBeans are nitrogen-fixing plants that enrich the soil and provide ground cover for turmeric.Plant beans alongside turmeric, ensuring they have enough space to grow without competition.
PeasPeas are nitrogen-fixing legumes that enrich the soil and provide vertical support for turmeric.Interplant peas with turmeric, ensuring proper spacing and support for both plants.
CardamomCardamom emits aromatic compounds that repel pests and provides shade for turmeric.Plant cardamom rhizomes near turmeric, ensuring they have sufficient space to grow together.
GingerGinger shares similar growing requirements with turmeric and provides natural pest control.Plant ginger rhizomes alongside turmeric, ensuring they have similar soil and light conditions.
TomatoTomatoes repel pests, provide shade, and have complementary root systems with turmeric.Interplant tomatoes with turmeric, ensuring they have sufficient space and support to thrive together.
EggplantEggplants repel pests, provide shade, and have complementary root systems with turmeric.Plant eggplant seedlings near turmeric, ensuring they have sufficient space and support to grow together.
OnionOnions repel pests, have shallow root systems, and provide natural shade for turmeric.Plant onion sets or seedlings alongside turmeric, ensuring proper spacing and soil conditions for both plants.