Carrots are one of the most popular vegetables in most homes. They are known for their high beta-carotene component and make a healthy addition to salads and stews. However, most people shy away from growing carrots because they are attractive to pests like rodents and root maggots.
Furthermore, they are sensitive to soil conditions and have a risk of diseases that make them harder to grow than other vegetables like spinach. However, growing carrots with other plants promotes their growth, helps to repel pests, and improves their yields.
This article shares the 10 best companion plants for carrots that you should consider and what you need to consider when selecting companion plants.
3 Factors to Consider When Chose the Best Companion Plants for Carrots
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best companion plants for carrots.
1. Height of the companion plant
Carrots are root vegetables and grow downward. However, they also need sunshine. So the best companion plants for carrots should be those that are not too tall as they will block carrots from getting adequate sunshine.
2. Growth duration
The best way to maximize companion planting with carrots is to choose plants that have a similar lifespan to carrots which is about 70 to 90 days after planting.
3. Root system
Carrots need plenty of soil to extend their roots downwards. Therefore pairing them with plants with a similar root system may interfere with space and nutrients and cause poor yields. For example, you cannot plant potatoes in the same place as carrots because their roots will compete with each other.
But you can plant carrots net to spinach or lettuce because they have a shallow root system that cannot take up much space downward.
10 Best Companion Plants for Carrots
Carrots thrive when planted next to plants with a strong fragrance that repels pests and those that don’t compete for nutrients. Here are the 10 best companion plants for carrots
1. Marigold
Marigolds are flowers that have vibrant colors. They are one of the best companion plants for carrots because of their strong scent that repels pests such as carrot flies that would damage carrots. Plant them around the bed of the carrot garden to keep pests from attacking your carrots.
2. Tomatoes
Carrots and tomatoes are match made in heaven both in the garden and the kitchen. They have a symbiotic relationship and benefit from being planted together.
Tomatoes produce a natural insecticide that repels pests while carrots attract wasps that control hornworms and caterpillars that feed on tomatoes. Plant tomatoes in the center of the garden bed and carrots on the remaining sides.
3. Onions
Onions have a strong scent that pests do not like, so they keep off. Planting them near carrots keeps off carrot flies and pests that like to eat carrots.
In addition, onions have a shallow root system which makes them one of the best companion plants for carrots because they have shallow roots and they don’t compete for nutrients or curb their growth.
4. Lettuce
Lettuce is a great companion plant for carrots because they have the same growth duration and a shallow root system that doesn’t deter the growth of carrots.
Also, growing lettuce near carrots maximizes the space, suppresses the growth of weeds, and provides shade to the roots of the carrots which promotes moisture retention.
5. Oregano
Oregano is a valuable companion plant for carrots because it deters pests that feed on carrots such as rust flies and nematodes. Thus, they ensure that carrots have a favorable growing environment. Furthermore, they improve the flavor of the growing carrots and make a perfect combination in the kitchen.
6. Leeks
Leeks are one of the best companion plants for carrots. Just like onions leeks have a strong smell that masks the delicious scent of growing carrots and makes it difficult for pests like carrot flies to find them.
Leeks mature in 150 days so you can harvest carrots twice in the same growing seasons because carrots take 70-90 days. Plant leeks alongside the rows of carrots to have a protective barrier.
7. Beans
Beans are one of the excellent companion plants for carrots because they support the healthy growth of carrots. Beans help to improve nitrogen balance in the soil and promote better nutrient uptake and organic soil fertility.
8. Radish
The growth cycle of radishes and carrots is at par, making them among the best companion plants for carrots. Also, they keep off pests such as root maggots and divert them from destroying carrots.
They also improve soil aeration and improve the growth of carrots. Their root structure doesn’t pose a risk to the rowing carrot.
9. Sage
Sage offers numerous benefits as a companion plant to carrots. The plant has a scent that releases pests such as moths and carrot flies and protects them from infestation.
Instead, the plant attracts pollinators such as butterflies and bees to which enhances the yield of carrots. Furthermore, you can use both sage and carrots in your dishes.
10. Peas
Just like beans peas have nitrogen fixing abilities which enriches the soil with adequate nitrogen which is beneficial to the growth of carrots. Furthermore, they do not compete for nutrients and are ideal for companion planting with carrots.
FAQs
- Can I grow carrots and onions together?
Yes, you can grow carrots and onions together because they don’t compete for nutrients. Furthermore, onions have a strong pungent odor that naturally deters pests that feed on carrots such as carrot flies.
- What not to plant next to carrots?
Some of the worst companion plants for carrots include dill, celery, and potatoes. Dill and celery attract harmful pests that feed on carrots while the potato root system competes for space and nutrients with carrots.
- Can I plant anything between carrots?
You can plant beans, leeks, lettuce, onions, peas, sage, and tomatoes in between carrots because they have a beneficial relationship and don’t compete for nutrients.
- Can carrots and cucumbers be planted together?
It is not advisable to grow carrots and cucumbers together because cucumbers grow vertically and can leave space for weeds to grow. Instead plant carrots with onions, leeks, and sage because they maximize space and deter pests that would feed on carrots and reduce the yield.
Final Thoughts
Companion planting is a great way to maximize space, improve soil quality, and repel harmful pests. Tomatoes, lettuce, onions, beans, radish, and sage are some of the best companion plants for carrots because they support the heath growth of the plant.
Furthermore, most of them have a strong scent that deters pests that feed on carrots and thus ensure high yields. Give adequate space between the plants and provide plenty of water for healthy growth. Which companion plant do you like to plant next to carrots? Share your thoughts below.
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