Give Beets More Nutrients and Deter Pests With These Companion Plants (2024)

Gardening

Vegetables

• 01 of 17

  Garlic

  

  Garlic doesn't just grow nicely with beets, it will also protect your beet harvest. The two plants don't compete for nutrients and the pungent smell of garlic will actually deter pests including aphids, cutworms, and army worms.

• 02 of 17

  Carrots

  

  Root vegetables often play well together, especially when, like beets and carrots, they require similar amounts of sun and water. Both are easy to grow, and they'll even in thrive in containers, where they're out of reach from pests like voles.

• 03 of 17

  See Also

  How to Cook Beets So They're Actually DeliciousHow to Freeze Boiled or Roasted Beets

  Catnip

  

  Catnip's strong scent is a favorite of cats, but it isn't universally beloved. Aphids, mice, and flea beetles can't tolerate its odor, which is a plus for beets, which would otherwise fall victim to these pests. Catnip also blooms from spring to fall, attracting pollinators.

• 04 of 17

  Kale

  

  Kale and beets are both vegetables that love sunny, cooler weather, making them ideal companions. They won't compete for nutrients or root space, but they both make flavorful additions to your fall table.

  26 Fall Vegetables to Grow in Your Garden

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• 05 of 17

  Brussels Sprouts

  

  Another fall favorite, Brussels sprouts similarly thrive in cool, sunny conditions, and they have different statures than beets, which means they can stand side-by-side in the garden. Tall Brussels will grow over the shorter beets, each holding their place in the cool weather harvest.

• 06 of 17

  Radishes

  

  Radishes and beets look closely related, and the two root vegetables can grow in close quarters. They do best in similar growing conditions, with beets reaching further into the soil first and breaking it up for beets. However, radishes are also smaller, which lets the two grow comfortably in the same plot.

• 07 of 17

  Mint

  

  Fast-growing mint can easily take over a garden, but if you keep it in containers then it's an excellent companion plant for beets. Its flowers will distract pests, including aphids, and prevent them infesting your root vegetables.

• 08 of 17

  Marigold

  

  Marigolds are often used as a companion plant for vegetables thanks to their ability to both repel and attract pests that would otherwise attack your vegetables. These friendly flowers will attract lacewings, which will then feed on invasive pests like aphids.

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• 09 of 17

  Broccoli

  

  Broccoli and beets are excellent companions because of the benefits to the broccoli. Beets require less calcium from the soil than many other vegetables, and broccoli requires more calcium than other vegetables. These two veggies happily meet in the middle, both drawing what they need from the soil.

• 10 of 17

  Bush Beans

  

  While pole beans are not a good companion to beets, bush beans are a great legume to companion plant with beets. Bush beans release nitrogen into the soil, which will make beets taste naturally sweeter. Plus, both plants are easy to grow.

• 11 of 17

  Cabbage

  

  Cabbage and beets are planted at similar times of year, both thrive in cool weather, and they grow comfortably side-by-side. Beets will pop up between the heads of cabbage, with both staying in their lane as they get ready for a fall harvest.

• 12 of 17

  Lettuce

  

  Compact lettuce and beets grow well together thanks to incredibly different root systems. Lettuce has shallow roots, while beets, as a root vegetable, venture deep below the surface. Both are ideally planted in either early spring or early fall, providing a spring or fall harvest.

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• 13 of 17

  Onions

  

  Similar to garlic, the pungent smell of onions will repel many of the bests that are known for attacking beets. Aphids, slugs, and beetles will steer clear when there are rows of onions planted tidily amidst beets.

• 14 of 17

  Kohlrabi

  

  Kohlrabi and beets have similar growing conditions, but they won't compete for space in the garden, nor will they need the same nutrients. Where beets don't need much calcium, kohlrabi will be happy to take it. These two do, however, share some of the same pests, so you may want to plant a third companion to deter aphids, beetles, and other nuisances.

• 15 of 17

  Cauliflower

  

  Cauliflower and beets require similar growing conditions and do best when planted during the same seasons. But they also have another advantage—cauliflower's shallow roots won't compete with beets extending deep into the ground.

• 16 of 17

  Sage

  

  If rabbits are a specific problem in your garden, then sage could be an excellent companion plant for your beets. Rabbits detest the scent of sage, so they'll stay away if it's in the area. Plant it next to your beets for an herbal rabbit fence.

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• 17 of 17

  Tomatoes

  

  What are summer's favorite tomatoes and cool weather-loving beets doing together? Tomatoes can actually help beets last into the summer when they're planted together. Tall-growing tomatoes will help shade the beets, giving them a respite from summer's hot sun.