Gardening in August can be a challenge. It’s hot, your plants may look tired, and pests seem to show up more often. But there’s a smart, natural way to help your garden: companion planting. This is when you grow certain plants close together because they help each other grow better. Let’s look at some simple companion planting ideas that work great in August.
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the practice of placing plants next to each other because they benefit one another. Some plants keep pests away. Others help the soil stay rich. Some just grow better side by side. It’s a way to make your garden stronger, healthier, and even more beautiful without using chemicals.
Why August Is a Great Month for Companion Planting
August is a tricky month. The sun is strong, and your soil may be dry. Some crops are near harvest, while others are just being planted. This makes it the perfect time to use companion planting to:
- Reduce pests naturally
- Improve soil health
- Shade weaker plants
- Attract helpful insects like bees and ladybugs
Best Companion Planting Combos for August
Here are some of the top plant pairings you can try in your garden this August:
1. Tomatoes + Basil
This is a classic combo. Basil helps keep pests like whiteflies and aphids away from your tomatoes. It may even make your tomatoes taste better. Plus, they love the same amount of sun and water.
2. Carrots + Onions
Carrots and onions protect each other. The smell of onions hides the carrots from carrot flies. Meanwhile, the carrots help the onions grow by loosening the soil around them.
3. Lettuce + Radishes
Radishes grow fast and help break up the soil for slower-growing lettuce. Radishes also distract pests that usually eat lettuce, keeping your greens safe.
4. Corn + Beans + Squash (The Three Sisters)
This old Native American planting method still works today. Corn provides support for beans to climb. Beans add nitrogen to the soil. Squash spreads out and shades the ground, stopping weeds from growing.
5. Cabbage + Dill
Dill attracts good bugs like ladybugs and wasps that eat pests such as cabbage worms. Plant dill around your cabbage to protect it naturally.
6. Peppers + Marigolds
Marigolds keep away many bugs, like nematodes and aphids, and help protect your peppers. They also add color and charm to your garden.
7. Cucumbers + Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are like pest magnets. Bugs go to them instead of your cucumbers. They also attract bees, which help cucumbers grow better.
What to Avoid in Companion Planting
Not all plants like each other. Avoid planting:
- Tomatoes near corn (they attract the same pests)
- Beans near onions or garlic (they slow each other’s growth)
- Potatoes near tomatoes (they share diseases)
Knowing what doesn’t work is just as important as knowing what does.
How to Start Companion Planting in August
Getting started is easy:
- Look at what’s already growing in your garden.
- Choose companion plants that grow fast and love the August weather.
- Space them well so they don’t compete for light or water.
- Water in the morning and mulch to keep the soil moist.
- Watch how your plants help each other. Make notes for next year!
Tips for Success in August Gardening
- Water Deeply: August can be dry. Make sure your plants get enough water.
- Mulch Often: This helps keep the soil cool and stops weeds.
- Harvest Regularly: Pick ripe vegetables to encourage more growth.
- Feed the Soil: Add compost or organic fertilizer to support your companions.
- Watch for Pests: Look under leaves and use natural bug control when needed.
Great Companion Plants to Start in August
If you’re starting fresh in August, try planting:
- Leafy greens: Spinach, arugula, and kale
- Quick veggies: Radishes, turnips, and bush beans
- Herbs: Basil, dill, parsley, and cilantro
- Flowers: Marigolds and nasturtiums to add color and protect crops
These plants grow well in late summer and love pairing with others.
Conclusion: Grow Smart with Companion Planting
Companion planting is a simple and natural way to improve your garden. In August, when the weather is hot and pests are active, planting the right combos can make a big difference. You’ll get healthier crops, fewer bugs, and a more beautiful garden without chemicals. Whether you’re planting tomatoes with basil or beans with corn, every smart pair you choose helps your garden work better together.
So take a look around your garden, see what’s growing, and think about what could be growing with it. Use these ideas to plan your plant partnerships and enjoy a more successful harvest this season.