You know, companion planting spinach might just be one of the easiest garden hacks out there. It’s like spinach has this superpower for making friends with the right plants.
I learned this the hard way after a few failed attempts (don't even ask about the year I tried to plant it next to the wrong veggies). Trust me, after testing and learning through my own hits and misses, I’ve got some solid advice on how to make your spinach patch not just survive—but thrive.
Benefits of Companion Planting Spinach
Alright, before I dig into the good stuff, let’s talk about why companion planting is worth your time. First off, it’s all about creating a mini-ecosystem where each plant brings something valuable to the table.
The goal is for one plant to help the other with pest control, nutrients, or even better yields. In the case of spinach, having the right companion plants can literally make or break your harvest.
I remember when I used to think planting was just about throwing seeds in the ground.
But once I figured out which plants work best with spinach, it was like boom, my garden exploded with greens.
Not only does companion planting cut down on the need for chemicals (hello, fewer pesticides), but it also helps with soil health and space efficiency, which is a huge bonus in my small urban garden.
Related:
Companion Planting Chart
This chart offers an easy-to-follow guide for planting spinach with ideal companions, using a mix of small (spinach), medium, and tall plants to give your garden a boost and still maximize space.
Medium Plant | Tall Plant | Benefits |
Bush Beans | Tomatoes | Spinach benefits from nitrogen-fixing beans, and tomatoes provide shade to prevent bolting. |
Beets | Sunflowers | Beets improve soil without competing, while sunflowers provide shade and attract pollinators. |
Parsley | Marigold | Marigolds repel pests, and parsley provides shade during hot weather. |
Cilantro | Kale | Cilantro repels harmful insects, and kale offers shade and retains soil moisture |
Nasturtiums | Broccoli | Compact size, perfect for small spaces |
Peas | Pole Beans | Peas and beans fix nitrogen into the soil, enriching it for spinach growth. |
Radishes | Zucchini | Radishes grow fast, loosening the soil, while zucchini provides shade and protects from heat. |
Best Companion Planting Spinach: Finding the Perfect Match
The trick to companion planting spinach is knowing who its best buddies are. This is where I learned the importance of pairing it with plants that complement its growth. For me, it was kind of like figuring out who your friends were in middle school—some made you better, some not so much.
Companion Planting Spinach Vegetables
1. Kale
- Height: 12-18 inches
- Spread: 18-24 inches
- Flavor: Earthy and slightly bitter
Kale is a robust vegetable that grows well alongside spinach. Its large leaves provide beneficial shade, helping spinach thrive in hotter temperatures. Both are cool-season crops that complement each other.
Benefits: Kale offers shade, helping spinach avoid bolting. They both thrive in cool conditions, making them ideal companions for a healthy harvest.
2. Tomatoes
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Spread: 24-36 inches
- Flavor: Sweet and tangy
Tomatoes’ tall stature creates shade, which spinach loves during hot weather. Since tomatoes and spinach use different root zones, they don’t compete for space, making them ideal partners.
Benefits: Spinach benefits from the shade provided by tomatoes, and they both share similar soil preferences without competing for nutrients. Check out companion plant for tomatoes
3. Peas
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Spread: 1-2 feet
- Flavor: Sweet and tender
Peas fix nitrogen in the soil, providing a natural nutrient boost for spinach. Peas also benefit from the spinach’s ground-level growth, leaving the upper air space free for their climbing habit.
Benefits: Peas improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, which spinach utilizes to grow vigorously. Their complementary growth habits make them great companions.
4. Lettuce
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Spread: 6-12 inches
- Flavor: Mild and crisp
Lettuce grows quickly and enjoys the cool, moist conditions provided by spinach’s shade. The two plants can be planted closely together to maximize space.
Benefits: Lettuce acts as a living mulch, retaining moisture and keeping the soil cool, which benefits spinach. Both crops can be harvested simultaneously for fresh salads.
5. Carrots
- Height: 12-24 inches
- Spread: 1-2 inches
- Flavor: Sweet and earthy
Carrots and spinach make great companions because carrots grow deep in the soil while spinach remains shallow. This makes the most of vertical space without overcrowding.
Benefits: Carrots improve soil structure, allowing spinach roots to thrive. Their different growing depths make them ideal partners in the garden.
Companion Planting Spinach Herbs
6. Basil
- Height: 12-18 inches
- Spread: 12-24 inches
- Flavor: Sweet and slightly peppery
Basil is a natural pest repellent, keeping bugs away from spinach. It thrives in the same conditions and grows well in close proximity to spinach without competing for space.
Benefits: Basil helps repel pests like aphids and beetles while allowing spinach to grow unhindered. Its strong aroma benefits the overall health of your garden.
7. Dill
- Height: 24-36 inches
- Spread: 12-18 inches
- Flavor: Fresh, tangy, and slightly bitter
Dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, which feast on aphids and other pests that attack spinach. Its tall, feathery growth doesn’t compete with spinach for space.
Benefits: Dill attracts beneficial insects and repels harmful ones, protecting spinach while enhancing the flavor of nearby crops.
8. Chives
- Height: 12-24 inches
- Spread: 6-12 inches
- Flavor: Mild onion
Chives have pest-repelling properties and don’t require much space. They’re great at keeping aphids away from spinach, making them excellent garden companions.
Benefits: Chives repel pests and have shallow roots that don’t interfere with spinach, allowing both plants to grow harmoniously.
9. Oregano
Source: Photo by Anne McCormack
- Height: 12-18 inches
- Spread: 12-24 inches
- Flavor: Strong, slightly bitter
Oregano is a robust herb that deters pests while spreading low, providing a living mulch for spinach. It thrives in similar conditions, making it a perfect companion.
Benefits: Oregano serves as a ground cover, helping to retain moisture and repel insects like spider mites. It also improves the overall resilience of spinach.
10. Parsley
- Height: 12-18 inches
- Spread: 9-12 inches
- Flavor: Mildly bitter
Parsley is a compact herb that enjoys the cool environment spinach thrives in. It also helps attract beneficial insects like predatory wasps.
Benefits: Parsley provides ground cover and attracts beneficial insects to help manage pest populations around your spinach.
11. Cilantro
- Height: 12-24 inches
- Spread: 12-18 inches
- Flavor: Citrusy, slightly peppery
Cilantro attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybugs, which prey on pests that target spinach. Its quick-growing nature makes it a great companion.
Benefits: Cilantro helps control pests naturally, creating a healthier growing environment for spinach.
12. Sage
- Height: 12-30 inches
- Spread: 24-36 inches
- Flavor: Earthy and slightly peppery
Sage’s strong scent acts as a deterrent to common spinach pests like aphids and beetles. It also prefers similar growing conditions, making it a practical companion.
Benefits: Sage repels pests and provides shade for spinach, reducing the risk of bolting in warmer weather.
13. Thyme
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Spread: 6-12 inches
- Flavor: Earthy, slightly minty
Thyme is another aromatic herb that helps repel pests and grows well near spinach. Its low-growing nature helps retain moisture in the soil.
Benefits: Thyme acts as a living mulch, helping to keep the soil cool and moist for spinach. Its strong scent also repels pests.
Companion Planting Spinach Flowers
14. Marigolds
- Height: 6-24 inches
- Spread: 12-18 inches
- Color: Bright orange and yellow
Marigolds are excellent pest repellents, deterring nematodes and aphids. Their strong scent and vibrant colors make them a natural protector of spinach.
Benefits: Marigolds keep harmful pests away while adding beauty to your garden. They don’t compete with spinach for nutrients.
15. Nasturtiums
- Height: 12-15 inches
- Spread: 12-18 inches
- Color: Orange, yellow, and red
Nasturtiums act as trap crops, attracting pests like aphids away from spinach. They add vibrant colors to the garden and are easy to grow.
Benefits: Nasturtiums lure pests away from spinach, keeping the greens safe. Plus, their flowers are edible, adding a peppery note to salads.
16. Calendula
Source: Photo by YubKooka
- Height: 12-24 inches
- Spread: 12-18 inches
- Color: Yellow and orange
Calendula is another flower that attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, which feed on aphids. It’s easy to grow and pairs well with spinach in the garden.
Benefits: Calendula attracts beneficial insects while adding color to the garden. It helps keep harmful bugs away from spinach.
17. Borage
Source: Photo by Scamperdale
- Height: 12-36 inches
- Spread: 12-18 inches
- Color: Blue and purple
Borage is known for attracting pollinators and beneficial insects, which help to control pests in the garden. It grows well alongside spinach without competing for nutrients.
Benefits: Borage encourages pollinators and repels pests, creating a balanced ecosystem in your spinach patch.
18. Sweet Alyssum
- Height: 4-8 inches
- Spread: 6-12 inches
- Color: White, pink, and purple
Sweet alyssum attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, which prey on pests that target spinach. Its compact size makes it ideal for interplanting.
Benefits: Sweet alyssum acts as ground cover, helping to retain soil moisture and attract beneficial insects.
Companion Plants for Spinach in Containers
19. Radishes
- Height: 4-8 inches
- Spread: 4-6 inches
- Flavor: Crisp and peppery
Radishes are quick-growing and don’t require much space. They help loosen the soil, making it easier for spinach to grow in containers.
Benefits: Radishes improve soil aeration in containers, making it easier for spinach roots to grow. They’re fast-growing, allowing for quick harvests.
20. Beets
- Height: 12-18 inches
- Spread: 6-12 inches
- Flavor: Earthy and sweet
Beets and spinach grow well together in containers because they both enjoy cool weather and similar soil conditions. They’re also easy to grow in small spaces.
Benefits: Beets help improve soil texture, making it ideal for spinach to thrive in containers.
21. Green Onions
Source: Photo by Emilian Robert Vicol
- Height: 12-18 inches
- Spread: 6-8 inches
- Flavor: Mild onion flavor
Green onions thrive in containers and grow well alongside spinach without taking up much space. They also help deter pests like aphids and are easy to harvest.
Benefits: Green onions repel pests and can be harvested alongside spinach, maximizing your container garden's yield.
22. Turnips
- Height: 12-18 inches
- Spread: 6-8 inches
- Flavor: Mildly sweet and peppery
Turnips have deep roots like carrots, which allow them to coexist with shallow-rooted spinach in containers. They also improve soil structure as they grow.
Benefits: Turnips help loosen compacted soil in containers, making it easier for spinach roots to spread. Both thrive in cooler weather.
What to Plant with Spinach to Keep Bugs Away
23. Garlic
- Height: 12-18 inches
- Spread: 4-6 inches
- Flavor: Pungent and spicy
Garlic’s strong odor repels many pests that target spinach, including aphids and beetles. Planting garlic near spinach helps protect it naturally without chemical pesticides.
Benefits: Garlic acts as a natural insect deterrent, keeping spinach safe from pests. Its compact size makes it easy to plant nearby.
24. Onions
- Height: 12-18 inches
- Spread: 6-8 inches
- Flavor: Sharp and tangy
Onions work similarly to garlic in repelling pests with their strong aroma. They’re also shallow-rooted, which allows spinach to grow without competition.
Benefits: Onions help deter pests like aphids and slugs from spinach, making them an excellent companion plant in pest-prone gardens.
25. Lavender
- Height: 12-36 inches
- Spread: 18-24 inches
- Color: Purple
Lavender’s strong floral aroma repels pests like aphids and beetles. It grows well alongside spinach without competing for nutrients and provides a fragrant addition to your garden.
Benefits: Lavender not only deters harmful bugs, but it also attracts beneficial pollinators, creating a balanced ecosystem in your garden.
Bad Companion Plants for Spinach
Not every plant plays nice with spinach. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way. These are the ones you want to avoid:
- Potatoes: Spinach and potatoes just don’t get along. They compete for the same nutrients, and potatoes can attract pests that love spinach.
- Fennel: Fennel is a bully in the garden. It releases a chemical that stunts the growth of spinach (and pretty much everything else around it).
- Corn: Corn grows tall and blocks out the sunlight that spinach desperately needs.
- Melons: Melons spread out too much and steal all the space from spinach.
- Pumpkins: Same issue as melons—pumpkins are space hogs and will overshadow your spinach.
Spinach Companion Planting Tips
Companion planting can be a game-changer for growing spinach successfully. It’s all about understanding which plants grow best together, helping each other out in terms of soil nutrients, pest control, and space.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering spinach companion planting and maximizing your garden’s potential.
Step 1: Know Your Spinach Needs
Before pairing spinach with companion plants, it's important to know what spinach thrives on:
- Sunlight: Spinach grows best in partial shade, especially during hot months, but also appreciates full sun in cooler seasons.
- Soil: It prefers nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Spinach needs regular watering to grow tender leaves.
- Spacing: Give your spinach about 4-6 inches between each plant to allow good air circulation.
Understanding these basics helps you choose companions that have similar needs or complement spinach’s growth.
Step 2: Select Beneficial Companions
Choose plants that either enhance spinach’s growth by improving the soil, providing shade, or repelling pests. Here’s how to approach selecting companions:
- For Soil Health: Nitrogen-fixing plants like peas and beans enrich the soil with nutrients, which spinach can benefit from.
- For Pest Control: Plant pest-repelling herbs like basil, mint, or garlic around your spinach to naturally deter insects like aphids and beetles.
- For Shade: If you live in a warmer climate, taller plants like tomatoes or kale can provide shade, preventing spinach from bolting (flowering too early).
Step 3: Planting with Timing in Mind
Some plants thrive in cool weather, while others prefer warmth. Since spinach loves cooler conditions, here’s how to manage planting times with companions:
- Cool-Weather Companions: Lettuce, radishes, and carrots are great companions for early spring and fall spinach planting. These crops grow well in similar temperatures and can be harvested before spinach bolts.
- Warm-Weather Companions: Tomatoes and peppers may follow spinach in warmer seasons, providing shade as they grow while spinach winds down.
By planting in the right season, you’ll ensure that all your crops benefit from their companions.
Step 4: Use Companion Plants as Natural Pest Control
Companion planting helps manage pests naturally, keeping your spinach safe without the need for chemical pesticides. Here are a few tips:
- Garlic and Onions: Their strong odor repels insects that may attack spinach, such as aphids and slugs.
- Marigolds: These flowers attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and repel nematodes, which can damage spinach roots.
- Basil: Known for keeping mosquitoes and flies away, basil also helps spinach by driving off common pests.
Use a mix of flowers, herbs, and vegetables to create a natural defense system for your spinach patch.
Step 5: Maximize Garden Space
If you're working with limited space, companion planting can help you grow more in less area:
- Interplanting: Grow spinach between slow-growing plants like cabbage, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. Spinach will mature quickly and can be harvested before the larger plants need more space.
- Container Gardening: For small spaces, use containers with compact companion plants like radishes, carrots, or beets. This makes the most of vertical and horizontal space while supporting each plant's growth.
Step 6: Monitor and Rotate Crops
Keeping an eye on your garden’s health and rotating crops yearly ensures your spinach stays healthy:
- Observe Growth: Check how well your companion plants interact. Are pests under control? Are plants competing for nutrients or water? If you notice any issues, adjust your planting strategy.
- Crop Rotation: To avoid depleting the soil of nutrients, don’t plant spinach or its companions in the same spot year after year. Rotate crops seasonally to maintain soil health.
Ready to Start Companion Planting Spinach?
There you have it—my tried-and-true guide to companion planting spinach. Whether you're growing in a small urban garden or a bigger backyard, these tips will help you get a thriving, pest-free crop.
Remember, it’s all about finding the right companions that help your spinach grow strong and healthy.
Now go on and give it a try—and hey, if you’ve got any cool companion planting tricks of your own, drop them in the comments! I’d love to hear them.
External Resources: Check out Better Homes & Gardens and Savvy Gardening for more gardening tips and tricks on growing spinach.
FAQ
What to not plant next to spinach?
Avoid planting spinach near potatoes or fennel. Potatoes compete with spinach for nutrients and space, while fennel releases compounds that can stunt spinach growth.
What is the best companion plant for spinach?
Peas are one of the best companion plants for spinach. They fix nitrogen into the soil, improving its fertility, which spinach thrives on. Plus, peas and spinach can be planted together in early spring when temperatures are cool.
What doesn't go with spinach?
Fennel is a poor companion for spinach because it secretes allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants. Also, avoid planting spinach near potatoes and melons, which compete for resources.
Can you plant lettuce next to spinach?
Yes, lettuce is a great companion for spinach! Both are cool-season crops that enjoy similar growing conditions. Planting them together can maximize your garden space, and lettuce can help keep the soil cool and moist for spinach.
Can spinach be planted with brassicas like broccoli and kale?
Yes! Spinach works well with brassicas such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale. These larger plants can provide shade for spinach, keeping it cool during hotter months, which helps prevent bolting.
Can you grow spinach with tomatoes?
Absolutely. Tomatoes provide shade for spinach, especially in the warmer months. While tomatoes grow tall, spinach stays low, so they don’t compete for space, making them ideal companions.