Sasha CampbellPeppers are among the most popular crops to grow alongside other plants in a garden. But which plants make good companions for peppers, and which should gardeners avoid?
This article will explore the best and worst companion plants for peppers. This will help you create a productive and healthy garden.
What to Plant with Peppers
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden’s potential.
You can deter pests and improve the flavor of your peppers by planting certain herbs, flowers, and vegetables nearby. These plants may also enhance soil quality.
- Radishes
- Basil
- Carrots
- Asparagus
- Petunias
- Spinach
- Borage
- Lettuce
- Garlic
- Onions
- Geraniums
- Cosmos
- Parsley
- Squash
- Dill
- Cucumbers
- Chives
- Rosemary
- Endive
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
- Okra
- Oregano
- Swiss chard
In particular, French marigolds help repel harmful nematodes. Basil, cosmos, and borage encourage pollinators.
Basil improves peppers’ flavor, while chives and garlic repel aphids, flies, and other pests. All the other listed plants benefit peppers in some way.
What Not to Plant with Peppers
Finding good companions for your pepper plants is key to a thriving garden.
However, bad companions can harm your garden. They may attract pests, spread diseases, and compete for soil nutrients.
Below is a list of plants to avoid planting near bell peppers, chili (capsicum), jalapeño, habanero, cayenne, and other sweet and hot peppers.
- Cabbage
- Beans
- Cauliflower
- Potatoes
- Fennel
- Brussel Sprouts
- Kale
- Turnips
- Broccoli
- Kohlrabi
How to Grow Peppers
There are some general guidelines you must follow when planting and harvesting peppers.
Planting
Peppers are crops that grow well in raised beds and in-ground gardens. Seeds are generally started in pots or containers and transplanted about 3 to 4 weeks after sprouting.
The spacing between them is also vital—anywhere from 12 to 18 inches apart is ideal.
Mulching is also highly recommended, as it will help keep the soil moist and cool. The weight of the fruit may also break the branches, so cages or stakes are recommended.
Also, ensure that your pepper plants get between 6 and 8 hours of sunlight daily, as they rely heavily on sunlight for optimum yield. Read: 15 High-Yield Vegetables and Herbs to Grow.
Furthermore, peppers grow best in warm weather, so plant them once the last frost has passed.
Care and Maintenance
Pepper plants thrive with a moderate amount of water, so do not overwater them. They are also sensitive to heat and will drop their blossoms if they get too hot [1].
Introduce natural, organic fertilizers to the garden two weeks after planting. Additionally, fertilize every month to ensure your plants receive the proper nutrients.
Use fertilizer high in potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus—nutrients that peppers need.
The roots of some pepper plants are also very delicate, so be cautious when removing weeds from around them.
Pests
Below are some garden pests that affect peppers:
- Cutworms and pepper weevils are among the common pests that affect peppers.
- Another pest to be mindful of is the hornworm. This pest comes out at dusk, dawn, or nighttime and can seriously damage your plants.
- Additionally, watch out for root-knot nematodes. Plant roots are very delicate, making them easy prey for these creatures.
- Pests like thrips, greenflies (aphids), cucumber beetles, and mites can also harm plants. They may cause stunted growth, leaf discoloration, and deformed fruits [2].
Dealing with these garden pests can mostly be done using natural pest control methods. Neem oil spray, for example, is a natural remedy that helps eliminate many pests.
Plant Diseases
Peppers are prone to various plant diseases. The most frequent ones include mosaic virus, bacterial leaf spots, southern blight, and powdery mildew.
However, a simple way to eliminate these plant problems is to rotate your crops seasonally.
Additionally, there are plenty of organic and natural ways to get rid of plant diseases.
Harvesting
The harvest time may vary depending on the pepper variety you grow.
Sweet peppers mature within 60 to 90 days, while spicy ones take up to 150 days. However, you will know the fruit is ready for harvesting when it takes on its full color.
When harvesting, always choose a pruning knife or shears over any other tool to detach the fruits from their stems. Doing so will prevent the breakage of delicate branches.
Also, remember to wear gloves when picking hot peppers, or you could burn your hands. Store your harvested peppers in a cool, dry place.
Takeaway
Bell peppers, jalapeños, shishito, ancho, chili, Anaheim, and serrano are common peppers grown today. Helpful companion plants can help them thrive.
Additionally, peppers must be kept away from crops that are harmful to them and negatively affect each other’s growth.
See also other plants that grow well together.
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