Corn Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings

Corn Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings

Tall, flavorful corn is a garden favorite for many. Its unique height and care needs can make it a challenge to grow with other plants, however. Luckily, there are many great corn companion plants that benefit your corn, with some actually appreciating the plant’s height!

The best companion plants for corn include beans, squash, and cucumbers, along with many other vegetables, flowers, and herbs!

Full List of Corn Companion Plants

The following vegetables, herbs, and flowers can benefit corn by deterring common corn pests, bringing in beneficial insects, offering nitrogen and ground cover, or otherwise improving conditions to increase either the corn’s or their own yield.

One of the most famous companion planting combinations includes corn! Called the “Three Sisters,” this Native American practice included planting winter squash and pole beans at the base of corn plants. This method showcases the benefits of companion planting by creating a mutual benefit among the plants involved. 

To learn more about getting started with companion planting, check out the beginner’s guide, otherwise, here’s the list:

Vegetable Companion Plants for Corn

• Arugula, Lettuce, and Spinach – These leafy greens enjoy the shade corn offers them, and in return, they help prevent weeds and retain soil moisture, acting as living mulch.

• Beans, Peas, and Other Legumes – Legumes fix much-needed nitrogen in the soil that benefits your corn. Pole beans, in particular, also benefit since they can use the tall corn stalks as a trellis if the corn is started first. Bush beans are another great example of good companion plants for corn.

• Cucumbers, Melons, Pumpkins, Summer Squashes, and Winter Squashes – All of these cucurbit family members prevent weeds and help with moisture retention around the corn. The prickers on their squash vines are also thought to repel raccoons and cucumber beetles, providing an added benefit of pest control.

• Garlic – Garlic can deter common corn pests, such as corn earworms and maize weevils, making it a great companion plant for corn.

• Potatoes – Potatoes grow well at the base of corn plants. Corn can further help potatoes by keeping diseases away and increasing yields if a few corn plants are chopped into the soil beforehand. To make the most use of this, till your corn plants into the ground after you’re done harvesting in the fall, then plant potatoes in that area the following spring.

• Radishes – If you leave a few radish plants to bolt after harvesting, they may keep corn pests like corn borers away.

Flowers to Plant Near Corn

• Cosmos – Cosmos bring in many beneficial insects, like parasitic wasps and predatory bugs that kill aphids and more, contributing to natural pest control.

• Marigolds – French marigolds (Tagetes patula) repel aphids and other corn pests while bringing in beneficial insects. They also help deter tomato hornworms and squash bugs, making them excellent companion plants.

• Nasturtiums – Nasturtiums make an ideal aphid trap crop when planted a short distance away from corn. Their bright colors also attract beneficial insects.

• Sunflowers – Sunflowers attract helpful insects, like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which can control pest populations.

• Zinnias – Zinnias can attract many beneficial insects, making them wonderful companions for your corn.

Herbs to Plant Near Corn

The following aromatic herbs can benefit your corn plants by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, or possibly even improving the corn’s flavor.

• Basil – Basil leaves can improve the flavor of nearby plants and attract beneficial insects.

• Borage – Borage can improve soil structure and attract beneficial insects.

• Dill – Dill can attract beneficial insects like predatory bugs and parasitic wasps while potentially improving your corn’s flavor.

• Hyssop – Hyssop can deter common pests like cabbage moths and flea beetles.

• Lavender – Lavender can repel harmful insects and improve the overall health of the corn crop.

• Mints – Mints can repel insect pests and attract beneficial insects.

• Oregano – Oregano can act as ground cover, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

• Sage – Sage can deter insect pests and improve the flavor of nearby plants.

• Summer Savory – Summer savory can repel harmful insects and improve soil conditions.

• Thyme – Thyme can attract beneficial insects and deter common corn pests.

What NOT to Plant Next to Corn

Some plants need to grow in an area separate from corn. Common reasons are that they need similar nutrients or will otherwise stunt each other’s growth.

Plants to Avoid with Corn

• Brassicas – Corn shades broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and other brassicas family members too much. In addition, they compete for nutrients and attract pests like cabbage worms and Brussels sprouts pests.

• Eggplants and Tomatoes – Corn, eggplants, and tomato plants all attract similar pests like tomato worms and Colorado potato beetles and will compete for nutrients.

• Fennel – Fennel can stunt the growth of corn and other nearby plants due to its allelopathic properties.

Happy Planting!

With this guide, you should now know what your options are for corn companion plants. Try one or two and see what works best in your garden! Companion planting is a great way to improve soil health, attract beneficial insects, and ensure a bountiful harvest.

Looking for more corn tips? Here’s how to grow corn in a raised bed.