Asparagus Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings

Any Amazon links below are affiliate links, which means I earn a commission at no cost to you if you click and finalize an order. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Asparagus Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings

Asparagus is a great perennial vegetable that’s easy to plant and “forget.” They’ll come up happily in the spring, become bushy by summer, and then can be trimmed and forgotten about for the winter. But because they take up so much space in the garden once planted, you may wonder what good asparagus companion plants are out there.

There are actually quite a few! I’ve outlined the best options, along with a few that shouldn’t be planted near asparagus for reference.

Full List of Asparagus Companion Plants

The following fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs all benefit asparagus, many by preventing pests or offering ground cover and weed protection.

Fruits and Vegetables to Plant with Asparagus

• Beets – Make the most of your space by planting beets in between rows of asparagus early in the year.

• Eggplants, Peppers, and Tomatoes – These nightshades, particularly tomatoes, are known to make some of the best asparagus pairings. Tomatoes and eggplants release the chemical solanine, which deters asparagus beetles, while asparagus releases another chemical that prevents root-knot nematodes. Pair tomatoes and asparagus with basil for even more companion planting benefits.

• Grapes – Grapes and asparagus were often planted together in the 1700s, but other than the fact they appreciate similar soil conditions, it’s not known how much they benefit each other.

• Horseradish – Horseradish plants deter many pests that harm asparagus. It grows well in a mixed bed of rhubarb, strawberries, and asparagus, too.

• Lettuce and Spinach – Both leafy greens can be planted in between rows of asparagus. Even once the asparagus has grown up some, lettuce and spinach will benefit from having extra shade, and in turn will offer weed control for the asparagus.

• Rhubarb – Rhubarb, another perennial, can help prevent pests on your asparagus. Just make sure you give this large plant plenty of room to grow!

• Strawberries – As fellow perennials, strawberries make fantastic asparagus companion plants. As long as the two are planted at different soil levels (asparagus about 6 inches deeper than strawberries) these two will grow happily together for years, with the strawberries offering weed control. (Here are a few other strawberry companion plants.)

Flowers to Plant Near Asparagus

• Marigolds, Nasturtiums, and Other Asters – These strong-smelling flowers repel many bad bugs.

• Petunias – Petunias repel pests like asparagus beetles and aphids while bringing in beneficial pollinators.

Herbs to Plant Near Asparagus

Each of these herbs may improve soil quality or deter pests, including asparagus beetles, spider mites, and aphids.

• Basil

• Cilantro

• Comfrey

• Dill

• Oregano

• Parsley

• Sage

• Thyme

What NOT to Plant Next to Asparagus

• Carrots – Asparagus has to compete for space with anything that has large or deep-set roots, like carrots.

• Fennel – Along with most vegetables, asparagus doesn’t flourish when planted near fennel.

• Chives, Garlic, Leeks, Onions, and Other Alliums – Allium family members may stunt the growth of your asparagus.

• Potatoes – Asparagus can stunt potato growth, in addition to the fact that they’ll compete for underground space.

Enjoy Your Asparagus!

You now have a good variety of asparagus companion plants to try this year. Consider your garden needs and pick what works best!