6 corn companion plants and what you should avoid

Table of Contents

Companion planting for corn is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.

Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of corn below.

Companion plants for cornEnemy plants of corn
BeansBroccoli
CucumberKale
PeaCauliflower
Watermelon
Potato
Squash

Why does companion planting work?

Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:

Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.

Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.

Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.

Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.

Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.

Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.

Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.

What are the companion plants of corn?

The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your corn. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your corn.

Corn

Beans

Beans are thriving in well-drained soil and basking in ample sunlight, these leguminous wonders enrich the soil with nitrogen, enhancing the vitality of their botanical companions. As stalwart providers of sustenance and greenery, beans epitomize the essence of garden bounty and vitality.

Beans help fix nitrogen in the soil, making sure corn gets the nutrients it needs to grow tall and strong. In return, corn gives beans a sturdy stalk to climb. It’s a win-win partnership that’s been used for centuries!

Corn

Cucumber

Cucumbers thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with compost, they embody adaptability and freshness. Consistent moisture and sunlight support vigorous vine growth and abundant fruiting. Cucumbers extend general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and attracting beneficial insects.

Cucumbers love to sprawl, and corn gives them some much-needed shade to keep the soil cool and moist. Plus, cucumbers help keep weeds down around the base of corn stalks, making sure the corn has less competition for nutrients and water.

Corn

Pea

Peas thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, they embody adaptability and vigor. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and prolific growth. Peas provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by fixing nitrogen in the soil, enhancing fertility, and promoting overall garden health.

Just like beans, peas work wonders for corn by pulling nitrogen from the air and putting it into the soil. That means corn gets a natural fertilizer boost without you having to do any extra work. Plus, peas don’t take up much space, so they fit right in without crowding the corn.

Corn

Watermelon

Watermelons thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 6.8. Full sunlight and ample space nurture their sprawling vines and juicy fruiting. Watermelons provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and enriching the soil with organic matter as their vines decompose.

Watermelons spread low and wide, covering the ground with big, shady leaves that help keep the soil from drying out. This is great for corn, which likes moist soil to grow tall and healthy. Plus, the watermelon vines help keep pesky weeds from sneaking in!

Corn

Potato

Potatoes grows in loose soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and tuber development. Potatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil when left to decompose.

Corn and potatoes make a great pair because they use different parts of the soil. While corn grows tall and pulls nutrients from the upper layers, potatoes dig deep and take what they need from below. This means they’re not fighting over food, making them perfect garden partners.

Corn

Squash

Squash thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and ample space nurture its sprawling vines and prolific fruiting. Squash provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and suppressing weed growth with its broad leaves. Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like pumpkins and cucumbers.

Squash is another fantastic ground cover plant, keeping the soil cool and blocking out weeds. Plus, its spiky leaves help deter pests that might otherwise snack on your corn. When you plant squash with corn and beans, you’ve got the famous “Three Sisters” planting method—a tried-and-true gardening trick!

What are the enemy plants of corn?

Planting these plants next to corn has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your corn. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your corn.

Corn

Broccoli

Broccoli flourishes in diverse growing conditions. Thriving in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant yields. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and cabbage, broccoli embodies the natural abundance and beauty found within the garden's embrace.

Broccoli is a bit of a nutrient hog, and corn is no lightweight when it comes to feeding, either. Both plants pull a lot of the same nutrients from the soil, which means they’ll be competing for food. Instead of growing strong, they’ll both end up struggling. Better to keep them in separate parts of the garden!

Corn

Kale

Kale, known for its robust leaves and garden vigor, thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its vibrant foliage and sturdy stems. Kale provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by enriching the soil with nutrients, suppressing weeds, and attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

Kale likes its own space and doesn’t do well when crowded, especially by a tall plant like corn that hogs all the sunlight. If planted together, kale might end up weak and leggy, while corn won’t be getting the best airflow around its stalks. They’re better off growing apart!

Corn

Cauliflower

Cauliflower thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant curds. Cauliflower extends benefits to neighboring plants by enhancing soil health, promoting microbial activity, and optimizing nutrient availability. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, cauliflower epitomizes the lush abundance and natural charm found within the garden's bounty.

Cauliflower is another heavy feeder, just like broccoli. It takes a lot of nutrients from the soil, leaving corn without the fuel it needs to grow tall and strong. Plus, cauliflower doesn’t like being shaded, and corn throws a lot of shade! Keeping them separate will lead to happier, healthier plants.

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