Companion planting for leek 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 leek below.
| Companion plants for leek | Enemy plants of leek |
|---|---|
| Carrot | Onion |
| Celery | Garlic |
| Beetroot | Chives |
| Lettuce | |
| Strawberry | |
| Turnip | |
| Cabbage | |
| Radish | |
| Kale | |
| Bok Choy | |
| Arugula | |
| Cauliflower | |
| Broccoli |
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 leek?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your leek. 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 leek.
Carrot
Carrots thrives in well-drained, loose soil enriched with organic matter. Adequate moisture and sunlight support robust root growth and vibrant foliage. Carrots offer general benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure with their deep taproots, enhancing soil aeration, and creating pathways for water and nutrients to reach other plant roots.
Carrots are excellent companions for leeks because they grow in different soil layers. While leeks dig down deep, carrots grow more shallow, so they don’t compete for space. The combination of both in your garden helps prevent overcrowding, while also maximizing the available soil.
Celery
Celery flourishes in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil infused with organic matter. Consistent moisture and sunlight support robust growth and vibrant foliage. Celery contributes to the overall health of neighboring plants by improving soil structure, enhancing water retention, and fostering beneficial microbial activity. Belonging to the Apiaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like parsley and carrots, celery symbolizes the natural vitality and elegance found within the garden's embrace.
Celery has a deep love for moisture, just like leeks. When planted together, they both benefit from a more consistent watering schedule. Celery’s tall, leafy stems provide some shade to the leek plants, helping to keep them cool, while leeks offer structure to the celery.
Beetroot
Beetroots, celebrated for their earthy sweetness and nutrient-rich composition, thrive amidst fertile soil and ample sunlight. They prefer well-drained earth with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, ensuring optimal growth and development. Regular watering and loose soil encourage healthy root formation and vibrant foliage.
Beets and leeks get along wonderfully because they don’t fight for the same growing space. Beets have shallow roots, while leeks grow deeper, allowing both to thrive without competing. Beets’ round bulbs also help break up the soil, giving leeks some extra room to stretch out.
Lettuce
Lettuce, known for its crunchy leaves and garden appeal, thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its tender foliage and compact heads. Lettuce offers invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by providing ground cover, conserving soil moisture, and suppressing weed growth.
Lettuce is a perfect match for leeks since it thrives in cooler, shady spots. By planting lettuce around leeks, you can provide some natural shade that helps prevent the leeks from overheating. Plus, lettuce grows quickly, so it won’t take up much space for too long, leaving room for your leeks to grow tall.
Strawberry
Strawberries grow in loamy soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their delicate fruits and lush foliage. Strawberries provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage.
Strawberries spread low to the ground, acting as a living mulch that keeps the soil around leeks moist. This helps the leeks keep their roots cool and hydrated during the hotter months. Strawberries also attract pollinators to your garden, which is great for improving overall plant health.
Turnip
Turnips, known for their nutritious roots and garden resilience, grow in loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their robust foliage and prolific root development. Turnips provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and enriching the soil with nutrients.
Turnips and leeks are great companions because they don’t get in each other’s way. Turnips grow quickly and don’t need too much space, while leeks grow slowly and steadily. This means they can peacefully share the same plot without competition. Turnips also help improve soil structure, benefiting both plants.
Cabbage
Cabbage thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained soil enriched with compost, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight foster robust growth and ample foliage. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and Brussels sprouts, cabbage epitomizes the culinary versatility and natural elegance found within the garden's domain.
Cabbage and leeks team up well, especially since cabbage can provide shade for leeks. Leeks love a bit of shade, and cabbage’s broad leaves can offer just that, helping to keep the soil moist and cool. Together, they make an excellent duo for maximizing garden space.
Radish
Radishes thrive in loose soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0, they embody adaptability and zest. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their rapid growth and vibrant foliage. Radishes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by breaking up compacted soil, improving soil aeration, and suppressing pest populations.
Radishes are quick growers that don’t mind being around leeks. As radishes mature quickly, they won’t take up too much space for too long, which is perfect for leeks. Additionally, radishes help break up the soil, making it easier for leeks to grow deeper roots.
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 and leeks get along wonderfully because kale’s broad leaves provide a little shade, helping to protect the leeks from harsh sun exposure. At the same time, kale benefits from the cooler temperatures that leeks can create around the garden. Together, they create a lovely, leafy oasis in your garden!
Bok Choy
Bok choy flourishes in diverse soil conditions, favoring well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. It thrives in partial shade and moderate moisture, displaying lush green leaves and crisp stems. Bok choy enriches the soil, attracts beneficial insects.
Bok choy and leeks are great companions, especially for cooler climates. Bok choy’s broad, lush leaves offer some shelter for leeks, while leeks enjoy the cooler environment bok choy creates. They grow well together without competing for nutrients or space.
Arugula
Arugula, known for its bold peppery flavor and delicate leaves, unveils a hidden dimension as a key player in companion gardening. Thriving in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6 to 6.8, arugula exhibits a preference for cool weather, making it ideal for early spring and fall plantings. Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, this resilient green thrives with moderate watering and benefits from occasional fertilization, enriching both garden palates and landscapes.
Arugula grows quickly and can help provide shade for leeks during the warmer months. Its fast-growing leaves help cover the soil around leeks, keeping the ground cool and damp. Arugula’s bold flavor and speedy growth make it an ideal companion for slower-growing leeks.
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’s broad leaves help protect leeks from the sun, keeping them cool. Cauliflower also doesn’t compete with leeks for space, as it grows above ground, leaving plenty of room for the leek plants to stretch their roots deep into the soil.
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 and leeks share similar growing preferences—both thrive in cooler temperatures. Broccoli’s large leaves provide some shade and coolness to the surrounding area, which leeks love. The two plants don’t fight for resources and can peacefully grow together without much competition.
What are the enemy plants of leek?
Planting these plants next to leek 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 leek. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your leek.
Onion
Onions thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil—preferably loamy or sandy—with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their hearty foliage and bulb formation. Onions provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with their strong aroma and improving soil structure with their fibrous roots.
Onions are part of the same plant family as leeks, which means they tend to compete for similar nutrients and space. When planted too close together, they can stunt each other’s growth, leaving both plants weaker than they would be if they had more room. These two just don’t make good neighbors, so it’s best to give them separate corners in the garden.
Garlic
Garlic flourishes in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, it embodies adaptability and strength. Adequate sunlight and consistent moisture support robust growth and bulb development. Garlic provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with its strong aroma and acting as a natural fungicide against soil-borne diseases.
Garlic, like onions, is another plant from the allium family, and just like onions, it competes with leeks for nutrients and space. If they are planted too near each other, garlic’s strong presence can inhibit leek growth. So, even though garlic can be useful in the garden, it’s better to keep it away from leeks to give them both a fighting chance.
Chives
Chives thrive in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost, they embody adaptability and finesse. Adequate moisture and sunlight support lush growth and abundant foliage. Chives extend general benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects, enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Chives may be small, but they pack quite a punch when it comes to competition with leeks. They belong to the same allium family, just like garlic and onions, and their growth habits can interfere with leeks. Chives can overshadow leeks, taking up valuable space and nutrients, so it’s best to keep these two apart in the garden.
