Companion planting for spinach 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 spinach below.
| Companion plants for spinach | Enemy plants of spinach |
|---|---|
| Eggplant | Fennel |
| Oregano | Potato |
| Pea | Dill |
| Rosemary | Sunflower |
| Strawberry | |
| Cabbage | |
| Radish | |
| Lettuce | |
| Cilantro | |
| Broccoli | |
| Nasturtiums | |
| Kale | |
| Garlic | |
| Tomato | |
| Carrot | |
| Marigold | |
| Onion | |
| Borage | |
| Cucumber | |
| 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 spinach?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your spinach. 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 spinach.
Eggplant
Eggplant thrives in well-drained, loamy soil under the nurturing warmth of sunlight. Flourishing in fertile earth enriched with organic matter, it embodies resilience and grandeur. Consistent moisture and adequate spacing support robust growth and prolific fruiting. Eggplant provides general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, reducing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Eggplant grows tall and broad, giving your spinach some much-needed shade when the sun gets too strong. This helps keep the soil cool and moist, which spinach loves. Plus, with eggplant soaking up the spotlight, your spinach won’t bolt as quickly in hot weather. It’s a great way to extend your spinach harvest without extra work!
Oregano
Oregano grows in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. Full sunlight and occasional pruning nurture its flavorful foliage and compact growth. Oregano offers invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Oregano is a fragrant herb that repels pests like aphids and beetles that would love to snack on your tender spinach leaves. Plus, oregano’s low-growing habit helps keep weeds at bay, giving spinach more room to thrive.
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.
Peas do spinach a big favor by adding nitrogen to the soil, which keeps the leaves lush and green. They also grow tall, offering some light shade, which helps spinach stay cool. With peas working on the soil and spinach growing happily below, it’s a win-win for both!
Rosemary
Rosemary flourishes in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its aromatic foliage and robust growth. Rosemary provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Rosemary’s strong scent keeps away pests like cabbage moths and aphids that could harm your spinach. Since rosemary thrives in dry soil and spinach prefers more moisture, planting them nearby keeps their needs balanced—spinach keeps the soil damp, and rosemary keeps the bugs away.
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 out low and wide, covering the soil around spinach like a natural mulch. This keeps moisture in and weeds out, making life easier for your leafy greens. Plus, while strawberries grow their juicy fruit, your spinach will enjoy the shady, cozy space they create.
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 spinach get along well because they don’t compete for nutrients, and cabbage helps take the heat off your spinach by shading it. Plus, cabbage tends to attract certain pests, keeping them away from your tender spinach leaves. Just make sure to check for bugs so they don’t take over!
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, and their deep roots help loosen the soil, making it easier for spinach roots to spread out. They also work as a “trap crop,” drawing pests away from your spinach. Since radishes grow fast, you can harvest them before your spinach even starts to take off.
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 and spinach are perfect neighbors since they both enjoy cool weather and grow quickly. They can be planted close together without competing for space, maximizing your garden’s productivity. Plus, their leafy growth helps shade the soil and keep moisture in.
Cilantro
Coriander thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter, it embodies adaptability and aroma. Adequate moisture and sunlight support lush growth and abundant foliage. Coriander extends general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Cilantro’s strong scent confuses and deters harmful bugs that might otherwise attack your spinach. It also grows well in the same cool conditions, making them easy to care for side by side. Let cilantro flower, and it’ll bring in beneficial insects that help keep your garden healthy.
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’s big leaves create the perfect shade for spinach, keeping it cool and preventing it from bolting too soon. Since spinach has shallow roots and broccoli has deeper ones, they don’t compete for nutrients. Together, they make the most of your garden space without crowding each other out.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their vibrant flowers and trailing foliage. Nasturtiums offer invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, repelling pests, and adding a touch of vibrant color to garden landscapes.
Nasturtiums are like a decoy for spinach, attracting aphids and other pests away from your leafy greens. Their bright flowers also bring in helpful pollinators, which improve overall garden health. Plus, nasturtiums look beautiful next to a bed of lush green spinach!
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’s tall and sturdy leaves act like a natural windbreak, helping to protect delicate spinach from harsh weather. It also shades the ground, keeping the soil cool and moist for longer. Both love cool temperatures, so they make great growing companions.
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’s strong smell keeps away aphids, slugs, and other pests that love to munch on spinach leaves. Since garlic grows tall and spinach stays low, they don’t compete for space. Planting them together is an easy way to keep your spinach healthier with less effort.
Tomato
Tomatoes thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their sprawling vines and abundant fruiting. Tomatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage, and adding richness to culinary dishes.
Tomatoes grow tall and provide much-needed shade for spinach, especially in warmer months. Plus, a good tomato fertilizer will add nitrogen and phosphorus to the soil, both of which spinach loves. Just be sure to space them out so the tomato doesn’t take over!
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 and spinach are a classic duo because they grow in different zones—carrots push down deep, while spinach stays shallow. This means they won’t steal nutrients from each other, making great use of the soil. Plus, spinach helps keep the ground loose for carrots to grow straight and strong.
Marigold
Marigold flourishes in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture its colorful flowers and aromatic foliage. Marigold provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Marigolds are a powerhouse when it comes to pest control, keeping harmful bugs away from your spinach patch. Their bright blooms also bring in pollinators and beneficial insects, keeping the garden balanced. A splash of marigolds among your greens makes for a healthier and more vibrant garden.
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 naturally repel insects and even help prevent fungal diseases that could harm your spinach. Since they grow upright while spinach spreads low, they don’t compete for space. Together, they make for an easy-to-care-for and productive garden pairing.
Borage
Borage, esteemed for its herbal charm and botanical grandeur, thrives in diverse habitats under the sun's warm embrace. Flourishing in well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH, it showcases resilience and adaptability. Regular watering and adequate spacing promote lush foliage and vibrant blooms, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.
Borage is a deep-rooted plant that pulls up nutrients from below, making the soil richer for spinach. Its flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, which help keep the garden thriving. Plus, borage’s leaves can be used as mulch, keeping spinach nice and cozy.
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 sprawl along the ground, creating natural shade that helps spinach stay cool. Their large leaves also help keep moisture in the soil, so spinach doesn’t dry out too fast. With cucumbers stretching out and spinach staying compact, they make a great team in the garden.
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.
Like cucumbers, squash spreads out and shades the soil, which is great for keeping spinach from overheating. Their big leaves act as living mulch, reducing weeds and keeping the soil damp. If you want to make the most of your garden space, this is a great pairing!
What are the enemy plants of spinach?
Planting these plants next to spinach 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 spinach. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your spinach.
Fennel
Fennel flourishes best in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Adequate sunlight and consistent moisture nurture its lush foliage and aromatic essence. Fennel extends numerous benefits to its garden companions by attracting beneficial insects like pollinators and predatory wasps, which help control pest populations. Additionally, its deep taproot can break up compacted soil, improving overall soil structure and promoting healthier root growth in nearby plants.
Fennel is a bit of a loner in the garden—it gives off chemicals that stunt the growth of many plants, including spinach. Instead of helping, it hogs nutrients and space, making it harder for spinach to thrive. If you want happy, healthy spinach, it’s best to keep fennel in its own corner, away from other veggies.
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.
Potatoes grow deep and spread wide, taking up lots of room both above and below the soil. They’re heavy feeders, pulling tons of nutrients from the dirt, leaving little behind for your spinach. Plus, growing them close together can make spinach more vulnerable to pests and diseases that love potatoes.
Dill
Dill thrives in various soil types. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil under the gentle caress of sunlight, it embodies adaptability and elegance. Consistent moisture and occasional pruning support lush growth and abundant foliage. Dill offers general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Young dill and spinach can get along just fine, but once dill matures, it releases chemicals that can slow down your spinach’s growth. If you’re set on having both, keep dill on the far side of the garden so it doesn’t interfere. Otherwise, your spinach might not grow as full and lush as it should.
Sunflower
Sunflowers thrive in fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and ample space nurture their towering stems and vibrant flowers. Sunflowers provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, enhancing garden aesthetics, and providing seeds for birds and wildlife. Belonging to the Asteraceae family, alongside esteemed companions like daisies and asters.
Sunflowers are big, bold, and beautiful, but they don’t make the best neighbors for spinach. Their towering height casts too much shade, blocking the sunlight spinach needs to thrive. Plus, their deep roots take up a lot of water, leaving spinach high and dry. If you love sunflowers, just give them their own space away from your leafy greens.
