How Do I Apply Companion Planting in Raised Beds?

Raised beds and companion planting are natural partners. The defined, accessible growing space of a raised bed makes it straightforward to plan and implement companion planting combinations, and the intensive planting typical of raised beds means that beneficial interactions between plant neighbours are maximised. Raised beds also make rotation — an important part of managing plant families and their associated pests — easier to track and manage than an open plot.

Planning a raised bed with companions

Start with your main crop for the bed — the plant whose harvest is the primary goal. Choose companions that complement it without competing aggressively. For a tomato bed: plant French marigolds along the front edge to deter whitefly, basil between the tomato plants, and allow a few flowering herbs at the corners. For a brassica bed: plant nasturtiums along the front edge as a trap crop, thyme at the corners, and leave space for a pot of mint nearby.

Edge planting for maximum effect

The edges of raised beds — particularly the south and east-facing sides — are ideal for companion plants. They receive good light, they do not shade the main bed crop significantly, and they are easily accessible for management. Chives, thyme, compact marigolds, nasturtiums, and dwarf sweet alyssum (which attracts hoverflies) are all well-suited to edge planting. The path between beds can support low-growing herbs like creeping thyme.

Rotation and companion planning together

In a multi-bed system, companion planting works best when combined with rotation — moving each plant family to a different bed each season. Plan companion groups to move together: brassicas and their companions (nasturtiums, thyme) occupy bed one in year one, move to bed two in year two, and so on. This prevents pest and disease build-up and ensures the soil fertility benefits of nitrogen-fixing companions (in the legume bed) are spread around the system.