We Discovered 20 Companion Plants That Will Help Your Peppers THRIVE

Nasturtiums serve as a trap crop by luring aphids and flea beetles away from peppers. They also add color to the garden and attract pollinators.

• Zones: 2–11
• Size: 12–24 in. tall × 12–24 in. wide
• Care: Full sun; average, well-drained soil

This fragrant herb creates a dense ground cover that helps suppress weeds around peppers. It deters insect pests and attracts beneficial wasps that prey on garden pests.

• Zones: 4–10
• Size: 8–24 in. tall × 12–24 in. wide
• Care: Full sun; loose, well-drained soil

Related: We Discovered the BEST Way to Make Your Oregano Thrive All Summer

Onions deter thrips and other insects that target pepper plants. Their slender growth habit allows them to fit easily between pepper rows without competing for space.

• Zones: 3–9
• Size: 12–18 in. tall × 4–6 in. wide
• Care: Full sun; fertile, well-drained soil

Garlic emits sulfur compounds that mask the scent of peppers, making them less attractive to pests. It’s an easy-to-grow addition that offers natural pest control benefits.

• Zones: 3–9
• Size: 12–24 in. tall × 6–8 in. wide
• Care: Full sun; nutrient-rich, well-drained soil

Chives deter aphids and beetles that can harm peppers. Their pretty purple blooms also attract helpful pollinators in spring.

• Zones: 3–9
• Size: 10–18 in. tall × 8–12 in. wide
• Care: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil

Dill draws in beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feast on aphids and other pests. It’s a valuable companion for pest control in the pepper patch.

• Zones: 2–11
• Size: 24–48 in. tall × 12–24 in. wide
• Care: Full sun; light, well-drained soil

Related: We Discovered the BEST Way to Grow Dill So It Thrives All Summer Long

Cilantro attracts hoverflies, which prey on soft-bodied pests. It can also provide a bit of shade at the base of pepper plants to help keep the soil cool.

• Zones: 2–11
• Size: 12–24 in. tall × 12–18 in. wide
• Care: Sun to light shade; loose, well-drained soil

Related: We Figured Out the Best Way to Keep Your Cilantro Plant Thriving All Summer Long

Carrots naturally loosen the soil, which helps improve root development in pepper plants. They’re a smart, space-saving companion for interplanting.

• Zones: 3–10
• Size: 8–12 in. tall × 2–3 in. wide
• Care: Full sun; deep, sandy loam

Lettuce acts as a living mulch that helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. It grows quickly and thrives in the cooler shade under pepper plants.

• Zones: 2–11
• Size: 6–12 in. tall × 6–12 in. wide
• Care: Full sun to part shade; rich, well-drained soil

Spinach benefits from the shade of taller pepper plants during warmer months. It also competes well with weeds, helping to keep the garden tidy.

• Zones: 2–11
• Size: 6–12 in. tall × 6–12 in. wide
• Care: Sun to light shade; moist, fertile soil

Borage attracts bees and other pollinators with its vibrant blue flowers. Its deep roots also help bring nutrients up from lower soil layers, benefiting nearby peppers.

• Zones: 2–11
• Size: 18–36 in. tall × 12–16 in. wide
• Care: Full sun; well-drained soil

Thyme repels cabbage loopers and other unwanted pests with its strong scent. It’s also a drought-tolerant groundcover that conserves soil moisture around peppers.

• Zones: 5–9
• Size: 6–12 in. tall × 12–18 in. wide
• Care: Full sun; dry, well-drained soil

Related: 10 Perennial Herbs for Your Garden That Are Practical and Pretty

Yarrow attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps. It also improves the quality of compost with its nutrient-rich foliage.

• Zones: 3–9
• Size: 12–36 in. tall × 12–24 in. wide
• Care: Full sun; average, well-drained soil

Catmint repels flea beetles, squash bugs, and other pests with its intense aroma. It’s also easy to grow and adds soft, gray-green foliage to the garden.

• Zones: 3–9
• Size: 18–30 in. tall × 18–24 in. wide
• Care: Full sun; well-drained soil

Sweet alyssum forms a fragrant, low-growing mat that suppresses weeds and conserves moisture. It also attracts hoverflies that prey on aphids.

• Zones: 5–9
• Size: 3–10 in. tall × 8–12 in. wide
• Care: Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil

Radishes work well as a trap crop for flea beetles, drawing them away from peppers. They mature quickly and can be grown between pepper plants without crowding.

• Zones: 2–11
• Size: 6–12 in. tall × 2–4 in. wide
• Care: Full sun; loose, moist soil

Chamomile boosts the vigor of nearby pepper plants and promotes overall garden health. Its daisy-like flowers also attract bees and helpful insects.

• Zones: 3–9
• Size: 12–24 in. tall × 12–18 in. wide
• Care: Full sun; light, well-drained soil

Parsley grows well beneath pepper plants and helps fill in garden gaps. It also attracts predatory wasps that feed on common garden pests.

• Zones: 4–9
• Size: 12–18 in. tall × 8–12 in. wide
• Care: Full sun to light shade; moist, fertile soil

Related: We Discovered the BEST Way to Make Your Parsley Thrive All Summer Long