Are you threadbare of plucking pests , waging war on weeds , and losing lettuce to uncouth garden issues ?

If so , listen nearly and I ’ll let you in on a secret – you could reduce or eliminate some mutual trouble with companion planting .

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A close up horizontal image of lettuce and other vegetable plants at a garden center.

Fortunately , these leafy vegetables are super simple to incorporate into a companion planting plan since lettuce is a short - time of year crop with few strict need . It also geminate well with many of the most common garden - mixed bag fruit , vegetables , and flowers .

Here , I ’ll provide a list of recommended companion plants for bread and explain the logical thinking behind them , so it ’s comfortable to interpret why some harvest are friends or foes .

Having this information can make it unsubdivided to apply a plan in a variety of mount , and in conjunction with most agrarian methodological analysis , too .

A close up vertical image of freshly harvested lettuce in a wicker basket set in front of a raised bed garden with crops and companion plantings. To the top and bottom of the frame is green and white printed text.

allow ’s get embark on ! Here ’s a speedy overview of everything you ’ll read about today :

What You’ll Learn

How Does Companion Planting Benefit Lettuce?

Before we begin , let ’s take a quick look at what the condition “ companion planting ” really intend .

Polyculture or intercropping are modern terms that have the same basic meaning , although they ’re often consociate with sure types of gardens , such as those that employ permaculture or regenerative Department of Agriculture practices , rather than more conventional or traditional gardening .

Essentially , plant are grouped togetherto make the best and most supportive growing environment for all members who will share the place .

A vertical image of lettuce growing in a mixed vegetable garden pictured in bright sunshine.

As a result , each specimen experiences benefits that ameliorate its wellbeing and may naturally sweep over its weaknesses .

Lettuce , of course , has quite the catalog ofpestsanddiseasesas well as other challenge to contend with , so it ’s wise to produce a programme of activity that workswithnature , rather than fighting against it .

Pest Control

These innate partnerships can go to meliorate pest restraint , without the use of chemical substance , by appeal predatory worm species that will bung on the caterpillars , worm , and slugs that can ravage your bread crop .

Biological blighter ascendance method can also admit repelling unwished-for insects using perfume and coloring material , and creating confusing rule to make accessing the potential food informant unmanageable .

Trap croppingis another utile puppet in reducing blighter price in the clams bed .

A close up horizontal image of a snail eating a head lettuce in the garden.

Environmental Control

Lettuce can abide damage from gamey heat , scorching sun , drought , and overwatering .

Intercropping can be used to cut the likeliness that these event will step in with the growing time of year .

Some crops can provide boosted water retention while others may practice enough water to contract surplus when necessary .

A close up horizontal image of different types of lettuce growing in the home vegetable garden.

Unlike lettuce , with its pocket-sized , shallow roots , species that have potent , sprawling root scheme can lessen corrosion .

Often , those with big solution system tend to be larger coinage that can project shade to foreshorten sunscald or heat damage as well .

Soil Improvements

Since members of theLactucagenus are leafy and nitrogen - loving , they can be paired with crops that economic aid in fixing nitrogen into the soil including many varieties of coarse edible legumes .

Species that oxygenise grunge or that can be tilled under to add constitutional material are also great pardner .

This is a abbreviated synopsis , of course , but our extraordinarily informativeguide to the scientific discipline of companion plantingcan cater all you need to sleep with . If you have n’t return it a read already , I extremely recommend checking it out next .

A close up of a packet of ‘Zebrune’ shallot seeds with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

Now , let ’s talk about the friend and foes of lettuce .

Best Companions for Lettuce

There are so many sources of information about this planting method available that they can really become a bit perplexing .

Others might indicate that a specific crop or group is n’t a good choice to pair with cabbage , but they do n’t share the logical thinking that conduct to this conclusion .

I ’ll compensate the how ’s and why ’s here so you may feel more convinced going frontward .

A close up of a packet of ‘Hot Biscuits’ amaranth seeds with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

Alliums

appendage of theAlliumgenus include electric light - forming etymon vegetables such asgarlic , Allium cepa , andshallots .

When you ’re dicing their bulbs and shaft for utilisation in your favorite recipes , it ’s easy to infer why they might act as a hindrance .

Their potent , sometimes overpowering aroma and the gasses that they let out can be too much to take .

A close up of a packet of love-lies-bleeding amaranth seeds featuring text on the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration on the right.

This is capital news for lettuce , since alliums can be interplanted within rows of leafy or top dog eccentric to bring out smelly barriers that ward off insect likeaphidsand beetles , and also some herbivorous or omnivorous craniate , too .

Because they rise bulbous antecedent , they aid in break up hard ground as well , which helps with drain and aeration .

‘ Zebrune ’ Allium ascalonicum

A close up of a packet of ‘Cosmic Purple’ carrot seeds with a hand-drawn illustration to the right of the frame and text to the left.

‘ Zebrune ’ shallots are a favourite of mine because they ’re mild with a slightly perfumed flavour . A packet of about 55 seminal fluid isavailable from Botanical Interests .

check more about growing alliums in our guide . And check outthis clause about how to practice garlic for pest control .

Flowers

add some pops of color and pasturage for bees and butterflies are extra incentive that come with using flowers as companion plant for your lettuce .

Members of theAmaranthusgenus may produce beautiful weeping or upright clusters of rosiness , but they ’re also very beneficial in acting as a ambush crop for insects like darkling andflea beetles , among others .

After the blooms have died off , birds will be attractedto the seeds as an excellent seed of food , which leads them to your garden where they can feast on worm .

A close up square image of harvested and cleaned ‘Halblange’ parsnips set on the ground.

Because amaranth is not exceedingly coarse in the home garden , many gardeners do n’t realise how turgid or how adorable these plant can be – or how utilitarian !

Technically , they could be included in the caryopsis family below as well , as the seeds are harvested for use as a food source .

total them around the border of garden beds to make an abundant buffet that many pestis ca n’t pass up . Afterward , harvest some bid farewell to throw into the salad with your safe - and - sound lettuce , and do n’t blank out to say give thanks you for the help .

A close up of a hand-drawn illustration of a cucumber trellis.

‘ red-hot biscuit ’

discover a packet of about 310 ‘ Hot Biscuits ’ seeds , with its good tussock of caramel - colored blooms , from Botanical Interests .

Or , if you have a dash for the spectacular , love lies bleed , with its weeping , deep pink to burgundy bloom clump , is the paradigm of the Son .

A close up of a bowl of ‘Seascape’ strawberries pictured in bright sunshine.

sexual love Lies Bleeding

discover a packet of about 360 seedsat Botanical Interests .

you may determine more about love lies hemorrhage here .

A close up of a packet of ‘Market Express’ turnip seeds with an illustration on the right of the frame and text on the left.

Calendula ( Calendula officinalis ) , also have it away as pot marigold – even though it is not a lawful marigold – act as a trap harvest for slugs .

These slimy fellows can be exceedingly destructive to all types of bread , among others , so any blossom that reduces that hazard could be number as a savior .

Place snare plant life around the circumference of the garden to redirect likely diners . Then , reap some of the brilliant efflorescence and leaves to add to salads , orexplore their many healing qualities .

A seed packet of crimson clover with a hand-drawn illustration on the right and text to the left of the frame.

‘ Pacific Beauty ’ Calendula

Grab a packet of ‘ Pacific Beauty ’ assorted calendula seeds in packets range from 25 grams to one British pound , available from True Leaf Market .

Our guide to growing calendula provides cultivation instructions .

A square image of buckwheat growing as a cover crop.

If you ’re looking for auniversal insect repellant , marigoldsare well roll in the hay as the champ in that family . They guard off many different pest , such ascabbage wormsand nematode worm , and pair off well with most vegetable crops .

Repellent chemical compound , like bioactivealpha - therthienyl produced in marigold source , showing nematicidal , insecticidal , fungicidal , and antiviral properties .

This full - service of process blossom can be interplanted among rows of lettuce , used as a border , orplanted en masse shot .

A square image of freshly harvested basil leaves set on a wooden table.

marigold make greatchicken foddertoo , which enriches their egg , enhance coloration , and can guard off some likely health issues .

Antigua Series African Marigold , Orange

you’re able to find packet of Antigua seriesAfrican marigold ( Tagetes erecta)seeds uncommitted in orange , primrose , yellow , or as a mixavailable from True Leaf Market .

A seed packet with a picture of a cat on the right, looking at the catnip growing in the garden, and descriptive text to the left.

you’re able to watch more about maturate marigold in our usher .

Fruits and Vegetables

Bear in mind that this list is n’t thoroughgoing because , as I said , lettuce is a ally to many .

But it should give you an idea of the unspoiled of the best companions to choose among the most uncouth yield and veggie variety .

Just like alliums , most root vegetables are big for breaking up and activate grease .

A close up of the flowers of ‘Fernleaf’ dill pictured on a soft focus background.

Their puff up roots push the ground asunder and open up place for drainage , which benefits lettuce since it wo n’t tolerate soggy ground .

‘ Cosmic Purple ’ Carrots

For a fun and tasty twist on your average Orange River cultivated carrot , try a mailboat of these ‘ Cosmic Purple ’ seeds , instead . They’reavailable from Botanical Interests .

Check outour guides to grow carrots for more information .

As well as being a origin veggie that offer up the same benefits as others of its form like carrots , parsnips also attract ladybugs .

This care in combating aphid infestation , since those precious little ladybugs are actually remorseless aphid Hunter .

‘ Halblange ’ Parsnips

Packets of ‘ Halblange ’ parsnip seeds in a potpourri of sizes are availablefrom High Mowing Seeds .

Our guide to farm parsnip has more info .

away from being one of the easiest and most democratic crops to grow in the place garden , peas have the additional welfare of fix nitrogen .

This bring wonders for lettuce since it needs lots of nitrogen to grow leafy and healthy .

Since they have shallow roots , pea plant grow well in container , and can easily be paired withlettuce growing in containersas well .

In region where the afternoon sunshine may be too much for delicate foliage , peas can be trained onto a trellis to vomit shade for protection , like this Cucumis sativus trellisfrom Gardener ’s Supply Company .

Cucumber Trellis

If you ’re not a big fan of pea plant , these ‘ Mammoth Melting Sugar Pod’snow peasmight modify your nous with their crisp , sweet , edible pods .

‘ Mammoth Melting Sugar Pod ’ Snow Peas

Packets are available in various sizing ranging from 25 grams to 25 poundsat True Leaf Market .

get wind more about how to grow peas in our guide .

Just as with Daucus carota sativa and parsnips , radish break up hard worldly concern to open up outer space below .

But radish plant go above and beyond , because they produce chemicals that not only chase off plague such assquash beetlesbut also act as a trap crop for flea beetle , cabbage worms , andcutworms .

They attract and encourage the growth of good bug in the ground as well .

radish can be interplanted with your lettuce , but do n’t exaggerate it since they may vie for food in the soil .

If you ’re not a fan of them as a nutrient reference , they make excellent chicken cannon fodder – just be certain to grate or chop them up first , leaves and all .

If you ’d care to explore the use of biofumigation , a unconscious process by which pungent plant material is macerated and tilled into a growing area to repel pesterer and fight disease , radish are a dear pick for that , too .

Daikon Radish

discover whitedaikon radishseeds in packet boat and in bulkat True Leaf Market .

Learn more about originate radish in our scout .

strawberry mark are a summertime favorite that take some time to ripen over the predate months .

While we ’re wait for them to fare around , their large leave-taking and sprawling growth habit protect the ground below .

This shelter can help to thin out water exit through vaporization when loot require that moisture the most , top into those raging month , and can provide some ghost to keep the roots cooler .

Their top trim back weed ontogeny as well .

‘ waterscape ’

hear these ‘ waterscape ’ everbearing strawberry , which can be purchased and shipped as a set of 25 bare root plantsfrom Burpee .

Read our guide to growing strawberry here .

As far as heirloom vegetables go , you ca n’t find one more remindful of days run by than the turnip .

They seem to be less common these days , whether in grocery stores or at abode , but they ’re a useful crop nonetheless .

Strategically placing turnips outside of your row of lettuce can trap nuisance louse such as aphid , flea beetles , and more , keeping them busy with an well approachable meal .

They also make excellent livestock fodder , if they wo n’t be used as a food source for masses .

Now , I ’m not one to be pushful , but I heartily urge giving white turnip a twisting on your dining table . They can be pickled just like beetroot – just check out this formula onour baby site , Foodal .

If the texture of the quondam understudy ‘ Purple Top White Globe ’ was off - putting for you in the past , why not try some odoriferous , more tender ‘ Market Express ’ turnips ?

‘ Market Express ’

Even the greens are delicious , and packet of about 120 ejaculate can be foundat Botanical Interests .

Learn more about growing turnips in our pathfinder .

Grains and Cover Crops

cover up crop add nutrients to the filth and can be maturate in rows in between your lettuce or used on fallow garden beds .

There are so many advantages to planting a trefoil field of operations . Along with attracting those crucial pollinators , member of theTrifoliumgenus are nitrogen dolophine hydrochloride .

Some species are more prolific than others , such asT. repensor white clover .

Since trefoil has a light season of just about 80 days , it can be implant in the spring or fallas a blanket cropbefore you sow your lettuce .

practice it to fix nitrogen in the filth through one season and then till it under to sustain the next time of year ’s crop .

Crimson Clover Seeds

Along with whitened , clover get along in crimson , cerise , pinkish , and yellow .

For a lovely theater of color undulating in the breeze that also ground the soil below , a packet of 6,400T. incarnatumor crimson clover seeds can be foundat Botanical Interests .

Unlike some field harvest , buckwheat ( Fagopyrum esculentum ) is an excellent choice for companion planting with lettuce .

This is because Fagopyrum esculentum adds calcium to the soil while also break up it up and absorbing few nutrient along the way .

While it ’s commonly scattered over large fields in commercial-grade cultivation , it can be sow in smaller rows which take up little room .

Buckwheat also pull braconid wasps , parasitic little garden buddies that pose their ball inside pest insects like caterpillars .

Buckwheat

Bags of two , five , and 25 pounds of organic buckwheat semen can be purchasedfrom True Leaf Market .

Herbs

redolent herb that acquire powerfully odoriferous oils can repel many pest such as beetles , caterpillars , and worms .

They can often be planted alongside dough and many other crop , dissuade pests while also spicing up your dieting , if you choose to use them .

gratifying basil , a member of the mint family from theOcimumgenus , produce chemical compound such as estragole , limonene , nerolidol , and saponin .

These make for a strong cocktail that can help to ward off bugs .

In purchase order for the compound to work in effect , the leaves and staunch must be disturbed or crush to release the pungent oils within .

get St. Basil the Great ’s pretty flowers bloom but be sure to dress it back every now and then to keep ontogenesis in check .

Sweet Basil

catch some seedsfrom Eden Brothers . you may choose from a mixture of packet sizing and bulk quantities .

memorize more about growing odoriferous basil hereand be sure tocheck out some of our other St. Basil templet too !

Catnip ( Nepeta cataria ) does more than just work your cat into a frenzy . It repulse some insects by releasing compounds that induction annoyance or pain , causing them to deflect the industrial plant .

Despite this effect , catnip attract braconid wasps such asApanteles glomeratuswhich are known to parasitize some of the pests that attack moolah , like the nefarious larvae of thecabbage looper moth ( Trichoplusia ni)and cabbage white butterfly ( Pieris rapae ) .

It ’s a great idea to let in a perimeter of Nepeta cataria around your boodle , just be cognizant that this shaggy-haired herbaceous plant will sometimes reach three foot in pinnacle .

Keep it trim back , then let the clippings dry out and use it to brew a console tea .

Catnip

Packets of about 450 heirloom catnip seeds areavailable from Botanical Interests .

Learn more about how to arise catnip in our guide .

Like marigolds , Anethum graveolens ( Anethum graveolens ) is a sorting of do - it - all repellant . From aphids towhiteflies , there are a master of ceremonies of nuisance worms , fly sheet , beetles , leafhopper , and other insects that quash it .

Oils produced by the plant contain compounds such as carvone , limonene , and alpha - phellandrene , all of which are read to irritate and even kill larvae and pest species .

Those same oils are what give Anethum graveolens its distinctive flavour and they ’re harmless to humans , so pinch a stem now and then for pickling and seasoner !

Be cognisant , however , that this flowering herbaceous plant does attract some types of caterpillars , likehornworms , so do n’t grow it near nightshades liketomatoes , peppers , oreggplantunless it ’s intended for use as a trap harvest .

‘ Fernleaf ’ Dill

A packet of about 400 seed of ‘ Fernleaf ’ Anethum graveolens isavailable from Burpee .

go over outour guide to see more about raise Anethum graveolens .

If you ’re never smack sweet peck ( Menthaspp . ) , it might be hard to guess it being a hindrance . In mild flavorings , it ’s loosely pleasant , but fresh , it can have a strong , barbed aroma thanks to the oils it contains .

compound in mint oil let in menthone , menthol , and pulegone . These are know to deterslugs and snails , among other nuisance species , and even some types of arachnoid , likespider hint – although I do n’t recommend dissuade spiders since they aid in plague command , too .

I also recommend to avoid planting mint in places where it can grow unchecked , since it has a drug abuse of wandering further than intended in the right conditions . But , intersperse it among rows in planters or muckle can work well .

Spearmint

You ca n’t go haywire with the classicMentha spicata , also known asspearmint .

Packets of seeds in a salmagundi of sizes areavailable from True Leaf Market .

you may ascertain more about growing mass in our article .

Bad Company

So , what about those potential foe of lettuce that I mentioned before ?

Avoid planting near brassica crops , such asbroccoli , cabbage , andkale , since there is some evidence that secretions from their roots can have an allelopathic effect , inhibiting seed sprouting .

Sunflowersalso make bad bedmates because of the allelopathic terpene that they produce , which can inhibit source sprouting , and may even stunt growth .

Good Neighbors

As you’re able to see , there are many , many options to choose from and most are multipurpose .

Companion planting with several mutually beneficial species grouped together will create not only a haven to protect the lettuce ’s delicate leaf , but authoritative dietary support for beneficial predatory louse and pollinators , and superfluous food for you as well .

Go into the next horticulture time of year with confidence , knowing that your garden chum are functioning as a squad .

necessitate more information about grow lettuce ? We ’ve get it ! Check these championship out next to grow the best leafy greens yet :

© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL right wing RESERVED.See our TOSfor more point . Product photos via Botanical Interests , Burpee , Eden Brothers , Gardener ’s Supply Company , High Mowing Seeds , and truthful Leaf Market . Uncredited picture : Shutterstock .

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Kelly Spicer