6 Things You Should Never Plant Next to Each Other

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Gardens are like neighborhoods—some residents get along perfectly, while others just can’t stop causing drama. A mismatched planting can mean stunted growth, pest parties, or even plants fighting over the same nutrients. Some crops thrive when paired with companions, but others become full-blown rivals if forced to share space.

Knowing which plants to keep apart saves time, energy, and frustration when those seedlings start growing wild. Ready to stop the garden feuds before they begin?

1. Tomatoes and Corn

Tomatoes and corn sound like a summer feast, but side by side in the soil they create chaos. Both attract the same destructive pests, especially the corn earworm, which doubles as the tomato fruit worm. Once those worms settle in, both crops can be left riddled with holes and ruined fruit. Corn also grows tall, casting shade that stunts tomato plants desperate for sun. Keep these two separated to prevent pests from throwing an unwanted banquet in the middle of the season.

2. Carrots and Dill

Carrots and dill might look like botanical cousins, but their relationship is more like constant sibling rivalry. Dill releases chemicals that disrupt carrot growth, causing roots to twist, stunt, or fail. Even worse, dill can invite carrot rust flies, which tunnel into the orange roots and wreck the harvest. Young dill may help a little, but once mature, it turns into a garden bully. If crisp, healthy carrots are the goal, send dill to another corner of the bed.

3. Beans and Onions

Beans and onions couldn’t be more different when it comes to soil chemistry and growth style. Beans work hard to fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for themselves and future crops. Onions, however, interfere with this process, making beans weaker and less productive. Instead of thriving, beans end up stressed, producing fewer pods and struggling to climb. Keep beans away from all members of the onion family, including garlic, chives, and leeks.

4. Potatoes and Tomatoes

Potatoes and tomatoes belong to the same plant family, and that’s exactly the problem. When grown together, they compete fiercely for nutrients and attract the same diseases, especially blight. Once blight hits one crop, it spreads quickly, leaving a rotten mess across both. Potatoes also demand deep soil, which can interfere with tomato root systems nearby. Separate them to avoid a family feud that ends in a ruined harvest.

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5. Cucumbers and Sage

Cucumbers love moisture, light, and plenty of breathing room, while sage prefers dry, lean soil with little fuss. When planted together, their growing conditions clash, leaving at least one unhappy. Cucumbers can even lose flavor and vigor when crowded near sage’s strong presence. The herb’s intense oils interfere with cucumber growth instead of enhancing it. Keep sage with other herbs, and give cucumbers companions like beans or radishes instead.

6. Strawberries and Cabbage

Strawberries are sweet and delicate, while cabbage and its brassica relatives are aggressive space hogs. Cabbage roots spread wide, pulling nutrients and water away from strawberries. As a result, strawberries struggle, producing fewer fruits and smaller yields. The dense cabbage canopy also creates shade that strawberries can’t handle. To keep both thriving, set them apart in the garden and let each shine in its own space.

Keep the Peace in Your Garden

Successful gardening isn’t just about what to plant, but also about what not to plant together. A little planning prevents pest infestations, nutrient battles, and disappointed harvests. Keeping these mismatched pairs apart ensures stronger plants and more productive yields. Think of it as matchmaking for the soil—some partners bring out the best in each other, while others only cause trouble.

Which plant pairs have caused drama in your garden? Share your experience in the comments!

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Brandon Marcus

Brandon Marcus is a writer who has been sharing the written word since a very young age. His interests include sports, history, pop culture, and so much more. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time jogging, drinking coffee, or attempting to read a long book he may never complete.