Asparagus, a nutrient-rich and flavorful vegetable, can greatly benefit from
companion planting. By selecting suitable asparagus companion plants, gardeners
can create a symbiotic environment that supports the growth and well-being of
companion planting with asparagus while promoting a more productive and
sustainable garden overall.
Use
this list to learn about the different types of beneficial asparagus companion
plants and refer to the below garden layouts for how to successfully arrange
these specific plants along with your asparagus plants into beautiful
bountiful gardens.
Asparagus Companion Plants
1. Tomatoes:
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) make excellent companions for asparagus due to
their pest-repellent properties. They emit compounds called alkaloids that
discourage pests like asparagus beetles and nematodes from attacking asparagus
plants. Additionally, the tall and bushy tomato plants can provide valuable
shade to the often delicate asparagus ferns during hot summer months. This
shading effect helps regulate soil moisture and temperature, creating a more
favorable environment for asparagus growth.
2. Marigolds:
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are renowned for their ability to repel pests, making
them valuable vegetable companion plants for asparagus. The strong aroma
emitted by marigold plants acts as a natural deterrent against aphids,
nematodes, and other harmful insects that can damage asparagus crops. Planting
marigolds around your asparagus bed can help reduce the need for chemical pest
control methods while contributing vibrant color to the garden.
3. Beans
and Peas: Leguminous plants such as beans (Phaseolus spp.) and peas (Pisum
sativum) have a unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil
through their symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Asparagus
is known to be a heavy nitrogen consumer, and planting beans or peas nearby can
enrich the soil with this essential nutrient. The increased nitrogen
availability supports robust asparagus growth and spear development, leading to
higher yields and healthier plants.
4. Nasturtiums:
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum spp.) offer a dual benefit for companion planting with
asparagus. These brightly colored, edible flowers attract pollinators like bees
and butterflies, enhancing the chances of successful pollination in asparagus
plants. Additionally, nasturtiums release compounds that repel aphids and other
sap-sucking insects. By acting as both a pollinator attractor and a pest
repellent, these asparagus companion plants contribute to the overall health
and productivity of the asparagus patch.
5. Herbs: Herbs
like thyme (Thymus spp.) and oregano (Origanum spp.) are valuable vegetable
companion plants due to their weed-suppressing properties and aromatic foliage.
These perennial herbs form a natural ground cover that reduces weed growth
between asparagus rows, minimizing competition for nutrients and water. Moreover,
their pleasant scent can help deter pests from the garden while providing a
sensory experience for gardeners.
6. Lettuce:
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) serves as a beneficial intercrop between asparagus
rows. As the asparagus ferns grow taller, they provide partial shade to the
lettuce plants, protecting them from excessive sunlight and heat. This shading
effect helps maintain moisture levels in the soil and prevents the lettuce from
bolting (prematurely flowering), which can negatively impact its quality. This
symbiotic arrangement optimizes space and promotes efficient land utilization.
Below are a
few garden layout ideas to help get you started companion planting with asparagus.
Garden Layouts for Companion Planting with Asparagus
In this garden layout, create a circular garden bed with the asparagus in the center and the companion plants arranged around it.
Center:
• Plant the asparagus in the center of the circular bed. Give them adequate spacing according to their requirements.
Outer Ring:
• Surround the asparagus with tomato plants. These will provide shade during hot days and help deter pests.
• Alternately, you can plant marigolds around the outer ring of the bed to act as a pest repellent.
In Between Rows:
• Plant beans and peas in rows radiating outwards from the asparagus. This will enrich the soil with nitrogen and improve fertility.
• Nasturtiums can be planted along the outer edge of the circular bed to attract pollinators and repel aphids.
Layout 2: Herb-Edged Asparagus Bed
This layout utilizes perennial herbs to suppress weeds and create an aromatic backdrop for your asparagus companion plants.
Main Bed:
• Create a rectangular bed for the asparagus, leaving adequate spacing between the rows.
• Plant the asparagus rows in the center of the bed.
Herb Edges:
• Plant thyme and oregano along the edges of the rectangular bed. These herbs will help suppress weeds and provide a fragrant border.
Lettuce Intercropping:
• Between the asparagus rows, plant lettuce. The lettuce will provide shade to the asparagus crowns and efficiently utilize the space.
Layout 3: Trellised Tomato and Asparagus Rows
This layout maximizes the use of vertical space while incorporating tomatoes and asparagus.
Trellis Setup:
• Set up trellises or stakes on one side of the garden bed for the tomato plants to climb.
• Plant tomato seedlings at the base of the trellises.
Adjacent Asparagus Rows:
• Plant the asparagus rows parallel to the trellises on the opposite side of the bed.
• Marigolds can be interplanted along the asparagus companion plants to keep pests at bay.
Understory Plants:
• Plant beans and peas under the trellises where the tomato vines won't shade them. These legumes will enrich the soil with nitrogen.
Nasturtiums and Herbs:
• Scatter nasturtium seeds near the trellises to attract pollinators and repel aphids.
• Plant perennial herbs like thyme and oregano near the base of the trellises to help with weed suppression.
Layout 4:
This garden layout employs a tiered approach to maximize space and companion planting benefits.
Top Tier: Tomatoes and Marigolds
• On the top tier, construct a raised bed or use large containers to grow tomato plants. These will provide shade to the lower tiers and deter pests harmful to asparagus.
• Plant marigolds around the perimeter of the top tier to act as a natural pest repellent.
Middle Tier: Asparagus Rows
• Dedicate the middle tier to asparagus rows. Make sure to leave sufficient spacing between the rows for proper growth.
Bottom Tier: Beans, Peas, and Nasturtiums
• Plant beans and peas in the bottom tier. Their nitrogen-fixing properties will benefit the asparagus in the middle tier.
• Intercrop nasturtiums among the legumes to attract pollinators and repel aphids.
Layout 5: Asparagus and Herb Checkerboard
This layout incorporates a checkerboard pattern of asparagus and companion herbs.
Main Asparagus Rows:
• Lay out the asparagus rows in a grid pattern across the garden bed, leaving enough space between the plants.
Interplanted Herbs:
• In between each asparagus plant, interplant thyme, oregano, and other perennial herbs. These herbs will suppress weeds and add an aromatic element to the garden.
Lettuce Pathways:
• Create pathways between the asparagus and herb plants using lettuce. The lettuce will provide shade to the asparagus crowns and create a functional, edible garden design.
Border Marigolds:
• Plant marigolds along the border of the garden bed to ward off pests and add a pop of color.
Layout 6:
This garden layout centers around a circular herb garden, utilizing the benefits of herbs to complement the growth of asparagus.
Central Asparagus Patch:
• Plant the asparagus in the center of the circular bed, allowing enough spacing between the plants for their growth.
Outer Herb Ring:
• Create a ring of perennial herbs such as thyme, oregano, and rosemary around the asparagus patch. These herbs will help with weed suppression and create an attractive border.
Tomato and Marigold Pockets:
• Along the outer edge of the circular bed, create pockets to plant tomato seedlings and marigold plants. The tomatoes will provide shade to the asparagus vegetable companion plants, and marigolds will act as pest repellents.
• Erect trellises or supports at intervals within the circular bed and plant climbing beans. These legumes will enrich the soil with nitrogen and provide vertical interest.
Layout 7: Interplanted Asparagus Beds
This layout involves alternating rows of asparagus with different companion plants for a diverse and beneficial garden.
Asparagus Rows:
• Plant alternating rows of asparagus, leaving enough space between the rows to accommodate the companion plants.
Companion Beds:
• In between the asparagus rows, create dedicated beds for companion plants:
• Bed 1: Plant beans and peas to enrich the soil with nitrogen.
• Bed 2: Intercrop nasturtiums and marigolds for pest control and pollinator attraction.
• Bed 3: Establish a variety of lettuce types to provide shade and create an edible understory.
Herb Pathways:
• Create pathways between the asparagus beds using aromatic herbs like thyme, which release a pleasant scent when walked upon.
Trellised Tomatoes:
• Set up trellises at one end of the garden and grow tomato plants vertically. These will provide shade and enhance the garden's visual appeal.
Layout 8:
This layout utilizes different levels or tiers to create an aesthetically pleasing and productive garden space.
Top Tier: Tomato Trellis:
• Construct a sturdy trellis along one side of the garden for growing tomatoes vertically.
• Plant tomato seedlings at the base of the trellis. The tomato vines will provide shade to the asparagus growing below.
Middle Tier: Asparagus Rows:
• Dedicate the middle tier to asparagus rows with appropriate spacing between the plants.
Lower Tier: Legumes and Flowers:
• On the lower tier, create a space for leguminous plants such as beans and peas. These will enrich the soil with nitrogen.
• Plant marigolds and nasturtiums among the legumes to enhance pest control and attract pollinators.
Ground Level: Herb and Lettuce Interplanting:
• Along the ground level, interplant perennial herbs like thyme and oregano between the asparagus rows.
• Intercrop lettuce varieties between the herbs to utilize space efficiently and provide shade to the asparagus crowns.
Layout 9: Circular Perimeter Planting
This layout focuses on creating a circular bed around the perimeter of your garden space.
Circular Asparagus Border:
• Design a circular garden bed along the edges of your garden area, leaving space in the center for other planting strategies.
• Plant the asparagus along the inside of the circular bed, leaving adequate room for each plant.
• In the center of the circular bed, create an island or raised area for growing perennial herbs such as thyme, sage, and rosemary. These herbs will suppress weeds and provide an attractive focal point.
Tomatoes and Nasturtiums:
• On the outer edge of the circular bed, plant tomato seedlings. These will provide shade to the asparagus and add visual interest.
• Interplant nasturtiums with the tomatoes to attract pollinators and deter aphids.
Leguminous Corners:
• Dedicate four corners of the circular bed to beans and peas. These legumes will enhance soil fertility.
Layout 10: Zoned Companion Planting
This garden layout divides your garden into distinct zones, each dedicated to specific companion plants that benefit the asparagus.
Asparagus Rows:
• Allocate a section of your garden for the asparagus rows. Space them appropriately to allow for growth and proper maintenance.
Tomato and Marigold Zone:
• Create a separate zone adjacent to the asparagus rows for planting tomatoes and marigolds.
• Plant tomato seedlings alongside marigolds. Tomatoes will provide shade and marigolds will deter pests.
Legume Enrichment Zone:
• Designate another zone for growing beans and peas. This zone can be adjacent to the asparagus rows or positioned nearby for soil enrichment.
Herb and Lettuce Zone:
• Set up an area for perennial herbs like thyme, oregano, and rosemary. Plant them in close proximity to suppress weeds and add aromatic appeal.
• Intercrop lettuce varieties among the herbs to utilize space effectively and provide shade to the asparagus.
Nasturtium and Pollinator Zone:
• Create a space for nasturtiums and other pollinator-attracting flowers. These can be placed near the asparagus to encourage beneficial insects.
Remember to consider the specific spacing requirements and growing conditions for each plant type when designing your garden layouts and companion planting with asparagus. Adjust the layouts as needed to ensure proper growth and healthy companionship among asparagus companion plants.
