7: Lettuce
Although lettuce can take up some space, it’s fast-growing, shallow-rooted, and good for shading pepper roots during the scorching summer heat.
8: Spinach
Spinach is a cool-season leafy green that grows under pepper canopies early in the season. It can boost flavor in nearby plants and help retain soil moisture, which pepper plants need to grow and produce optimally.
9: Dill
Dill (aka: the perfect garnish) draws in predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings to the garden. However, you want to let it flower away from young pepper plants to avoid unwanted shade.
What Not To Plant With Peppers?
1: Fennel
When it comes to plants that you definitely shouldn’t pair with peppers, fennel is the first crop that comes to mind.
Although fennel is quite fragrant and productive in the garden, it actually releases certain compounds into the soil that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including peppers.
2: Brassicas
Brassicas (like cabbage, kale, or broccoli) and peppers don’t make a good, harmonious pairing because they have different growth needs and can compete for nutrients quite aggressively.
3: Beans
Though this one can vary depending on overall garden health and region, it’s generally advised not to pair beans with peppers as the beans can attract certain kinds of pests that peppers dislike.
Let’s Conclude
As much as I love companion plants, I do have to say that one needs to be careful and strategic about them.
Too many times, I see people suggesting plant pairs without taking into account the other person’s garden situation, free space, or what they aim to achieve through companion planting.
When it comes to growing peppers, the biggest challenge you face will probably be stunted growth and pest infestations. Therefore, when picking the right companion plant, figure out through what qualities or special mechanisms it can help you overcome those challenges. That’s all you need to know to pick the right companion plant!
