10 Best (and 5 Worst) Companion Plants for Aloe Vera

In my experience, gardening goes beyond just planting seeds—it involves exploring how different plants can support each other. I often use companion planting to make sure my garden is as healthy and productive as it can be.

I find that selecting the best Aloe Vera companion plants really boosts the health of my garden when paired with the right plants.

What is Companion Planting?

Best Companion Plants For Aloe Vera

Ready to dive into companion planting? I’ll guide you step by step, showing you how to pair plants for the best results. Let’s work together to make your garden a vibrant and productive place.

1. 1. Basil

      I’ve found that planting Aloe Vera next to Basil helps to repel pests and insects that can damage the Basil leaves.
      I’ve also noticed that the Aloe Vera’s ability to retain moisture in the soil helps to keep the Basil plants hydrated and healthy.
      In my experience, having Aloe Vera as a companion plant for Basil has resulted in stronger, more vibrant Basil plants with better flavor.

   2. Chives

      Over the years, I have found that planting chives with my Aloe Vera has been incredibly beneficial. I have noticed that chives help to deter pests that can harm the Aloe Vera plant, keeping it healthy and thriving. Additionally, the strong scent of chives seems to attract beneficial insects that further protect my Aloe Vera from any potential damage. Lastly, chives also act as a natural mulch, helping to retain moisture in the soil and preventing the Aloe Vera from drying out too quickly.

   3. Garlic

      I first learned about using garlic as a companion plant for Aloe Vera from an old farmer. I have personally found that planting garlic near my Aloe Vera plants helps to deter pests and insects that can harm the Aloe Vera leaves. Additionally, the strong scent of garlic seems to mask any odors that may attract pests, keeping my Aloe Vera plants healthy and thriving.

   4. Mint

      Over time I figured out through trial and error that planting Mint alongside Aloe Vera has been a game-changer for both plants. I noticed that Mint helps to repel pests that can harm Aloe Vera, keeping it healthy and thriving. Mint’s spreading nature helps to provide some shade and protection to the delicate Aloe Vera leaves, preventing them from getting scorched by the sun.

   5. Parsley

      This is a pretty common pairing, as I’ve found that Aloe Vera and Parsley work really well together in my garden. I’ve noticed that the Aloe Vera helps to keep the soil moist, which is great for the parsley because it prefers consistently moist soil. Plus, the Aloe Vera also acts as a natural pest repellent, which helps to protect the parsley from any unwanted visitors. Overall, I’ve had great success growing these two plants side by side.

1. Rosemary

   This one comes from the book “Carrots love Tomatoes.” I’ve found that planting Aloe Vera alongside Rosemary has been a great companion for my Rosemary plants. Aloe Vera helps to deter pests like aphids and spider mites, keeping my Rosemary healthy and thriving. Additionally, Aloe Vera’s ability to retain moisture in the soil has been beneficial for my Rosemary, as it prefers well-drained soil.

2. Sage

   This was a tip from a reader: Aloe Vera is a great companion plant for Sage. I have personally found that planting Aloe Vera by my Sage helps to improve the overall health and growth of both plants. The Aloe Vera’s ability to retain moisture in the soil benefits the Sage, which prefers well-drained soil, while the Sage’s strong aroma helps deter pests that could harm the Aloe Vera.

3. Thyme

   I’ve found that Thyme is a great companion plant for Aloe Vera. When I planted Thyme next to my Aloe Vera, I noticed that it helped to improve the overall health of my Aloe Vera plant. I also found that Thyme acted as a natural pest repellent, keeping harmful insects away from my Aloe Vera. Additionally, Thyme’s low-growing habit provided some shade and protection for the delicate leaves of my Aloe Vera.

4. Marigold

   Another tip is to consider planting Marigold as a companion for Aloe Vera. I have found that Marigold helps to deter pests that can harm Aloe Vera, such as aphids and nematodes. Additionally, Marigold’s vibrant flowers attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which can further protect Aloe Vera from pests. In my experience, planting Marigold near Aloe Vera has resulted in healthier and more resilient plants.

5. Nasturtium

   I’ve found that Nasturtium is a great companion plant for Aloe Vera. When I planted them together, I noticed that Nasturtium helped to deter pests that could harm my Aloe Vera plant. Additionally, Nasturtium’s vibrant flowers added a beautiful touch to my Aloe Vera garden, creating a visually appealing and harmonious environment. Lastly, Nasturtium’s sprawling growth habit provided shade and protection to the delicate Aloe Vera leaves, ensuring they didn’t get scorched by the sun.

What Not To Plant With Aloe Vera

Just like there are plants that play well together, there are others that don’t get along. Here are some plants that you’re going to want to avoid putting into close proximity to each other. Most of these aren’t the end of the world if it happens, we only have so much garden space after all, but where it makes sense, keep these in mind.

1. Agave

   I learned this the hard way that planting Agave near Aloe Vera can negatively impact the Aloe Vera plant. The aggressive growth and sharp spines of the Agave can crowd out and harm the delicate leaves of the Aloe Vera.

2. Jade Plant

   This one came from my neighbor. I’ve noticed that when I keep my Aloe Vera plant near my Jade Plant, the Jade Plant starts to wilt and its leaves turn yellow. It seems like the Aloe Vera is taking up all the nutrients and water from the soil, leaving the Jade Plant struggling to survive.

3. Snake Plant

   This also came from Carrots Love Tomatoes. Aloe Vera negatively impacts Snake Plant because it releases a chemical that inhibits the growth of Snake Plant.

4. Haworthia

   Another one I’ve heard around is that Haworthia can negatively impact Aloe Vera by competing for nutrients and water in the soil. This can lead to stunted growth and reduced health for both plants.

5. Echeveria

   I’ve heard mixed things on this, but Aloe Vera can negatively impact Echeveria by competing for resources such as sunlight and water. Additionally, Aloe Vera’s larger size can overshadow and shade Echeveria, limiting its growth.

What Should You Plant Near Aloe Vera

In addition to the list below, there are some common plants you likely already have in your garden that I thought you might want to know. These veggies make up much of my garden, so here is what you need to know about companion planting them with Aloe Vera.

Lettuce and Aloe Vera Companion Planting

Aloe Vera is not a good companion plant for lettuce in a vegetable garden. Aloe Vera requires different soil conditions and watering needs than lettuce, and may compete for nutrients. Additionally, Aloe Vera can grow quite large and may shade out the lettuce.

Carrots and Aloe Vera Companion Planting

Aloe Vera is not a good companion plant for carrots in a vegetable garden. Carrots prefer well-drained soil, while Aloe Vera requires more moisture. Additionally, Aloe Vera can grow quite large and may shade the carrots, affecting their growth.

Beans and Aloe Vera Companion Planting

Aloe Vera is not a good companion plant for beans in a vegetable garden. Aloe Vera requires well-drained soil and minimal watering, while beans prefer moist soil. Additionally, Aloe Vera can grow quite large and may shade out the beans, affecting their growth.

Tomatoes and Aloe Vera Companion Planting

Aloe Vera is not a good companion plant for tomatoes in a vegetable garden. Aloe Vera prefers dry soil conditions, while tomatoes require consistent moisture. Additionally, Aloe Vera can grow quite large and may shade out the tomato plants, reducing their access to sunlight.

Cucumbers and Aloe Vera Companion Planting

Aloe Vera is not a good companion plant for cucumbers in a vegetable garden. Aloe Vera requires well-drained soil and minimal watering, while cucumbers prefer consistently moist soil. Additionally, Aloe Vera can grow quite large and may shade out the cucumbers, affecting their growth and productivity.

Zucchini and Aloe Vera Companion Planting

Aloe Vera is not a good companion plant for zucchini in a vegetable garden. Aloe Vera prefers dry soil conditions, while zucchini requires consistently moist soil. Additionally, Aloe Vera can grow quite large and may shade out the zucchini plants, reducing their sunlight and hindering their growth.

Peppers and Aloe Vera Companion Planting

Aloe Vera is not a good companion plant for peppers in a vegetable garden. Aloe Vera requires different growing conditions and can compete for resources with peppers. Additionally, Aloe Vera can attract pests that may harm the peppers.

Peas and Aloe Vera Companion Planting

Aloe Vera is not a good companion plant for peas in a vegetable garden. Peas prefer cool and moist soil conditions, while Aloe Vera thrives in dry and well-drained soil. Their different soil requirements make them incompatible as companion plants.

Radishes and Aloe Vera Companion Planting

Aloe Vera is not a good companion plant for radishes. Aloe Vera prefers dry soil conditions while radishes need consistent moisture. Additionally, Aloe Vera can grow quite large and may shade out the radishes.

Squash and Aloe Vera Companion Planting

Aloe Vera is not a good companion plant for summer squash in a vegetable garden. Aloe Vera prefers dry soil conditions, while summer squash requires consistent moisture. Additionally, Aloe Vera can grow quite large and may shade out the summer squash plants, reducing their growth and productivity.

Onions and Aloe Vera Companion Planting

Aloe Vera is not a good companion plant for onions in a vegetable garden. Onions prefer well-drained soil, while Aloe Vera requires more moisture. Additionally, Aloe Vera can grow quite large and may shade the onions, affecting their growth.

Tips For Companion Planting With Aloe Vera

Your Turn!

• What have you learned about companion planting for Aloe Vera?