I see gardening as much more than just planting seeds—it’s about figuring out how plants interact and support one another. Using companion planting has been a game changer for keeping my garden healthy and productive.
I find that selecting the best Avocado companion plants really boosts the health of my garden.
What is Companion Planting?
Best Companion Plants For Avocado
I can’t wait to show you how companion planting can make a real difference in your garden. I’ll help you understand which plants work best together so you can see your garden thrive like never before.
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Marigolds
I’ve found that planting marigolds in close proximity to my avocado tree has been incredibly beneficial. The marigolds attract beneficial insects that help control pests that can harm the avocado tree. Additionally, the marigolds provide shade and help retain moisture in the soil, creating a more favorable environment for the avocado tree to thrive.
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Basil
Over the years, I have found that planting basil with my avocado tree has been incredibly beneficial. I have noticed that the basil helps to repel pests that can harm the avocado tree, keeping it healthy and thriving. Additionally, the aroma of the basil seems to attract beneficial insects that further protect the avocado tree from any potential threats. -
Garlic
I first learned about using garlic as a companion plant for avocado from an old farmer. I have personally found that planting garlic near my avocado trees helps to repel pests and insects that can harm the avocado plants. Additionally, the strong aroma of garlic seems to deter animals from nibbling on the avocado leaves and fruits.
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Onion
Over time I figured out through trial and error that planting onions near my avocado tree helps to repel pests that can harm the avocado tree. I also noticed that the onions help to improve the soil quality around the avocado tree, providing it with essential nutrients. Additionally, the onions act as a natural weed suppressor, keeping the area around the avocado tree free from competing plants.
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Tomato
This is a pretty common pairing! I’ve found that planting tomatoes near avocado plants has been a great way to support their growth. The tomatoes provide some shade for the avocado plants, which helps protect them from harsh sunlight. Additionally, the tomatoes attract beneficial insects that help pollinate the avocado flowers, leading to better fruit production. Overall, I’ve had great success with this companion planting combination!
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Cilantro
This one comes from the book “Carrots love Tomatoes.” I’ve found that planting cilantro alongside avocado plants has been a great companion for them. The cilantro helps to deter pests that can harm the avocado plants, while also attracting beneficial insects that aid in pollination. Plus, the aroma of the cilantro adds a delightful fragrance to the garden.
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Rosemary
This was a tip from a reader that planting rosemary near my avocado tree helped to repel pests and improve the overall health of my avocado plant. I’ve found that the strong scent of rosemary deters insects and protects my avocado tree from potential damage. Plus, the rosemary’s deep roots help to improve the soil structure and provide a natural mulch for my avocado tree.
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Mint
I’ve found that planting mint close to avocado has been a great companion for my avocado plant. Mint helps to repel pests that can harm the avocado plant, keeping it healthy and thriving. Additionally, the strong aroma of mint can mask any unpleasant odors that may attract pests to the avocado plant. Lastly, the shade provided by the mint plant can help protect the avocado plant from excessive sunlight, ensuring it receives the right amount of light for optimal growth. -
Marigold
Another tip is to plant marigolds near your avocado tree. I’ve found that marigolds help to deter pests that can harm the avocado tree, such as aphids and nematodes. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which can help control any pest problems that do arise. In my experience, planting marigolds as companions to avocado trees has resulted in healthier and more productive trees.
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Nasturtium
I’ve found that planting nasturtiums near my avocado tree has been really helpful. Nasturtiums attract beneficial insects that help control pests that can harm the avocado tree. Additionally, the flowers of the nasturtiums add a pop of color to the garden and make it look more attractive. Finally, nasturtiums are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them a great companion plant for avocado trees.
What Not To Plant With Avocado
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.
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Banana
I learned this the hard way – planting bananas near avocado trees can negatively impact the growth of the avocado tree. The banana plant releases chemicals that can stunt the growth of the avocado tree, so I had to separate them in my garden.
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Citrus
This one came from my neighbor, and I’ve noticed that the avocado plant negatively impacts the citrus plant by competing for sunlight and nutrients, causing stunted growth in the citrus plant.
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Pineapple
This also came from Carrots Love Tomatoes. Avocado negatively impacts Pineapple because they both require different soil pH levels, with Avocado preferring acidic soil and Pineapple needing alkaline soil.
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Tomato
Another one I’ve heard around is that avocado trees can release a chemical called persin, which can be toxic to tomato plants. This can hinder the growth and development of tomato plants, negatively impacting their overall health.
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Eggplant
I’ve heard mixed things on this but some sources say that eggplant can negatively impact the growth of avocado plants by competing for nutrients in the soil. This competition can lead to stunted growth and reduced fruit production for the avocado plant.
What Should You Plant Near Avocado
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 Avocado.
Lettuce and Avocado Companion Planting
No, avocado is not a good companion plant for lettuce in a vegetable garden. Avocado trees have large, shallow roots that can compete with lettuce for water and nutrients. Additionally, avocado trees require different soil pH levels and growing conditions than lettuce.
Carrots and Avocado Companion Planting
No, avocado is not a good companion plant for carrots. Avocado trees have large root systems that can compete with carrots for nutrients and water, potentially stunting their growth. Additionally, avocado trees prefer different soil conditions and require more space, which can overcrowd the carrot plants.
Beans and Avocado Companion Planting
No, avocado is not a good companion plant for beans in a vegetable garden. Avocado trees have shallow roots that can compete with beans for water and nutrients, potentially stunting their growth. Additionally, avocado trees require different soil pH levels and growing conditions than beans, making them incompatible as companion plants.
Tomatoes and Avocado Companion Planting
No, avocado is not a good companion plant for tomatoes. Avocado trees have a different growth habit and nutrient requirements compared to tomatoes, which can lead to competition for resources. Additionally, avocado trees cast shade, which can hinder the growth and development of tomato plants.
Cucumbers and Avocado Companion Planting
No, avocado is not a good companion plant for cucumbers in a vegetable garden. Avocado trees have a dense canopy that can shade out the cucumbers, reducing their growth and yield. Additionally, avocado trees have different water and nutrient requirements, which can make it challenging to provide optimal conditions for both plants.
Zucchini and Avocado Companion Planting
No, avocado is not a good companion plant for zucchini in a vegetable garden. Avocado trees have a dense canopy that can shade out the zucchini plants, reducing their sunlight and hindering their growth. Additionally, avocado trees have different water and nutrient requirements, which may compete with the zucchini plants and affect their overall health.
Peppers and Avocado Companion Planting
No, avocado is not a good companion plant for peppers in a vegetable garden. Avocado trees have a dense canopy that can shade out the peppers, reducing their sunlight and hindering their growth. Additionally, avocado trees have different water and nutrient requirements, which can make it challenging to provide optimal conditions for both plants.
Peas and Avocado Companion Planting
No, avocado is not a good companion plant for peas in a vegetable garden. Avocado trees have a dense canopy that can shade out the peas, reducing their growth and yield. Additionally, avocado trees have different water and nutrient requirements than peas, making it challenging to provide optimal conditions for both plants.
Radishes and Avocado Companion Planting
No, avocado is not a good companion plant for radishes. Avocado trees have a dense canopy that can shade out smaller plants like radishes, limiting their growth. Additionally, avocado trees have different water and nutrient requirements, which may not be suitable for radishes.
Squash and Avocado Companion Planting
No, avocado is not a good companion plant for summer squash. Avocado trees are large and can shade out the squash plants, reducing their sunlight and hindering their growth. Additionally, avocado trees have different water and nutrient requirements, which may compete with the needs of the summer squash.
Onions and Avocado Companion Planting
No, avocado is not a good companion plant for onions in a vegetable garden. Avocado trees have a dense canopy that can shade out the onions, reducing their growth and yield. Additionally, avocado trees have different water and nutrient requirements than onions, making it challenging to provide optimal conditions for both plants.
Tips For Companion Planting With Avocado
- Incorporate flowering plants among your Avocado can provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season to keep pollinators in your garden longer.
- Plant a few Avocado each week of your so you have some ready to harvest each week instead of all at once. This will make it so you can eat what is ready without going to waste or having too many at once.
- Plan your garden so that different plants bloom consecutively alongside Avocado, providing continuous attraction for beneficial insects and maintaining a balanced ecosystem throughout the growing season.
- When companion planting Avocado, pair tall plants that provide shade with lower-growing, shade-tolerant plants to make the most efficient use of space and light.
- Plant legumes such as peas and beans near plants that require a lot of nitrogen. Legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for plants that are heavy feeders.
Your Turn!
- What have you learned about companion planting for Avocado?
This article is bass ackwords. Did anyone read this before it went to publish?
You have tomato as both beneficial and deterrent.
Not sure which one is right but I had an avocado seeding with a tomato and the tomato didn’t do too well so transplanted it.