If you have spent any time in a garden, you've probably noticed that some plants just seem to do better when they have the right neighbours.
That observation isn't just a gardener's intuition. It is the foundation of companion planting and one of the most practical tools available to Alberta gardeners working with a short growing season.
The idea is simple: certain plants support each other when grown in proximity. Some repel the pests that damage their neighbours. Some attract the beneficial insects that protect an entire bed. Some improve soil conditions, provide ground cover, or simply make more efficient use of limited garden space. Done right, companion planting means less work, fewer pest problems, and a more productive garden all season.
If you picked up tomatoes or peppers from us in the last couple of weeks, here is what we would recommend planting alongside them.
Companions for Your Tomatoes
If you haven't chosen your tomato varieties yet, our Tomato guide walks through varieties to choose from.
Basil — The Classic Pairing
Basil and tomatoes are the most well-known companion planting pair for good reason. Basil repels aphids, whiteflies, and other common tomato pests, and many experienced gardeners are convinced it improves the flavour of nearby tomatoes. Plant basil at the base of your tomato plants or in the same container. It's low maintenance, useful in the kitchen, and beautiful in the garden.
Marigolds — The Workhorse
If you plant nothing else alongside your tomatoes, plant marigolds. They repel nematodes and aphids, attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on common garden pests, and they look incredible in garden beds and containers all summer. French marigolds in particular are highly effective and incredibly prolific. Marigolds are one of the hardest-working plants you can add to your garden with little effort.
Parsley — The Quiet Achiever
Parsley doesn't get as much attention as basil or marigolds, but it earns its place alongside tomatoes. It attracts beneficial insects, particularly parasitic wasps that help control aphid populations, and works beautifully as ground cover around the base of tomato plants, helping retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Dill — Plant Young, Harvest Often
Young dill is a wonderful companion for tomatoes. It attracts beneficial wasps that prey on aphids and tomato hornworm. One important note: mature dill can inhibit tomato growth, so the trick is to plant young dill nearby and harvest it regularly before it fully matures. This keeps it in the beneficial stage and gives you a steady supply of fresh dill for the kitchen all season.
Companions for Your Peppers
Not sure which pepper variety is right for you? Our Alberta Pepper Growing Guide will help.
Basil — It Works Double Duty
Basil is just as effective alongside peppers as it is with tomatoes. It repels aphids and spider mites, two of the most common pepper pests, and the flavour pairing in the kitchen is hard to beat. One basil plant can serve as a companion to both your tomatoes and your peppers if you position it thoughtfully.
Chives — Underrated and Beautiful
Chives are one of the most underrated companion plants for peppers. They repel aphids effectively, they are incredibly low-maintenance, and they look beautiful in containers and garden beds. They also work well as a border plant around pepper beds. As a bonus, chives are perennial in many Alberta microclimates. Plant them once, and they come back year after year.
Marigolds — Universal Companions
The same benefits that make marigolds excellent tomato companions apply equally to peppers. If you have a garden bed with both tomatoes and peppers, marigolds planted throughout the bed protect everything growing nearby. They are the single most versatile companion plant we carry.
A Note on Container Companion Planting
You do not need a garden bed to benefit from companion planting. A large container with a tomato or pepper plant at the centre, basil at the base, and a marigold or two tucked in at the edges is a fully functional companion planting system. It's also one of the most beautiful container combinations you can put together for a patio or balcony.
All of These Are on the Benches Right Now
Basil, marigolds, parsley, dill, and chives. We carry all five, plus many more herbs. They're inexpensive, readily available, and the difference they make in your garden is real.
Visit us this week and let our team help you put together the right combination for your space.
📍 18311 Township Road 502, Beaver County · Open Mon–Sat 10 am–6 pm, Sun 10 am–5 pm
Looking for a way to enjoy fresh, local produce all summer without the work of a full garden? Our CSA program still has spots available for the 2026 season. First delivery is July 16, with pickup options in Ryley, Tofield, Sherwood Park, and at the farm. Sign-up deadline is June 20. CSA Sign Up