20 Perfect Beets Companion Plants (with Chart) & 6 to Avoid

If you’ve ever pulled up stunted, scraggly beets and wondered what went wrong, you’re not alone. Beets can be surprisingly picky about their neighbors—and that’s where companion planting comes in.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best beets companion plants, from pest-fighting herbs like garlic and dill to leafy greens that play nicely underground.

Whether you’re growing in containers or garden beds, the right plant pairings can help you get sweeter roots, healthier leaves, and fewer pest problems—without using chemicals.

Let’s dig in and build a beet patch that grows smarter, not harder.

What Is Companion Planting and Why It Matters for Beets

Companion planting is the simple act of growing certain plants together that help each other thrive. For beets, it’s more than just saving space—it’s about choosing the right neighbors to boost growth, deter pests, and improve the soil naturally.

Beets do best when planted near herbs that repel aphids, vegetables that don’t compete for root space, and flowers that invite pollinators or distract pests.

When you match them wisely, you create a more balanced garden where each plant plays a role in supporting the others. It’s a smart, organic way to grow healthier beets without relying on chemicals or constant fuss.

Discover the 20 Best Companion Plants for Beets—Pick What Works for Your Garden:

We’ve grouped each companion by type—herb, vegetable, or flower—and added quick info like what it’s good for, when to plant it, how big it gets, and how to care for it. That way, you can easily find the perfect match for your beets and your garden setup.

Beets Companion Herbs for Pest Control and Flavorful Pairings:

1. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is one of my favorite beets companion herbs due to its natural pest-repelling abilities. With its strong scent, garlic helps keep aphids, beetles, and even rodents at bay, protecting your beet crop effortlessly. I always plant garlic cloves near my beet beds—not only does this keep pests away, but harvesting flavorful garlic bulbs later in the season is incredibly rewarding.

Best for: Repelling aphids, beetles, rodents naturally.
Hardiness Zone: Thrives in zones 3–8.
Mature Size: Grows 12–24 inches tall.
When to Plant: Plant garlic cloves in late fall, about 4–6 weeks before your area’s first frost.
Care Requirements: Prefers full sun and loose, well-drained soil. Container-friendly with adequate depth (8–10 inches).

2. Onions & Scallions (Allium cepa)

Onions and scallions are great beets companion herbs because their distinct scent confuses and deters pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cutworms. Since they occupy minimal space and have shallow roots, they’re perfect for interplanting with beets. I love harvesting onions and scallions for salads while simultaneously enjoying a healthier beet harvest.

Best for: Pest deterrence and efficient use of garden space.
Hardiness Zone: Ideal for zones 3–9.
Mature Size: Onions reach about 12–18 inches; scallions about 8–12 inches.
When to Plant: Early spring as soon as the ground is workable.
Care Requirements: Enjoys full sun, consistently moist soil. Excellent for containers (minimum depth of 10 inches).

3. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Chives are wonderful companions to beets because they help deter pests and attract beneficial insects like pollinators. Their small size makes them easy to tuck in between beet rows, making your garden both productive and attractive. I always recommend chives to gardeners looking for easy, edible, and useful companion plants.

Best for: Pest control, pollinator attraction.
Hardiness Zone: Suitable for zones 3–10.
Mature Size: About 10–12 inches tall.
When to Plant: Early spring or early fall.
Care Requirements: Prefers full sun or partial shade, well-drained soil. Perfect for growing in containers.

Must Read: Cucumber Companion Plants (with Chart)

4. Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Dill is a highly beneficial herb that pairs beautifully with beets by attracting pollinators like hoverflies and beneficial insects like ladybugs. These insects actively reduce aphid and caterpillar populations. I frequently sow dill seeds around my beet patch to help manage pests organically.

Best for: Attracting beneficial insects, natural pest control.
Hardiness Zone: Thrives in zones 2–11.
Mature Size: 2–4 feet tall.
When to Plant: Sow seeds in early spring after the risk of frost has passed.
Care Requirements: Grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Excellent for container gardening with adequate depth (around 10 inches).

5. Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)

Cilantro makes a terrific beet companion, thanks to its aromatic leaves that deter pests and attract beneficial pollinators. Planting cilantro alongside your beets provides an additional layer of pest protection, and I often use both beets and cilantro together in my kitchen creations.

Best for: Pest deterrence, attracting beneficial insects.
Hardiness Zone: Performs well in zones 2–11 (typically annual).
Mature Size: 12–18 inches tall.
When to Plant: Early spring or fall.
Care Requirements: Prefers cool temperatures, consistent moisture, and well-drained soil. Great for containers.

6. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage is a strong-scented herb that effectively deters rodents and rabbits from nibbling your beet crop. While it’s beneficial to your beet beds, I usually plant sage in pots around the edges because it prefers drier conditions compared to beets. Its fragrant leaves are also wonderful for cooking.

Best for: Keeping rodents and rabbits away.
Hardiness Zone: Best suited to zones 4–10.
Mature Size: Around 18–24 inches tall and wide.
When to Plant: After the last frost in spring.
Care Requirements: Requires full sun, slightly dry, well-draining soil. Ideal for growing in separate containers or raised beds.

7. Mint (Mentha spp.)

Mint can be a powerful pest deterrent when paired with beets, repelling aphids, caterpillars, and beetles with its aromatic leaves. However, I always emphasize growing mint in containers because of its aggressive spreading habit. Place mint containers around your beet beds strategically for optimal pest protection without unwanted invasion.

Best for: Natural pest control through aromatic foliage.
Hardiness Zone: Grows well in zones 3–11.
Mature Size: Approximately 12–18 inches tall; spreads vigorously if unrestricted.
When to Plant: Early spring after frost risk ends.
Care Requirements: Prefers partial shade to full sun and moist, fertile soil. Always grow mint in pots or containers to manage growth effectively.

Beets Companion Vegetables for Better Growth and Space Efficiency:

8. Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla)

Swiss chard is an ideal choice among beets companion vegetables because it belongs to the same plant family and enjoys similar growing conditions. In my garden, these two thrive together beautifully without competing, allowing me to harvest vibrant chard leaves right alongside fresh beets.

Best for: Maximizing garden space and nutrient use.
Hardiness Zone: Thrives in zones 2–11.
Mature Size: Reaches about 12–18 inches tall and wide.
When to Plant: Early spring after frost, or late summer for fall crops.
Care Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade, rich well-drained soil, and consistent watering. Excellent for containers due to its compact growth.

Must Read: Pepper Companion Plants (with Chart)

9. Peas (Pisum sativum)

Peas make wonderful companions for beets because their roots naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefiting beets throughout the season. I like planting climbing peas on trellises or compact bush peas nearby to utilize garden space efficiently. It feels rewarding to harvest sweet peas while knowing they’ve also boosted my beet harvest.

Best for: Soil enrichment and efficient vertical gardening.
Hardiness Zone: Performs well in zones 3–11.
Mature Size: Usually 2–4 feet tall, varies by pea variety.
When to Plant: Early spring, as soon as soil is workable.
Care Requirements: Prefers cool weather, full sun or partial shade, moist and fertile soil. Peas thrive in containers provided there’s sufficient depth and vertical support.

10. Clover (Trifolium repens)

Clover acts as a natural living mulch and soil improver, making it a fantastic companion for beets. Its ability to suppress weeds and add nitrogen naturally enhances beetroot growth and overall garden health. I frequently let clover grow between beet rows to minimize weeding chores and nourish the soil simultaneously.

Best for: Weed control, nitrogen fixation, and soil improvement.
Hardiness Zone: Grows readily in zones 3–10.
Mature Size: Typically 3–6 inches tall.
When to Plant: Early spring or fall.
Care Requirements: Grows in full sun to partial shade, prefers moist soil but tolerates slight dryness. Suitable for container planting if managed to prevent overcrowding.

11. Arugula (Eruca vesicaria)

Arugula pairs superbly with beets due to its shallow roots and compact foliage that won’t overshadow beet leaves. It acts as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and keeping soil moisture consistent. Personally, I love growing arugula between beet rows—harvesting spicy arugula greens alongside sweet beetroot makes for a delightful salad.

Best for: Weed suppression and moisture retention.
Hardiness Zone: Thrives in zones 3–11.
Mature Size: Grows about 6–12 inches tall.
When to Plant: Early spring and late summer (fall crop).
Care Requirements: Grows best in cool weather, full sun to partial shade, well-draining moist soil. Easy to cultivate in containers.

Related: Tomato Companion Plants

12. Endive (Cichorium endivia)

Endive is an excellent companion vegetable for beets thanks to their complementary growth habits—endive’s leafy tops offer gentle shade, helping retain moisture in the soil for beets without overcrowding. I regularly interplant endive and beets, enjoying crisp greens alongside my beet harvest.

Best for: Complementary growth, moisture retention, and efficient garden use.
Hardiness Zone: Suitable for zones 4–9.
Mature Size: Typically reaches 6–12 inches tall and wide.
When to Plant: Sow seeds in early spring or late summer for fall harvesting.
Care Requirements: Prefers cool conditions, full sun or partial shade, fertile and consistently moist soil. Ideal for container gardening.

13. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)

Radishes are incredibly helpful companions for beets, serving as quick-growing root vegetables that naturally loosen compacted soil. Planting radishes between beet rows creates better conditions for beet seedlings to thrive. I regularly use radishes as an early crop harvested before my beets mature.

Best for: Breaking up compacted soil, quick harvest.
Hardiness Zone: Annual crop suited to zones 2–10.
Mature Size: Usually 6–12 inches tall.
When to Plant: Early spring or late summer for fall harvest.
Care Requirements: Prefers cool weather, full sun, and moist but well-drained soil. Ideal for container gardening.

14. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

Spinach makes an ideal companion for beets because its leafy growth creates a living mulch, helping maintain soil moisture and preventing weeds. Spinach shares beet-friendly conditions, so I love planting them together for fresh leafy harvests and healthy beetroot crops.

Best for: Weed suppression and moisture retention.
Hardiness Zone: Annual, grows well in zones 2–11.
Mature Size: About 6–12 inches tall.
When to Plant: Early spring, late summer to early fall.
Care Requirements: Prefers cool conditions, consistent moisture, fertile soil, and full sun to partial shade. Great for container planting.

15. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Lettuce is one of my favorite beet companion vegetables due to its shallow roots and quick growth. It fits perfectly between beet rows, suppressing weeds and utilizing space efficiently. You’ll enjoy harvesting crisp, fresh lettuce leaves while your beets grow undisturbed.

Best for: Efficient garden space use, weed suppression.
Hardiness Zone: Annual crop suitable for zones 2–11.
Mature Size: Typically reaches 6–12 inches tall.
When to Plant: Early spring and successively every few weeks.
Care Requirements: Consistent moisture, full sun to partial shade, nutrient-rich soil. Easily grown in containers.

Related: Carrot Companion Plants

16. Kale (Brassica oleracea)

Kale pairs wonderfully with beets since both thrive in similar conditions without competing for resources. Kale’s taller structure creates gentle shade, ideal for keeping beets cool as temperatures rise. I enjoy planting kale alongside my beet patch to enjoy nutritious greens with beet harvests.

Best for: Providing beneficial shade, optimizing garden space.
Hardiness Zone: Grows well in zones 2–11.
Mature Size: Typically 18–24 inches tall.
When to Plant: Early spring and late summer for fall crops.
Care Requirements: Prefers cool weather, regular watering, fertile soil, and full sun to partial shade. Container-friendly.

17. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea)

Broccoli is a beneficial beet companion because it shares similar growth conditions and helps regulate calcium uptake, preventing excess buildup in your soil. I plant broccoli near my beets to create balanced soil nutrition and harvest both tasty crops simultaneously.

Best for: Balancing soil nutrients, efficient garden productivity.
Hardiness Zone: Thrives in zones 2–11.
Mature Size: Typically 18–24 inches tall and wide.
When to Plant: Early spring for spring crop; mid-summer for fall harvest.
Care Requirements: Prefers full sun, consistent moisture, and fertile, well-drained soil. Great choice for container gardening.

18. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Cabbage complements beets beautifully, benefiting from similar care requirements and helping improve soil structure with its strong roots. Growing cabbage alongside beets ensures efficient water use and balanced nutrient uptake. Harvesting fresh cabbage heads with your beet crop is an added delight.

Best for: Improving soil structure, sharing growth requirements.
Hardiness Zone: Suitable for zones 2–11.
Mature Size: Typically 12–18 inches tall and wide.
When to Plant: Early spring or mid-summer for a fall harvest.
Care Requirements: Prefers consistent moisture, nutrient-rich soil, and full sun. Container-friendly.

Must Read: What Vegetables Can Grow in 4 to 6 Hours of Sunlight Per Day?

Beets Companion Flowers for Natural Pest Defense and Pollinator Support:

19. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Marigolds are bright, cheerful flowers that effectively protect your beet crop by repelling harmful nematodes and attracting beneficial pollinators. I always include marigolds around my beet garden to enhance both the appearance and the health of my plants.

Best for: Natural nematode control and pollinator attraction.
Hardiness Zone: Thrives in zones 2–11 (annual).
Mature Size: Typically 6–24 inches tall, varies by variety.
When to Plant: After the last frost in spring.
Care Requirements: Requires full sun and well-drained soil, moderate watering. Excellent container plants.

20. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

Nasturtiums are one of my go-to flowers for beet companion planting because they provide natural pest control and ground cover. Their vibrant blooms attract beneficial pollinators, while the peppery scent deters aphids and squash bugs. I love how nasturtiums cascade over garden edges or containers, adding beauty along with beet protection.

Best for: Pest deterrence, attracting pollinators, and ground cover.
Hardiness Zone: Thrives as an annual in zones 2–11.
Mature Size: Typically 12 inches tall and spreads 24 inches wide.
When to Plant: After the last frost in spring.
Care Requirements: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Excellent for container planting, especially as trailing plants over container edges.

Common Bad Companion Plants for Beets

Some plants simply don’t play well with beets. Whether it’s fighting for root space or casting too much shade, these neighbors are best kept apart from your beet patch:

Carrots: Compete directly with beets for underground root space and nutrients, which often results in stunted, twisted, or misshapen roots.
Pole Beans: Their tall, sprawling vines can block sunlight from reaching your beets, leading to poor root development and lower yields.
Potatoes: Heavy feeders that quickly deplete soil nutrients. When grown near beets, they often lead to weak growth and increase the risk of shared pests like leafminers.
Fennel: Releases allelopathic compounds that can inhibit beet seed germination and root growth, making it a poor companion for most vegetables.
Chard (overgrown or dense plantings): While related to beets, mature chard plants can cast too much shade and crowd your beet rows if not spaced properly.
Mustard Greens: Can attract flea beetles and other pests that may also target beets, increasing the risk of infestation.

✅ Avoiding these plants gives your beets the space, nutrients, and sunlight they need to thrive.

Also Read: How to Propagate Monstera

Beets Companion Planting Chart

You can download and print the following companion planting chart for beets and keep it in your greenhouse, garden shed, or right by your raised bed. It’s a quick-reference guide to help you remember which plants to grow alongside your beets—and which ones to keep out of the picture.

Steps to download this Beets companion planting chart:

On Desktop/PC:

Chrome: Right-click the image and select Save image as…
Safari (Mac): Control-click the image and choose Save Image to “Downloads” or Save Image As…

On Mobile Devices:

Android: Tap and hold the image, then select Download image
iPhone (Safari): Tap and hold the image, then tap Save to Photos

Tips for Successful Companion Planting With Beets

To grow happy, healthy beets with companions, focus on shared needs and spacing. Here are my top gardener-tested tips:

Soil Prep:
- Beets grow best in loose, sandy to loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Mix in aged compost or worm castings to improve structure and fertility.
- Avoid soil that is compacted or rich in fresh manure (too much nitrogen leads to leafy tops instead of roots).
Watering Tips:
- Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy, especially during early growth.
- Companion plants like lettuce, spinach, and peas enjoy the same watering schedule.
Sunlight Tips:
- Beets need 6–8 hours of direct sun daily.
- Plant tall companions (like kale or broccoli) on the north or west side to avoid shading your beets.
Pest Management:
- Interplant with garlic, onions, dill, and mint (in containers) to deter aphids, beetles, and rodents.
- Add marigolds or nasturtiums as flowering companions to attract beneficial insects and trap pests.
Spacing Strategy:
- Give beets at least 2–4 inches between plants for proper root development.
- Pair with shallow-rooted greens like lettuce, endive, or arugula to use vertical space wisely.
Succession Planting:
- Try alternating rows of radishes or spinach with beets for an early harvest before beets mature.
- Works great in containers or small-space gardens.

✅ When you match your beetroot companions carefully, the result is a low-maintenance, high-yielding garden bed that thrives all season long.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this guide on the best companion plants for beets, I can’t help but think of how much smoother my own gardening journey became once I stopped planting in isolation and started planting with intention. From the subtle pest-fighting power of garlic and dill to the leafy support of spinach and lettuce, every companion has a purpose—and a story to tell in your garden.

I hope this handpicked list helps you build a more productive, low-maintenance beet patch—whether you’re sowing rows in raised beds or mixing in herbs and greens in containers.

Companion planting isn’t just about saving space; it’s about creating balance, inviting beneficial insects, and letting your garden work smarter.

Now I’d love to hear from you…🥕🌱💬

Have any of these companions already made their way into your garden beds? Or are you planning to try a new one this season?

Share your thoughts, tips, or plant pairings in the comments below—let’s learn and grow together.

And hey, if you’re dealing with beet problems or curious about companion planting for other veggies, just let us know. We’ll happily dig into it and create a detailed article just for you!

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Information Sources:

Here at RASNetwork Gardening, integrity and accuracy are at the core of our content creation, with every article solidly backed by peer-reviewed research and reliable references. See the list of trusted sources used in this article below.

1. ScienceDirect

2. West Virginia University

3. Texas A&M AgriLife

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