Jalapeño Info
Companion PlantingBeginner 3 min read

Companion Plants for Jalapeños

Which plants grow well alongside jalapeño peppers and which to avoid for a healthier, more productive garden.

Quick Answer

Basil, tomatoes, carrots, and marigolds are excellent companions for jalapeños. Avoid planting near fennel, kohlrabi, or other brassicas.

Good Companion Plants

  • Basil:Repels aphids and spider mites, may improve pepper flavor.
  • Tomatoes:Share similar growing requirements and benefit from the same soil amendments.
  • Carrots:Help loosen soil and don't compete for space above ground.
  • Marigolds:Repel nematodes and many common garden pests.
  • Spinach and lettuce:Grow well in the shade cast by taller pepper plants.
  • Onions and garlic:Deter many pests with their strong scent.

Garden Pairing

Basil planted within 12 inches of jalapeños repels aphids and spider mites naturally. Many growers also report peppers taste better when basil is nearby.

Plants to Avoid

  • Fennel:Inhibits growth of most nearby plants, including peppers.
  • Kohlrabi and other brassicas:Compete for nutrients and can stunt pepper growth.
  • Other nightshades too close:While tomatoes are fine at a reasonable distance, planting too many nightshades together increases disease risk.

Avoid This

Fennel releases compounds from its roots that actively inhibit the growth of most nearby plants. Keep it far from your pepper beds.

Garden Layout Tips

Plant taller companions (like tomatoes) to the north of peppers so they don't shade them. Use low-growing herbs like basil and oregano as a living mulch around pepper plants. Border beds with marigolds for pest protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant jalapeños next to tomatoes?
Yes, tomatoes and jalapeños are good companions. They share similar soil, water, and sun requirements. Space them at least 18 inches apart so they don't compete for light.
Does basil help jalapeño plants?
Yes. Basil is one of the best companion plants for peppers. It repels aphids and spider mites, and some gardeners report improved pepper flavor when basil is planted nearby.