Friends in the Garden: Pairing Plants for Fewer Pests and More Pollinators

If you’ve ever spent a Saturday morning battling aphids on your tomatoes or chasing cabbage worms off your collards, you know gardening isn’t always as peaceful as it looks on Pinterest. Between the bugs that munch and the bees that help your garden bloom, it can be tough to figure out what to keep—and what to kindly escort out.

The good news? Nature gives us tools to work with her, not against her. One of the most effective (and beautiful) ways to do this is through companion gardening, a method that supports pollinators while deterring pests.

What’s Bugging You?

An aphid

Let’s start with the pests. Aphids, hornworms, squash bugs, and beetles are common villains in our veggie patches. While some damage is natural, an infestation can ruin your harvest before it begins. Many gardeners turn to sprays or powders, but those can often harm more than just the bad guys—including our essential pollinators.

Pollinators: The Unsung Garden Heroes

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and certain beetles do more than just buzz around looking pretty. They’re responsible for pollinating many flowering plants—including many fruits and vegetables. No pollinators? No cucumbers. No strawberries. No sunflowers.

That’s why creating gardens that welcome these busy workers is so important. But how do you create a space that invites the good bugs while sending the bad ones packing?

Companion Gardening

Companion planting is like matchmaking for plants. Certain combinations of flowers, herbs, and veggies help each other thrive by improving soil health, attracting beneficial insects, or repelling pests naturally.

Here are a few to try:

🌼 Marigolds + Tomatoes

Marigolds aren’t just cheerful—they repel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies. Plant them around your tomatoes as a bright pest patrol.

🌿 Basil + Peppers

Basil helps repel aphids, mosquitoes, and spider mites—and it’s great for your next pasta night. Bonus: it enhances the flavor of peppers when grown nearby.

🌸 Lavender + Lettuce

Lavender’s scent keeps moths and fleas at bay, while attracting pollinators to nearby crops.

Garlic + Roses 

Garlic is a natural pest repellent and can help ward off fungi too. It’s especially helpful to plant among flowers prone to aphids or fungal issues.

🌻 Sunflowers + Cucumbers

Sunflowers act as a trap crop, drawing aphids away from cucumbers. Plus, they provide shade for delicate greens in the hot months.

A Few Tips to Get You Started:

Diversity is key. A garden with multiple plant types creates a stronger ecosystem. Think of it like building a neighborhood rather than a monoculture farm.

Leave some WILD. Let a few herbs like cilantro or dill flower—they’re irresistible to beneficial insects.

Think layers. Combine ground cover, mid-height crops, and tall plants to maximize space and habitat.

Closing Thoughts

The truth is, gardening will always come with challenges. But when we learn to work with nature—not against it—we create gardens that are healthier, more resilient, and a whole lot more joyful to be in.

So the next time you spot a few holes in your kale, don’t panic. Grab a handful of marigold seeds, say a quick thank you to the bees, and remember: even the messiest garden is full of lessons.

Happy planting!

by Dr. Ebony Jenkins, Ph.D.

Environmental Justice Director

Dr. Jenkins is a passionate environmental advocate with deep roots in the Eastern Shore, where she developed a lifelong love for nature and the environment.  She enjoys utilizing her expertise in entomology and food systems for the benefit of the community.

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