What are ideal companion plants for container spinach?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Selecting companion plants when planting spinach can establish plant relationships that are beneficial. Pairing plants correctly can enhance growth and deter pests naturally, while still using the container carefully, allowing for space to maximize container yield and harvests from the same pot.
Pest-Repelling Partners
- Garlic emits sulfur compounds deterring aphids and spider mites
- Marigolds release root chemicals preventing soil nematodes
- Chives mask spinach scent confusing leaf-mining insects
Space-Optimizing Pairings
- Radishes mature in 30 days freeing space for spinach
- Green onions grow vertically without shading spinach
- Dwarf basil forms compact bushes below spinach leaves
Utilize staggered plantings for optimal planting space usage. Plant your radish seeds two weeks ahead of the spinach. Then, the radishes can be harvested just when the spinach needs room to expand. This succession approach enables you to grow two crops in the same space, with no overlap in growth.
Stay away from problem crops. Problem pairings, such as potatoes and corn, are heavy feeders and are competing for not just space, but nitrogen and water. Tall plants will create too much shade, inhibiting sunlight and preventing spinach from photosynthesizing properly. Likewise, mint spreads too aggressively, choking the roots of the spinach.
Generate visual pairings with decorative partners. Pair dark green spinach with the vibrant colors of bright nasturtium flowers. Their edible blooms attract pollinators and fend off pests. Colorful Swiss chard provides visual appeal without competing for attention.
Read the full article: How to Grow Spinach in Containers Successfully
