Spinach is the garden gift that keeps on giving. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and all the green-goodness that you can possibly imagine.
So, it’s only right that we do our best to give it some green-thumbed support.
How, you ask? By companion planting, of course!
In this article, we’ll dive into 14 companion plants that will help your spinach grow better, faster, and stronger.
Grab your gardening gloves, it’s time to give Popeye’s favorite veggie a run for its money!
1. Radishes
Radishes are like the bouncers of the vegetable world.
They’ll help keep pests at bay and ward off the soil-borne diseases that can cause trouble for your spinach.
Plus, their fast-growing nature means you’ll have delicious radishes to snack on while you wait for your spinach to grow.
Their shallow root system won’t compete with spinach for water and nutrients, making them an ideal companion.
2. Peas
Peas and spinach are like the Bonnie and Clyde of the veggie patch.
They support each other in their growing endeavors.
Peas fix nitrogen in the soil, which is great for your spinach, and their vines create a bit of shade, preventing spinach from bolting.
The shade-loving spinach plants, in turn, help suppress weeds that might otherwise steal nutrients from the peas.
Talk about a mutually beneficial relationship!
3. Lettuce
Spinach and lettuce are the cool kids in the garden.
They both thrive in cooler temperatures, and when grown together, they make an excellent salad combo.
Their similar growing conditions make them a natural pair for companion planting.
Also, their combined foliage can help shade the soil, conserving moisture and preventing weeds from sprouting.
4. Onions
Onions and spinach are a garden match made in heaven.
The pungent smell of onions deters pests like aphids, which can be a real nuisance to spinach.
Additionally, the onion’s deep root system won’t compete with the shallow roots of spinach, ensuring both plants can flourish side by side.
Plus, you’ll have the perfect ingredients for a delicious spinach and onion quiche!
5. Dill
Dill is like the big brother that spinach never had.
Its strong scent repels harmful insects, keeping your spinach plants safe from pesky predators.
Dill also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on common spinach pests.
And let’s not forget how fabulous a bit of dill tastes in a spinach salad!
6. Strawberries
Strawberries and spinach may sound like an odd couple, but trust me, they’re the perfect gardening duo.
Strawberries provide a living mulch for spinach, keeping the soil moist and cool.
Spinach, in return, acts as a ground cover that suppresses weeds around the strawberry plants.
And when it’s time to harvest, you’ll have the makings of a fantastic spinach and strawberry salad!
7. Cilantro
Cilantro is the life of the garden party when it comes to companion planting.
Its vibrant scent deters pests and attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and hoverflies.
Plus, cilantro loves the cool weather as much as spinach does.
So, while you’re enjoying that delicious spinach-cilantro pesto, you can rest easy knowing your spinach plants are protected from harm.
8. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are the undercover agents of the garden.
Their bright flowers attract aphids, luring them away from your spinach plants.
As a bonus, they also attract hoverflies and other beneficial insects that help control the aphid population.
Plus, the edible flowers and leaves make a colorful and peppery addition to your salads.
9. Carrots
Carrots and spinach are quite the dynamic duo.
Their root systems complement each other – carrot roots grow deep while spinach roots stay near the surface, ensuring they don’t compete for resources.
Carrots also help break up the soil, allowing spinach to establish itself more easily.
And, of course, there’s nothing better than a spinach and carrot stir-fry for a healthy meal!
10. Marigolds
Marigolds are the superheroes of the garden world.
Their vibrant colors and strong scent repel a variety of pests, including those that love to munch on spinach.
Marigolds also help deter harmful nematodes in the soil, ensuring a healthier environment for your spinach to grow.
Aesthetically, marigolds add a beautiful pop of color to your garden, making it a joy to tend to your spinach.
11. Chives
Chives are great friends to spinach in the garden.
Their pungent smell keeps away pests like aphids and spider mites that can cause problems for your spinach plants.
Chives also attract beneficial insects like bees, which help to pollinate your garden.
So, not only will you have healthy spinach, but you’ll also have some delicious chives to add to your favorite recipes.
12. Mint
Mint and spinach share a love for cool weather and well-drained soil, making them great companions in the garden.
Mint’s potent scent deters pests like ants, aphids, and flea beetles, protecting your spinach plants.
Just be sure to plant mint in a container to prevent it from taking over your entire garden.
Mint and spinach together make a refreshing addition to salads and smoothies.
13. Borage
Borage is a charming addition to your spinach companion plants.
It attracts pollinators like bees and hoverflies, which help maintain a healthy garden ecosystem.
Borage also deters cabbage moths, which can be a nuisance to your spinach.
On top of it all, borage’s edible flowers are delightful in salads or as a garnish for your favorite spinach dishes.
14. Tarragon
Tarragon is the secret weapon you never knew your spinach garden needed.
Its distinctive scent repels pests while attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Tarragon’s preference for well-drained soil and cooler temperatures also makes it an ideal companion for spinach.
And as an added bonus, you’ll have a fresh herb to season your spinach dishes!
Final Thoughts
Spinach is a fantastic plant to grow in your garden, and it can truly thrive when surrounded by the right companions.
With these 14 companion plants, your spinach will be happier, healthier, and more productive.
So, go on, create the ultimate spinach-supporting dream team in your garden, and enjoy the delicious and nutritious harvests that await!
Happy gardening!