Peas (Pisum sativum)

LegumesNitrogen fixersVegetables

In the context of companion planting, peas are valuable because they help improve soil health. As legumes, peas have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it naturally. This makes them great companions for a wide variety of plants, particularly those that thrive on nitrogen. By planting peas alongside other crops, you can boost soil fertility and support healthier plant growth overall.

Peas also work well as natural supports for climbing plants, using their tendrils to help other plants grow upward. However, they may not be the best companions for plants that compete for nutrients or those that don’t benefit from nitrogen enrichment. Overall, peas are a beneficial addition to a companion planting strategy, enhancing soil quality and promoting symbiotic relationships with nearby crops.

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13 Companion Plants for Peas

• Basil Basil is a great companion for peas! It repels pests like thrips and aphids, while peas provide shade to protect basil’s delicate leaves. Plus, basil attracts beneficial insects, creating a healthier, more balanced garden.
• Beans Beans help increase nitrogen in the soil, benefiting peas by enriching their growing environment. Since both crops share similar light and irrigation needs, they grow well together, creating a mutually supportive and efficient garden setup.
• Beet Beets help loosen the soil around the base of the peas resulting in more water absorption and better airflow.
• Carrot Carrots are great companions for peas as they aerate the soil, improving ventilation and root health. Their deep-growing roots help loosen compacted soil, allowing peas to access nutrients more easily while also enhancing drainage.
• Corn Corn acts as a shade cover for peas planted late in the summer as well as support for them to climb.
• Cucumbers Cucumbers feed off the nitrogen provided by peas and, in turn, require the same growing conditions.
• Eggplant To use your garden space efficiently, trellis peas behind eggplant and watch them thrive. Eggplant feeds heavily on the nitrogen pea plants add to the soil.
• Lettuce Lettuce plants can fill the space beneath climbing pea plants and make for a more productive garden.
• Nasturtium Nasturtiums' strong scent repels various pests. They also act as trap crops that lure aphids and flea beetles away from peas.
• Peppers Peppers and peas need very similar growing conditions and provide atmospheric nitrogen for each other to thrive.
• Spinach Spinach leaves provide shelter over the soil beneath climbing peas and fill in where weeds may grow instead.
• Tomatoes Tomato plants peak in warmer months, so by the time they need more room, it is time to harvest your peas. This lets you use your garden space efficiently.
• Turnip Turnips loosen and aerate the soil and make especially good companions in cooler temperatures.

4 Neighbor Plants to Avoid near Peas

• Onion Onions and other alliums inhibit pea growth by releasing compounds that interfere with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil. Since peas rely on these bacteria for nutrients, planting them near onions can stunt their development and reduce yields
• Garlic Garlic is a poor companion for peas because it disrupts nitrogen fixation, limiting the nutrients peas need to thrive. Its natural compounds can stunt pea growth and reduce yields, making it best to keep these plants separated in the garden.
• Leek Leeks, like other alliums, inhibit nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which peas rely on for nutrients. Planting them together can stunt pea growth and reduce yields. To ensure healthy plants, it’s best to keep leeks and peas in separate areas.
• Chives Chives, like other alliums, release compounds that inhibit nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which peas depend on for nutrients. Planting them together can stunt pea growth and reduce yields.