North Dakota Plant Buddies: The Garden’s Ultimate Power Couples

Yesterday, we took a walk on the don’t side of gardening around North Dakota—what not to plant together unless you’re trying to start a leafy feud. (Think tomatoes and corn having a shouting match.) But today, we’re flipping the compost pile and looking at garden friendships that truly blossom. Yes, we're talking about companion planting—nature’s version of matchmaking, with fewer awkward first dates and more marigolds.

According to the green-thumbed gurus at marthastewart.com, planting compatible crops together isn't just for show. It's a savvy strategy that benefits your garden in some truly remarkable ways. Carrie Spoonemore of Park Seed and co-creator of From Seed to Spoon explains it best:

A companion plant may repel pests, attract beneficial insects, benefit the growth of another plant, or improve its partner's flavor.

Think of it as the ultimate plant tag team. Some duos work together to improve soil quality, reducing the risk of disease. Others keep weeds in check or invite helpful pollinators to the party—no evite needed.

Read More: Planting a Garden In North Dakota? Don’t Let Your Veggies Start a Fight

Here are some dynamic duos (and trios) to consider for your garden:

Now, onto the real question—who gets along with whom? Let’s meet a few of gardening’s most iconic power couples (and some delightful trios):

1. Tomato + Basil + Marigold

Tomatoes are the diva of the garden—needy, dramatic, but absolutely worth the trouble. Luckily, basil steps in like a loyal assistant, boosting tomato flavor and repelling pests. Meanwhile, marigold works security at the garden gate, keeping nematodes and aphids in check. Honestly, it’s a dream team.

2. Corn + Beans + Squash (a.k.a. The Three Sisters)

These three have been growing together since long before Pinterest gardening boards. Corn gives beans a place to climb, beans fix nitrogen into the soil, and squash shades the ground to prevent weeds. If these three were in a band, they’d be Grammy winners.

3. Carrot + Onion

Carrots and onions may not sound like a spicy match, but they’re a fantastic pair in the soil. Each repels pests the other hates, like tiny bodyguards in root form.

4. Cucumber + Radish + Dill

Cucumbers attract cucumber beetles (big shocker), but radishes and dill help chase them away. Dill also attracts pollinators, making it the friendly neighbor that brings cookies and ladybugs.

5. Pepper + Garlic + Nasturtium

This trio is more than just colorful. Garlic wards off fungi, nasturtiums deter aphids, and peppers get to sit back and enjoy the company. It’s like spa day for your spicy plants.

6. Spinach + Strawberry

Now here’s a pairing you might not expect—but spinach benefits from the shade strawberry plants provide, and strawberries are just glad for the company. Plus, they’re delicious together in a salad, which feels very poetic.

Of course, not every plant is a social butterfly, and some are picky about their neighbors. But with the right combinations, your garden can be a thriving ecosystem—and a whole lot easier to manage without chemical backups.

So next time you're planning your garden, think of it as seating a dinner party. Some guests just get along better—and when they do, the whole evening (or harvest) is a smashing success. Hope this helps with your gardening project.