10 Best Companion Plants for bell peppers.

Bell peppers or Capsicum are native to Mexico, Central and South America. It is a cool season crop that requires fertile, well-draining soil to grow well. Bell peppers are vulnerable to pests and insects so it’s best to practice companion planting.

10 best companion plants for bell peppers

1. Zinnia

Zinnias are heat-loving flowers that attract pollinators and beneficial insects to your garden. These beneficial insects prey on pests that attack your bell peppers.

2. Oregano, Basil, Chives, Majoram

Herbs are one of the best companion plants for bell peppers. Planting herbs next to your bell peppers is a great way to reduce pest attacks on your bell peppers. Herbs also attract beneficial insects that prey on pests.

3. Marigold

Marigold’s natural pest-repellant properties can help to prevent pest attacks on your plants. Marigolds attract pollinators and beneficial insects that deter pests.

4.Carrot

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Planting carrots below your bell peppers can help to loosen your soil. Bell peppers can provide the shade that carrots require during the summer season.

5. Beans

Beans can help to fix nitrogen in the soil which improves soil fertility.

6.Cowpeas

Cowpeas are similar to beans and help fix nitrogen in the soil improving its fertility. Cowpeas use bell peppers as a trellis to climb.

7.Corn

Corn can provide wind break for your bell peppers and they can also provide shade for your bell peppers during the day.

8. Nasturtium

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Nasturtium acts as a trap crop and planting it at a distance from your bell peppers can help to attract pests towards your nasturtium.

9. Lettuce

Growing lettuce near your bell peppers can ensure you use maximum space in your garden. Bell peppers can help to provide shade for lettuce during the summer season.

10. Okra

Okra can make a good companion plant for bell peppers. It protects them from heat during the summer season. Okra can also protect your bell peppers when the weather is too windy.

Beyond maximising space, companion planting helps create a resilient micro-ecosystem that can better withstand pests, harsh weather, and disease. While modern gardening often focuses on rows of single crops, companion planting with bell peppers reminds us that in nature, diversity brings strength.

Read more: Companion plants for potatoes.