What can and cannot be planted next to onions?

Onion

To maximize the use of garden space, some vegetable growers plant onions alongside other crops in the same bed. This combination isn't always successful. If the vegetables benefit each other, planting them together creates favorable conditions for onion growth. It protects the other crop from diseases and pests. Otherwise, the neighbors harm each other, quickly deplete the soil, and stifle growth.

Peculiarities of growing onions

Vegetable growers typically grow onion sets. They tolerate varying weather conditions well and produce a good harvest at temperatures ranging from 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. For seeds to germinate, soil temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius are sufficient. The vegetable is resistant to bacterial and fungal infections. The only pest that poses a threat to it is the onion fly. Turnips ripen quickly. Caring for the plant is simple and doesn't require much time or effort.

Choose an open, well-lit area for planting the onion sets. The soil should be nutritious and loose, with minimal lime content. If the soil is acidic, adding wood ash is helpful. It improves nutrient absorption.

Onion bulbs don't require a lot of moisture to ripen quickly. Therefore, it's preferable to plant the bed in a high spot to prevent groundwater from reaching the surface. During the initial stages of development, the sprouts can choke out weeds. Therefore, it's important to regularly weed the beds.

The site for planting onion sets is selected taking into account crop rotation requirements. Crops that leave behind soil rich in beneficial elements are chosen as predecessors. Soil with such qualities is obtained after planting cabbage, zucchini, or pumpkin.

Important!

Don't plant onion sets in the same spot for several years in a row. There should be at least a four-year break between plantings. Otherwise, pests and pathogens will accumulate in the soil.

The vegetable grows well if the soil is fertilized with humus or mineral complexes with a high nitrogen content before planting. After a month, it would be appropriate to fertilize with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. To protect against diseases, it is useful before planting bulbs in the ground treat them with a pinkish solution of potassium permanganate, and add a little wood ash to the furrows.

Beneficial neighbors for onions

When grown together, onion sets require favorable neighbors that can provide them with beneficial micronutrients. They thrive alongside many plants and sometimes act as a good pest protector.

Planting carrots in the same bed with onions is a good idea. The plants support each other, supplying nutrients and protecting against pests. Garlic can also be planted in the adjacent bed. It also works well with these vegetables. However, they should not be placed in the same bed.

These crops require similar nutrients and prefer moisture. As a result, such proximity leads to rapid soil depletion and mutual competition, which significantly reduces yields.

Beets thrive next to bulbs. The roots grow larger and ripen faster.

Tall green onion stalks shade the beet sprouts and protect them from direct sunlight. Under these conditions, the sprouts quickly establish themselves and begin to grow vigorously.

The vegetable thrives when planted next to broccoli or kohlrabi. These members of the cruciferous family prefer well-drained soil. Onions also require plenty of water. However, planting them together is not recommended to avoid shade.

Turnips, radishes, and tomatoes grow well under the protection of onions. The scent of onion sets repels pests. Flea beetles and aphids are particularly averse to the onion scent. Dill can be planted nearby. These plants thrive together and enhance each other's characteristics.

Neutral neighborhood with onions

Growing vegetables alongside certain crops doesn't produce beneficial interactions. However, this placement doesn't harm the bulbs in any way. Therefore, if necessary, they can be planted together.

Neutral neighbors for onions will be:

Zucchini has much in common with onion sets. With consistently high daytime temperatures, they tolerate slight cooler nights well. Both crops require little maintenance. Moderate watering and regular weeding are sufficient.
Parsley and cilantro don't interfere with the vegetable's growth. They require little nitrogen, so the bulbs don't suffer from a deficiency. In turn, onions repel insects from the greens.
Growing lettuce alongside other plants isn't beneficial, but it's also harmless. The fragrant onion repels aphids. However, when planting lettuce in this manner, care must be taken to ensure that the lettuce leaves don't overgrow and shade the neighboring plant.

Important!

When planning a mixed planting, choose crops that don't require abundant irrigation. Excessive watering can cause root rot in onions.

Unwanted neighbors

In addition to neutral or positive neighbors, there are plants that are not recommended to be planted in the same bed with onions or near them. Avoid planting cabbage next to onions. Although the vegetable's aroma repels pests and protects the plants, such a neighbor is harmful to the onions themselves. With its large leaves, cabbage shades the green tips of the onions, depriving them of the necessary sunlight and conditions for normal growth.

Growing beans, broad beans, and peas alongside or in adjacent beds is of no benefit and can even be harmful. Legumes produce numerous shoots, weaving a veritable carpet of young sprouts. This deprives the bulbs of light and stifles the seedlings.