10 Best Companion Plants for Carrots, According to Garden Pros

Carrots growing in ground — Credit:
Getty Images

Carrots are a wonderful addition to vegetable gardens. Not only are they easy to grow, but they also break up and loosen the soil under the ground, which can help with drainage and protect plants from rot.

To ensure your carrot crop thrives, it's important to plant this vegetable alongside companion plants that protect it from pests and improve yield. Ahead, we spoke to gardening experts to learn which companion plants you should always grow next to carrots—and why.

Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy and certifications at the National Wildlife Federation
Linda Vater, plant expert for Southern Living Plant Collection

01 of 10

Wild Strawberry

Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is a beautiful low-growing groundcover that helps suppress weeds without shading carrot seedlings. "In turn, the carrots help to aerate the soil, benefitting the shallow root system of strawberries," says Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy and certifications at the National Wildlife Federation. "Both plants can be grown together in a 12- to 20-inch container or raised bed with the same depth (depending on the variety of carrot)."

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 4 to 6 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; slightly acidic, well-drained soil

02 of 10

Nodding Onion

Nodding onion (Allium cernuum) attracts beneficial insects while repelling harmful ones like slugs, snails, and carrot flies. Plus, because onions have a shallow root system, they won't compete with carrots for nutrients, says Phillips.

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 4 to 6 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained soil

03 of 10

Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) boasts flat-topped clusters of charming blooms that are beloved by many beneficial insects, like hoverflies, native ladybugs, and lacewings. "Yarrow can also be used in cooking as an herb alongside carrots in soups and stews," says Phillips.

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 24 to 36 inches tall x 15 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; slightly acidic, well-drained soil

04 of 10

Aromatic Aster

Not only is aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) a beautiful addition to the garden, but its fragrant flowers attract pollinators, and its foliage deters crop-destroying insects that hurt carrots. "This shorter variety of aster stays compact and mounding, providing beauty without overtaking the garden," says Phillips.

Zones: 3 to 8
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall x 1 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; slightly acidic, well-drained soil

05 of 10

Sunflowers

Mammoth Sunflower — deschui / GETTY IMAGES

Sunflowers can be a trap crop in the garden, attracting insects that may otherwise destroy carrot crops. "They can also benefit carrots in the spring garden, providing shade protection to tender carrot tops as temperatures warm," says Phillips.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: Depends on variety
Care requirements: Full sun; slightly acidic, well-drained soil

06 of 10

Rosemary

Rosemary has a strong scent that helps deter pests from bothering your carrot crop. For an extra potent variety, try Chef’s Choice Culinary Rosemary, which has a higher oil content than traditional rosemary. This creates a more fragrant aroma in the garden, says Linda Vater of Southern Living Plant Collection. Its compact growth habit also means it won't be as competitive for sunlight or other resources.

Zones: 7 to 10
Size: 18 to 24 inches tall x 18 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; slightly acidic, well-drained soil

07 of 10

Barberry

Carrot seedlings can be vulnerable to deer and rabbits, but a hedgerow of barberry (Berberis) can deter curious wildlife with its dense stems covered in tiny thorns, says Vater. Keep in mind that this plant can be invasive in some regions, so be sure to research before planting.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 3 to 6 feet tall x 4 to 7 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

08 of 10

Boxwood

Boxwood (Buxus) creates a lovely and functional low border to protect carrots as they grow. "Carrots don’t transplant well, so having a protective border from seed to maturity will ensure plants don’t get trampled," says Vater. "A living border with boxwood can also provide a habitat for predators like spiders, giving them a place to hide as they patrol for pests." Baby Gem Boxwood is a compact variety that remains tidy and won't overwhelm the space.

Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 4 feet tall x 4 to 5 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

09 of 10

Marigolds

Marigolds (Tagetes) are a hero companion plant for many fruits and vegetables due to their repelling properties. They keep away a variety of pests that may damage your carrot crop, including nematodes, onion flies, and aphids.

Zones: 2 to 11
Size: 6 to 36 inches tall x 6 to 24 inches wide, depending on variety
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

10 of 10

Lettuce

Many lettuce varieties (Lactuca sativa) have a shallow root system, meaning they won't compete with carrots for nutrients in the soil. In turn, carrots break up and aerate the soil, protecting lettuce from root rot.

Zones: 2 to 11
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil

10 Carrot Companion Plants That Prevent Pests and Improve Yield