Companion planting is not magic. It is observation — generations of gardeners noticing which plants grow better together and which do not. At Freighter View Farms, I use companion planting not because a chart told me to, but because the results are visible in the beds every season.
The Combinations That Work
Tomatoes and basil. This is the classic pairing, and it earns its reputation. Basil planted at the base of tomato plants seems to improve flavor (or at least, the tomato-basil harvest is more convenient). More practically, basil flowers attract pollinators that improve tomato fruit set.
Beans and corn. The Three Sisters method — corn, beans, and squash planted together — is indigenous agricultural genius. The corn provides a trellis for the beans. The beans fix nitrogen that feeds the corn. The squash shades the ground, suppressing weeds. I grow a modified version in a single raised bed each year.
Carrots and onions. The strong scent of onions may deter carrot flies. Whether or not that is proven science, the two crops have complementary root structures — onions bulb near the surface while carrots push deep — and they share space beautifully.
Lettuce under tomatoes. Once the tomato plants are tall enough to cast shade, the lettuce underneath benefits from the cooler soil and filtered light. This is a Michigan summer essential — without shade, lettuce bolts by July.
The Combinations to Avoid
Tomatoes and fennel. Fennel inhibits the growth of most nightshades. Give it its own space or plant it in a container.
Beans and alliums. Onions, garlic, and shallots seem to stunt bean growth. I keep them in separate beds.
My Honest Take
Companion planting is one tool, not a system. Soil quality, sunlight, water, and variety selection matter more than what is planted next to what. But in a small-space garden where every square foot counts, choosing plant combinations that share space well is just good planning.
For planting layouts and timing, see the Michigan Zone 6a Garden Planner. For the small-space method I use, see Square Foot Gardening in Michigan.
— Chris Izworski, Freighter View Farms, Bay City, Michigan
Chris Izworski is a Michigan gardener, writer, and AI technologist based on Saginaw Bay. He writes at Freighter View Farms about Zone 6a gardening, seed saving, and practical AI in public safety.
Freighter View Farms | Chris Izworski 
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