If you’re cultivating beets, efficiency is likely a priority, along with a love for fresh salads. These earthy root vegetables thrive alongside certain fast-growing companions. This list highlights quick-sprouting allies that optimize space, deter pests, and enhance flavor without crowding the soil.
In companion planting, timing is crucial. Fast-growing crops can be harvested early, freeing space before beets mature. Other plants offer above-ground benefits like repelling aphids or attracting pollinators, all while respecting their neighbors’ root systems. Think of it as a dynamic setup where all plants benefit.
From leafy greens that thrive in shallow soil to herbs providing natural pest control, these selections make growing beets easier and more rewarding. Many can also complement beet dishes. Whether in a garden bed or containers, these quick-win crops deserve a place next to your beets.
Radishes race to the finish line
Radishes mature in just 3 to 5 weeks, allowing them to be harvested before beets need more space. They help loosen compact soil and are often used to mark rows for slower-growing crops like beets. As a bonus, radishes can serve as trap crops for aphids and flea beetles, diverting pests from more delicate plants.
Lettuce lends a leafy cover
Lettuce grows quickly and shallowly, offering light shade and acting as living mulch without competing for deep soil nutrients. Harvesting it early frees up space for beets to thrive. It pairs well with other leafy greens like spinach and arugula, which are also compatible with beets.
Scallions stand tall and grow fast
Scallions mature in 50 to 60 days and grow upright, occupying minimal surface area. Their slim, vertical growth makes them ideal for planting between beet rows or as bed borders. As part of the allium family, scallions emit sulfur compounds that deter aphids, carrot rust flies, and other pests. They require little maintenance and can be harvested for greens while beets continue to grow. Their vertical form ensures they don’t block sunlight or encroach on underground root space.
Dill gets going quickly while keeping pests at bay
Dill reaches harvestable leaf size within 40 to 60 days. Its feathery leaves allow light to penetrate, avoiding overcrowding and letting sunlight reach shorter companions like beets. When dill bolts, it produces airy yellow umbels that attract hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and other beneficial insects that prey on aphids and soft-bodied pests. Its upright growth allows easy interplanting without shading other crops. Alongside cilantro, dill boosts natural pest control in your vegetable patch.
Bush beans grow fast and feed the soil
Bush beans mature in about 50 to 60 days and enhance garden nitrogen levels due to their legume status. Through a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, they convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-beneficial forms, benefiting nearby plants like beets. This boosts beet greens development, especially in nutrient-poor soils. Bush beans are compact and low-maintenance, ideal for maximizing yield in small gardens. Avoid pole beans, as their climbing and aggressive roots don’t mix well with beets.
Alyssum adds speed and sweetness
Sweet alyssum blooms quickly and attracts hoverflies, lacewings, and other aphid-eating allies. It spreads low to the ground and does not interfere with beet growth. It thrives with various vegetables, including nightshades and warm-season annuals. Its sweet scent is a garden bonus. Note that sweet alyssum can be invasive in some areas, so verify its suitability for your garden.
Chamomile charms with speed and subtlety
Chamomile is a fast-growing plant that attracts pollinators and beneficial predatory insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps. It enhances the flavor and vigor of nearby herbs, particularly basil. Chamomile and basil are a smart combination for your beet bed. Additionally, dried chamomile is excellent for making a relaxing herbal tea.
Nasturtiums trap pests and trail beautifully
Nasturtiums mature quickly and are often used as trap crops to attract aphids and whiteflies away from vegetables like beets. These vibrant bloomers thrive in containers or as border plants, providing both pest protection and ornamental value. Their edible, peppery flowers add a flavorful harvest to your garden.
Spinach speeds through the season
Spinach is a cool-season crop that matures in 30 to 45 days and uses shallow soil, making it ideal for early harvests before beet roots develop. It pairs well with neighbors like arugula, as spinach and arugula planted together are a popular mix for small plots. If you’re aiming for layered productivity, spinach is a reliable choice.
Catnip confuses garden pests
Catnip repels aphids, flea beetles, ants, and even mice while attracting beneficial pollinators. It’s a resilient grower that pairs well with more delicate root vegetables. You don’t need cats to benefit from this pollinator-friendly herb. Let it fill odd corners of your garden bed for low-effort advantages.
Marigolds grow fast and fight nematodes
Marigolds sprout and bloom quickly, and their roots release alpha-terthienyl, a natural compound that suppresses nematodes in the soil. They also attract pollinators and add vibrant color to your beet bed. Their cheerful appearance belies their usefulness, making them a pretty yet practical addition. Moreover, they’re edible in salads and soups and have several medicinal uses. You might as well call them “mani-gold!”
Cilantro comes quick and brings reinforcements
Cilantro bolts early and attracts bees and butterflies to your garden. These beneficial insects are vital for controlling pests that can stress young beet plants. Because cilantro grows quickly and doesn’t occupy much space, it’s ideal for filling gaps between slower crops. Its soft foliage is easy to trim back if needed, and its root system remains shallow. It’s compact, fast-growing, and noncompetitive, making it perfect for fitting into a beet-friendly plot without disrupting your main crop.
