Yarrow is widely used as a companion plant for many crops. This perennial herb has many benefits that help its fellow plants to grow well. Growing yarrow beside your crops like vegetables, fruits, or flowers will give you significant advantages.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best companion plants for Yarrow and plants not to plant near yarrow.
Yarrow Companion plants benefits
Yarrows are invasive in nature. They can spread around the landscape in a short period. So, you have to look after them occasionally. They spread their seeds through the wind which results in multiple plants in the ground. You can cut or toss them out if it grows in an unwanted space.
Attract beneficial insects
Yarrow successfully attracts many pollinators like butterflies and bees. These pollinators help them spread their seeds. Besides this, the herb also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and others. These insects predate small pests that infect the crop. However, yarrow can deter pests from their odor. People also place yarrows between books and clothes to put away insects.
Increase soil nutrition
Planting yarrow helps to increase nutrition in the soil. Companion plants nearby could get this benefit. Many gardens use yarrow to make compost. It is obvious, that when planted in the soil they improve soil fertility. Mixing their bloom in the soil compost will definitely help to increase nutrition in the soil.
Provide shade
Because it may reach a height of around three feet, yarrow can be used to provide shade for a variety of crops. Crops that may benefit from this include those that need a cooler environment because they are sensitive to the heat of the afternoon sun.
Companion Plants for Yarrow
| Companion Plants for Yarrow | Reasons |
|---|---|
| Good Companion Plants for Yarrow | |
| Chamomile | Attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies which feed on pests and aphids to the plant |
| Dill | Increases soil health and attracts helpful insects. |
| Anise | Repels insects and attracts beneficial ones |
| Oregano | Attracts helpful insects like bees and butterflies |
| Thyme | Repels pests while attracting beneficial insects. |
| Sage | Attracts beneficial insects and repels pests. |
| Lavender | Repels insects and draws in beneficial ones |
| What not to plant near yarrow | |
| Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, etc.) | Nutritional competition and pest attraction |
| Carrots | Compete for nutrients |
| Parsnips | Compete for nutrients and can stunt yarrow growth |
| Celery | Compete for nutrients and can attract pests |
| Peas | Compete for nutrients and can attract pests |
| Fennel | Can inhibit yarrow growth and attract pests |
Good Companion plants for Yarrow
As we discuss there are lots of definites in growing yarrow as a companion plant. But, Below are some plants that benefit the most. Also, you can grow different varieties of yarrow companions with each other to get a beautiful look.
- TomatoesCabbage
- Spinach
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Thyme
- Basil
- Orange tree
- Strawberries
Yarrow companion vegetable plants
One of the most beneficial plants that may grow alongside vegetables is the yarrow. They not only assist to enhance the quality of the soil, but they also defend crops from pests that particularly like feeding on young vegetables that are still developing. It is a source of great frustration for gardeners whenever the developing crop is devoured by bugs.
Thankfully, yarrow goes well with a wide variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, and many more.
It is impossible for me to describe why yarrow should be planted next to every vegetable, but I will go through a few of the reasons. Because yarrow and every other vegetable have some of the same growth qualities, you should plant it alongside all of them.
Tomatoes
There are a few different approaches you may take to protect your tomatoes from pests. One option is to grow yarrow all around them; the vast majority of insects detest yarrow and will thus avoid them. Another option is to grow heritage varieties of marigolds next to your tomato plants. These marigolds produce compounds that repel pests, and they also look quite beautiful. For more info check my companion plants for tomatoes.
Cabbage family
Yarrow draws in a large number of beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies, which are essential to the process of plant pollination. In addition, yarrow is useful for Brassicas, which include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and other plants that do better when they are maintained at a cooler temperature.
As a shade-loving plant, yarrow may be of assistance to Brassica vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, which prefer temperatures that are lower. Additionally, yarrow is effective in warding off pests to which brassicas are not resistant.
Spinach and lettuce
Spinach and lettuce are fast-growing vegetables, it is best to plant them with crops that mature more slowly, such as tomatoes and peppers. You can plant Yarrow near them to avoid unwanted pests that feast on young growing crops.
Beans
Beans are versatile plants that may be grown alongside a wide variety of vegetables and other types of plants. This is due to the fact that beans and other legumes increase the amount of nitrogen in the soil and offer nutrients to the plants that are near them.
In exchange, the growth of beans is beneficial to the development of other plants. You can happily plant yarrow near beans, both plants will help to improve nutrition in the soil which will affect other crops in the garden.
What flowers to plant with yarrow
Lavender
Lavender is well-known for having a pleasant fragrance. Because it is also effective at warding off insects, it is a favorite option for use in gardens and other outdoor spaces. Due to the fact that the two plants have hues that contrast with one another, lavender and yarrow are frequently combined. Yarrow is most often associated with having white blooms, however, there are also yellow and pink variants. Read Best companion plants for lavender.
Plant Herbs with Yarrow
The most beneficial companion plants are herbs. You may cultivate them in order to provide more flavor to your recipe. Growing your own herbs may provide you with a multitude of advantages. Herbs and yarrow mutually contribute to the production of a higher yield. You may cultivate a wide variety of herbs in yarrow, including Allium, Basil, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, and a great number of others.
Chives
The use of yarrow is very beneficial to allium production, which is another name for chives. Yarrow acts as a natural soil fertilizer and contributes to the maintenance of a healthy ground surface. Additionally, it works extraordinarily well with fragrant crops like garlic, which helps to ward off pests and maintain the plants’ overall health. The yarrow plant is a resilient plant that has the ability to deter pests from moving into your garden.
Basil
Basil is a great performer when it comes to growing alongside other plants. It is one of the most beneficial herbs to cultivate in close proximity to other plants since it promotes the plants’ overall growth and wards off pests. You plant basil beside the yarrow and they will grow happily together.
Rosemary
Rosemary and yarrow are two different types of herbs, yet they are often grown together because their fragrances are complementary to one another. Rosemary has a robust aroma that is reminiscent of the forest, but the scent of yarrow is milder and more similar to grass. They are both most successful when grown in sunny places with soil that drains properly.
What not to plant near Yarrow
So far you might think Yarrows are the best companion plant for any crop. Let me tell you that’s not the case.
Yarrow attracts powdery mildew. I avoid planting it in close proximity to vegetables that are susceptible to the disease, such as squash, zucchini, pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons. The yarrow plant, along with several other crops, is vulnerable to powdery mildew.
I make it a practice to keep crops that have the potential to be affected by the same diseases apart from one another.
This allows me to better manage the problem in the event that it manifests itself on one of the plants. If you don’t take action soon enough, powdery mildew may easily spread to other crops and plants if you don’t stop its spread.
Some gardeners believe that yarrow should not be grown with coneflowers, bee balm, or butterfly weeds.
On the other hand, about the same number of gardeners will tell you that yarrow makes an excellent companion plant for these blooms.
Before planting, I keep in mind that yarrow can prevent sunlight from its companion plants. Also, I ensure that my yarrow does not become too widespread.
Conclusion
Growing yarrow close to other plants requires careful consideration due to the plant’s potential to become invasive and the height it may reach.
Be certain that it is not obstructing the sunlight from reaching other flowers that need full sun, such as butterfly weeds and coneflowers.
Also, think about how you will manage its expansion in the future. If you want to use the “mow it over” approach in the autumn, then you need to make sure that you have planted it in an area where you will be able to use this method. And if you don’t want to constantly prune it and divide the plants, it could be easier to cultivate it on its own rather than planting it next to other kinds of plants or flowers.
Hey! I’m Madhuresh, a passionate content creator, and a Plant lover. I created Shiny Plant to explore and learn about new plants. The purpose is to provide simple and effective Gardening Tips. Hope you’ll find this informative.