Because they come in so many different hues and flavors, pepper plants are a favorite among many gardeners. On the other hand, you should be wary of your pepper plants’ neighbors if you want to protect their health and yield. Certain plants may negatively affect peppers by competing with them, emitting chemicals, or drawing in pests. We’ll look at seven plants and their reasons for not being planted next to your peppers in this article. Through comprehension of these difficulties of compatibility, you can successfully grow a pepper patch.
1. Fennel
Why Not to: Fennel’s roots release a chemical that prevents many plants, including peppers, from growing.
Impact: Because of this allelopathic effect, planting fennel close to peppers can result in stunted growth and lower harvests.
2. The Kohlrabi
Why Not to Eat It: Kohlrabi fiercely rivals peppers for the same soil resources that peppers need to grow.
Impact: Pepper plants that are short of nutrients may grow slowly and produce fewer fruits as a result of kohlrabi’s competition.
3. Apricot Trees Things to Avoid
A fungus called Verticillium wilt, which may infect many plants—including peppers—can be found on apricot trees.
Impact: Peppers planted close to apricot trees are more susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which can cause wilting and even plant death.
4. Trees with walnut leaves
Why Not to Eat It: Like apricots, walnut trees also yield juglone, a naturally occurring chemical that is poisonous to a wide variety of plant species, including peppers.
Impact: Pepper plants may wilt and die as a result of the juglone from walnut trees, which will negatively impact their growth and yield.
5. Peas
Reason to Avoid: Due to their heavy feeder status, peppers and beans demand a lot of nutrients from the soil.
Impact: Planting peppers and beans too close together might cause the soil to lose its nutrients more quickly than it can be refilled, which will stunt the growth of both plants.
6. Brassicas
Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbageReasons to Steer Clear of: Aphids and flea beetles are among the pests drawn to brassicas that feed on peppers.
Impact: Pepper plants may have an increase in pest issues as a result of brassicas’ close vicinity, which could harm the plants and lower production
7. Why Not to Eat Tomatoes: Many of the same diseases that affect peppers and tomatoes can also affect them, including bacterial spot and blight. See our article on 7 plants you should never plant next to tomatoes for more details on plant compatibility.Impact: Planting peppers and tomatoes next to each other may encourage the spread of these illnesses, which could ruin crops.
Select helpful companion plants such as onions, carrots, and marigolds to enhance the health of your pepper plants and deter pests.
The Best Ways to Grow Peppers
Here are some recommended methods to adhere to in order to maintain the well-being and yield of your pepper plants:
Select helpful companion plants such as onions, carrots, and marigolds to enhance the health of your pepper plants and deter pests.
Sufficient Distance: Maintain appropriate distance between pepper plants and incompatible species to reduce competition for resources and the spread of disease.
Soil Health: If grown next to other heavy feeders, especially, regularly amend the soil with compost to replace nutrients.
Keeping Your Pepper Garden Healthy
Knowing which plants to avoid growing next to your peppers can help you avoid a lot of common problems that may otherwise harm the productivity and health of your garden. To grow a vigorous pepper garden that produces an abundance of peppers, proper planning and plant selection are essential.