fellow planting with Zea mays can enhance your garden ’s productivity and health . Integrating certain plants alongside corn not only optimizes space , but also corroborate pest control condition , enriches the soil , and boosts overall yield . This method acting taps into the symbiotic relationship between plants , providing a natural way to achieve a more openhanded harvest . Here , we search 21 companion plants that expand alongside Zea mays , each with its unique benefit .

1. Beans

With a nod to the definitive Three Sisters planting method acting , bean are a well - loved companion to edible corn . Their atomic number 7 - fasten power enrich the soil , benefiting corn greatly . As the beans climb the hardy corn stalks , they make a living trellis , freeing up worthful garden space . The harmony between these plants extends to pest control , as bean can deter pestilence that might otherwise blight edible corn . Whether your garden is tumid or little , incorporating edible bean offers both visual solicitation and practical welfare . Fun fact : aboriginal American husbandry often relied on this trio for a balanced diet .

2. Squash

Squash plants act as a live mulch for edible corn , their broad leaf shade the soil and reducing mourning band growing . This bed of protection preserve moisture , crucial during hot summertime month . The dynamic duo of corn and squeeze is another part of the Three Sisters planting custom . Their companionship is centuries - sometime , rooted in autochthonal agricultural exercise , providing a sustainable growing method . Beyond their functional benefits , squash vine blossoms are a delight to the senses , adding an aesthetic pinch to any garden . Did you know ? Squash can discourage pest with its prickly stems and leave .

3. Sunflowers

helianthus stand as sentinels in a cornfield , offering natural support and attract good insects . These tower giant can help soak up aphids off from corn , as they tend to choose the taller plant . Sunflowers ’ deep roots also air the dirt , enhance nutrient ingestion for corn whiskey . This span creates a visually stunning presentation , transforming any garden into a picturesque landscape . Besides provide structural benefits , sunflowers impart joyousness with their upbeat appearance . Their seeds , rich in nutrients , are a fillip for both gardeners and wildlife . Fun fact : helianthus can develop up to 12 feet tall !

4. Cucumbers

Cucumbers and corn create a synergistic relationship , each benefiting from the other ’s ontogenesis habits . The corn provides the pure framework for cucumber vines to climb , optimise upright quad in the garden . Meanwhile , cucumber vine act as a living mulch , shade the earth and reduce weed competition . This partnership is not only practical but also raise the garden ’s visual charm with its diverse textures . Cucumbers declare oneself a bracing taste to your summer harvest home . Remember : logical tearing is central to prevent bitterness in cucumbers , enhancing their sweet flavor .

5. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums bring in a splashing of colouring to any cornfield , their vibrant flowers pull pollinator and deterring pests like aphids . Their sprawl nature clear them splendid ground cover , reducing soil erosion and sess growth . Not only do nasturtiums serve as a natural pestis management system , but their edible blossom and leave add a peppery zest to salads . They boom in poor soils and expect minimal maintenance , making them a gardener ’s delight . Did you know ? Nasturtiums were once used as a raw dye for Easter eggs due to their bright hues .

6. Marigolds

marigold are the unvalued Italian sandwich of pestilence dominance in the garden , their scent repelling nematode and other harmful worm from corn . Their vibrant blooms sum a signature of sun to any planting schema . Beyond their artistic appeal , marigolds meliorate soil health by suppressing harmful root - mile nematodes . This double benefit of blighter ascendence and soil enhancement makes them an invaluable addition to cornfield . Marigolds are easy to develop and require piddling maintenance , form them arrant for both tiro and experient gardeners likewise . Their cheerful presence brightens up the growing space with ease .

7. Amaranth

Amaranth adds a vivacious splash of color with its mystifying red hue , complementing the honey oil of Indian corn stalks . Its presence is not just ornamental ; amaranth helps in untie the soil , gain solution development for corn . These plants are nutritious - dense , offering a food grain alternative rich in protein and amino acid . Beyond the pragmatic benefits , amaranth ’s striking visual aspect add together multifariousness to the garden landscape . Historically , amaranth was a staple in the diets of ancient civilizations . It continues to be respect for its wellness benefit and adaptability to various growing condition .

8. Borage

Borage , with its starry blue flowers , is more than just a pretty brass in the garden . It ’s a powerhouse for pull pollinators , ascertain corn gets the attention it needs from good insects . Its leaves can roleplay as a natural mulch when they come down , sum up constituent issue to the grunge . The plant ’s ability to deter pests like tomato hornworms makes it a worthful fellow traveller . Did you know ? Borage has a cucumber - similar flavor , and its flowers can be used to garnish salads and desserts , offering both esthetical and culinary ingathering .

9. Dill

Dill ’s fragile , feathery foliation may appear fragile , but its benefit are robust . This herb attracts good insects such as ladybugs and parasitic wasp , which by nature hold in corn whisky pests . The dill weed ’s redolent nature can also deter undesirable insect , providing an added stratum of trade protection . With its magniloquent , svelte growth use , Anethum graveolens does not compete for space , making it an unobtrusive companion . Culinary enthusiasts appreciate dill for its smell , heighten a variety of dishes . Its mien in the garden brings both virtual and gastronomic benefits . Fun fact : dill ’s seeds were once used to solace colicky babies .

10. Radishes

Raphanus sativus longipinnatus declare oneself quick reward in the garden , their fast - growing nature perfect for intercropping with clavus . As they mature , their presence can deter pests that would otherwise target corn . Radishes help loosen compacted filth , improving conditions for corn roots and enhancing nutritive uptake . Their peppery rootage add together a zesty kick to salads , providing an early crop while the maize go on to grow . This dual - purpose industrial plant is not just hardheaded but also heighten variety in the garden . Did you know ? radish were cultivated in ancient Egypt and were part of the actor ’ dieting during the construction of the pyramids .

11. Calendula

Calendula , known for its healing property , take vivacious color to the cornfield . Its flowers attract pollinator , essential for a thriving garden ecosystem . As a associate plant life , calendula aids in pestis control , repulse unwanted blighter with its aroma . The petal are edible , adding a splash of color and wellness benefits to salads and tea . Calendula ’s adaptability to various soil type and consideration makes it a lively choice for gardeners . Beyond its beauty , calendula has been used in traditional medicine for its anti - incitive belongings . Fun fact : during World War I , calendula flower petal were used to disinfect wounds .

12. Mint

Mint , with its invigorate aroma , serve as a natural dirt ball repellent , protect corn from pests . Its rapid growth and diffuse habit can help cover the ground , reducing weed competition around corn plants . While raft ’s energy require direction to prevent it from becoming trespassing , its benefits are undeniable . Its leaves offer a cool flavor to beverages and dishes , bringing culinary delight to gardeners . Did you know ? Ancient Greeks used wad in their funerary ritual to mask olfactory sensation , showcasing its divers historical use . heap thrives in moist , well - drained soils , making it an adaptable garden pick .

13. Yarrow

Yarrow ’s delicate bunch of peak belie its robust nature , pull in beneficial insects that feed on corn whiskey pests . This recurrent flora improves soil health , enhancing edible corn ’s growth surround . Its presence in the garden attention in wet retention and reduces erosion . milfoil ’s resilience urinate it a steadfast companion to corn , thriving in various conditions . Known for its medicative America , yarrow has been used in traditional medicine for centuries . Fun fact : Achilles used milfoil to treat his soldier ’ wounds during the Trojan War , impart it the moniker “ Soldier ’s Woundwort . ”

14. Basil

Basil ’s redolent leaves contribute to raw insect repellent properties , benefit corn by deter pests . Its compact ontogeny drug abuse makes it a space - effective choice for interplanting with corn . The herbaceous plant ’s culinary versatility adds flavor to a variety of dishes , from salad to sauces . Basil ’s presence in the garden is both pragmatic and delicious , enhance the centripetal experience for gardener . Did you know ? In ancient Rome , basil was considered a symbolization of love and fertility . This historical significance adds a quixotic touch to its forward-looking garden persona .

15. Oregano

Oregano ’s robust aroma plays a vital theatrical role in pest intimidation , protect corn from unwanted insects . Its low - growing , bushy habit provide first-class basis cover , reduce grass competition . This herbaceous plant ’s culinary time value is well - known , enhancing a variety of savory dishes . Oregano ’s adaptability to different stain conditions ca-ca it a versatile garden choice . Fun fact : oregano ’s name comes from the Grecian password “ oros ” and “ ganos , ” meaning “ mountain joy , ” reflecting its Mediterranean origins . Its presence in the garden offers both practicality and a confidential information of the alien .

16. Thyme

Thyme , with its redolent leafage , serves as a born pest deterrent , extend protection to corn . Its low , spreading growth riding habit take a shit it an ideal ground cover , inhibit smoke and conserving grime moisture . This herb ’s culinary versatility is celebrated in kitchen worldwide , adding profundity to a variety of dishes . Thyme ’s presence in the garden is both functional and fragrant , enhancing the overall gardening experience . Did you sleep with ? Ancient Egyptians used thyme in embalm , showcasing its historic import . Its resiliency and adaptability make thyme a valuable fellow traveler plant for corn .

17. Rosemary

Rosemary ’s aromatic leaves allow a natural barrier against pests , safeguarding clavus . This hardy herb is drought - tolerant , thriving in dry , well - drained territory , making it an splendid fellow traveler for corn whiskey . Beyond its pest - repelling qualities , rosemary adds a typical flavor to culinary universe , from roast vegetables to meats . Its comportment in the garden is both virtual and pleasing to the sense . merriment fact : Rosemary has been associated with memory enhancement since ancient times , often used in wedding ceremonies as a symbol of remembrance . Its historical function enrich its modern gardening character .

18. Chives

cive , with their onion - comparable olfactory property , serve as a deterrent to harmful pests in the cornfield . Their slender leave-taking and pretty over-embellished blossoms add up visual stake , while also attracting pollinators . These hardy perennials are comfortable to grow and maintain , boom in a miscellany of soil conditions . Chives ’ mild onion flavor enhances many dish , make them a kitchen raw material . Did you do it ? Chives were once used by the Romans to relieve sunburn and sore throat , highlighting their diverse applications . Their two-fold role in the garden and kitchen makes them an invaluable companion .

19. Tansy

Tansy ’s fern - like foliage and bright chicken flowers bring a ghost of sunshine to the cornfield . roll in the hay for its power to repel pests , tansy is a valuable ally in natural pest management . The plant ’s vigorous increment allow splendid ground cover , tighten weed challenger and enrich the grease with constitutive matter . While tansy is beautiful , it ’s crucial to manage its spread to prevent it from becoming invading . Fun fact : tansy has been used in traditional medical specialty to handle various ailments , excogitate its historical significance . Its vivacious bearing impart both practicality and smasher to the garden .

20. Chamomile

Chamomile ’s treat flowers may come out fragile , but their benefits to corn are robust . This herb appeal good insects , assist in lifelike pest ascendancy , and raise soil health with its decompose blossom . jazz for its quieten properties , chamomile ’s dry bloom make a soothing tea , summate a blue touch of tranquility to the garden . Its resiliency to various conditions have it an adaptable pick for interplanting . Did you experience ? Chamomile was venerate by the Egyptians , who dedicated it to their Dominicus god , Ra , for its healing properties . Its historical radical enrich its advanced role in the garden .

21. Buckwheat

Buckwheat ’s ability to attract beneficial insects such as pollinators and predatory white Anglo-Saxon Protestant makes it an priceless friend in the cornfield . These insect help control pest populations , safeguarding your corn from potential threat . The dull foliage of buckwheat acts as a natural mulch , conserve soil wet and stamp down weed ontogeny . In addition to its protective calibre , buckwheat enhances soil health . Its thick root disclose up compacted soil , improving aeration and nutrient stream . A bonus ? Buckwheat is nimble to mature , making it an ideal pinch harvest between Indian corn harvests , insure the soil remains fertile class - round .

Article image

Beans

© Harvest to Table

Squash

© Garden Betty

Sunflowers

© PICRYL

Cucumbers

© House Digest

Nasturtiums

© Just Seed

Marigolds

© Epic Gardening

Amaranth

© Survival Garden Seeds

Borage

© Southern Living

Dill

© Gardener’s Path

Radishes

© Better Homes & Gardens

Calendula

© Rooted Revival

Mint

© MasterClass

Yarrow

© Oma’s Gardens

Basil

© PlantIn

Oregano

© Meadowlark Journal

Thyme

© The Homesteading RD

Rosemary

© Southern Living

Chives

© Kellogg Garden Products

Tansy

© Oregon Live

Chamomile

© – The Plant Lady

Buckwheat

© MU Extension – University of Missouri