Companion planting - Ask Extension
I planted garlic in a pot last fall and it is doing beautifully.
Can I plant Swiss chard in between?
Knowledgebase
Companion planting #927322
Asked April 02, 2026, 7:12 AM EDT
I planted garlic in a pot last fall and it is doing beautifully.
Can I plant Swiss chard in between?
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
Companion planting with garlic or onions generally helps to deter pests. Therefore, growing swiss chard (up and out) with a root crop such as garlic should work well.
However, you mentioned your garlic is in a pot. There will need to be at least 6-8" between your garlic bulbs in order to be able to put swiss chard plants between the bulbs without disturbing the shallow garlic roots. Cultivate carefully.
Also, in order to support both plants you will need soil with a high organic content or you will need to add fertilizer.
https://www.gardenary.com/blog/companion-plants-for-swiss-chard
However, you mentioned your garlic is in a pot. There will need to be at least 6-8" between your garlic bulbs in order to be able to put swiss chard plants between the bulbs without disturbing the shallow garlic roots. Cultivate carefully.
Also, in order to support both plants you will need soil with a high organic content or you will need to add fertilizer.
https://www.gardenary.com/blog/companion-plants-for-swiss-chard
I hope this is helpful. Debbie
Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 2, 2026, at 9:25 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
