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A garden layout free printable printable companion planting chart is one of the simplest planning tools a vegetable gardener can use. It shows which crops grow well side by side, which ones should be kept apart, and how to arrange beds so you get the most from each square foot. Many gardeners want something they can print, pin to a shed wall or keep in a notebook, rather than a complicated app. The picks below were chosen by reviewing what each resource covers, how clearly it lays out a garden plan, how easy it is to print at home, and how well it fits common home-garden sizes. We did not test these printables in a garden. Instead, we looked at their stated contents, format, layout options and the kinds of feedback users commonly describe, and we ordered them by how well they suit different planning needs.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Garden Planner Companion Planting Chart (printable PDF from a major seed catalog) | Beginners who want one clear reference page | Single-page crop pairing grid |
| Square Foot Gardening Planting Guide Printables | Raised-bed gardeners using a grid layout | Spacing and square-by-square planning sheets |
| Johnny’s Selected Seeds Companion Planting Resources | Gardeners who want detailed crop notes | Printable guides with planting timing |
| Ohio State University Extension Vegetable Planning Worksheets | Research-minded gardeners | Extension-backed spacing and succession notes |
| Canva Garden Layout Templates (printable) | Gardeners who want to customize their own plan | Editable bed and row templates |
| Garden Journal Printable Planner Pages | Record keepers who track yields and dates | Combined planting chart and log pages |
| Companion Planting Wall Chart (laminated print option) | Shed or potting bench reference | Durable, wipe-clean display format |
Square Foot Gardening Planting Guide Printables
This suits gardeners who build raised beds or divide a plot into a grid. The printables pair naturally with a 4-by-4-foot bed, which is a common starting size. Used together, the grid sheets and companion notes show how many plants of each crop fit in one square.
Key specs
- Designed around a 1-foot square grid system
- Plant-per-square counts for common vegetables and herbs
- Printable on standard letter-size paper
- Companion and spacing notes listed by crop
Pros
- Easy to match directly to a raised bed
- Spacing numbers reduce guesswork for dense planting
- Works well alongside a physical garden journal
Cons
- Grid method is less suited to large row-crop gardens
- Companion notes are brief for some crops
Johnny’s Selected Seeds Companion Planting Resources
This is a good match for gardeners who want more explanation behind each pairing. Seed-company printables tend to include planting timing and cultivation tips alongside companion notes, which helps when you are deciding not just what to plant next to what, but when.
Key specs
- Crop-by-crop companion and antagonist notes
- Planting timing references by season
- Downloadable as printable PDF pages
- Organized by vegetable family in many versions
Pros
- Detailed notes on why certain pairings are suggested
- Timing information supports succession planning
- Written with commercial-grade growing practices in mind
Cons
- Text-heavy layout can be harder to read at a glance
- Availability of specific sheets can change over time
Ohio State University Extension Vegetable Planning Worksheets
University extension worksheets are a strong pick for gardeners who prefer cautious, research-based guidance. They typically cover spacing, plant height, succession timing and crop rotation, which makes them useful for planning a full season rather than just one bed.
Key specs
- Spacing and row-width recommendations
- Succession planting windows
- Crop rotation considerations
- Free, printable PDF format
Pros
- Information is based on regional extension research
- Covers rotation, which many chart-only printables skip
- No commercial product claims to sort through
Cons
- Written for Ohio conditions, so dates may need adjusting elsewhere
- Less visual than a color-coded companion chart
Canva Garden Layout Templates (printable)
If you want to draw your own bed layout and then print it, editable design templates are a flexible option. They work well for odd-shaped plots or for combining a companion planting key with your own drawn map.
Key specs
- Editable bed, row and grid templates
- Adjustable page size for printing
- Drag-and-drop plant icons in many designs
- Export to PDF for home printing
Pros
- Fully customizable to your exact dimensions
- Can be reused each season with updates
- Combines map and chart on one sheet
Cons
- Requires a free account and some setup time
- Companion information is only as accurate as what you enter
Garden Journal Printable Planner Pages
Printable journal pages that combine a planting chart with a log are useful for gardeners who want to record what worked. Owners often report that tracking dates and yields alongside companion layouts makes the next season’s plan much easier to adjust.
Key specs
- Bed-by-bed planting log pages
- Companion reference section
- Space for harvest dates and notes
- Designed for letter-size printing and binding
Pros
- Builds a season-to-season record
- Pairs planning and observation in one place
- Easy to print in batches
Cons
- Requires consistent note-taking to be useful
- Companion charts are often simpler than standalone guides
Companion Planting Wall Chart (laminated print option)
A laminated wall chart is the best choice for a shed, greenhouse or potting bench where you want a quick reference without worrying about splashes or dirt. It is less about detailed planning and more about a fast answer in the moment.
Key specs
- Single-sheet companion grid
- Laminated or wipe-clean finish in most versions
- Large-print labels for easy reading at arm’s length
- Common size options for wall or door mounting
Pros
- Durable in outdoor or shed conditions
- Fast to read during planting
- Simple layout suits beginners
Cons
- Less room for notes or planting dates
- Lamination can make a home-printed version stiffer to store
Buying Guide
A good printable companion planting chart should do three things: show which crops pair well, flag combinations to avoid, and give enough spacing or timing detail to act on. Before printing anything, decide how you will use it. A chart you keep in the garden needs to be durable. A planning sheet you fill out at the kitchen table can be more detailed. Read more about the groundwork in Planning a Home Garden: Layout, Timing and Records and Small Garden Layouts: Making the Most of Limited Space.
Selection Criteria
- Accuracy and sourcing. Look for charts attributed to university extensions or established seed companies.
- Layout fit. Match the format to your garden: grid for raised beds, row-based for in-ground plots.
- Printability. Standard letter or A4 sheets are easiest. Check whether the file scales cleanly.
- Coverage. Make sure the crops you actually grow are included.
Important Features to Look For
- Clear two-way pairing (both crops listed, not just one direction)
- Explicit “keep apart” warnings, not only “good partners”
- Spacing or plants-per-square information
- Succession or planting-date notes
- Room for your own notes if you plan to reuse it
Specs to Check Before Printing
- Paper size: letter (8.5 x 11 in) or A4
- File format: PDF prints more consistently than an image file
- Number of pages: one-page charts are easier to post
- Print scaling: set to “actual size” or “fit to page” to avoid cut-off edges
Choosing by Need
- Beginners: A single-page chart or laminated wall chart keeps things simple.
- Raised-bed and grid gardeners: Grid-based printables match how the beds are divided.
- Research-focused gardeners: Extension worksheets offer region-specific detail.
- Record keepers: Journal-style planners link companion layouts to harvest notes.
- Custom plots: Editable templates let you draw your exact dimensions.
Things to Watch Out For
- Charts that list companions without explaining why may oversimplify. Companion effects are often about pest deterrence, shade or nutrient needs, and results vary.
- Dates and spacing are regional. A chart written for one climate may need adjusting for yours. Cross-check with your local extension office.
- Free printables can be out of date. Check the publication or revision date when you can.
FAQ
What is companion planting?
Companion planting is the practice of growing certain crops near each other because they are thought to benefit one another, for example by attracting pollinators, shading soil, or deterring some pests. The evidence is mixed for many pairings, so treat charts as a starting point rather than a guarantee.
Can I print a companion planting chart at home?
Yes. Most printable charts are sized for standard letter or A4 paper. Use a PDF file, set the print scale to “actual size” or “fit to page,” and check the preview before printing a full set.
Are free printable charts reliable?
Charts from university extensions and established seed companies are generally a safer starting point than unattributed downloads. Look for a source name and a date on the document.
Should I plant tomatoes near basil?
Many companion charts list tomatoes and basil as partners, and gardeners often grow them together. Keep both well watered and give them enough sun, since their needs are similar. Results vary, so observe your own garden.
Which crops should be kept apart?
Common examples on charts include onions near beans and peas, and fennel near many vegetables. Check the specific source you use, since recommendations differ.
How do I use a companion chart with crop rotation?
A companion chart tells you what to plant together, while rotation tells you where a crop family should go next year. Use both: plan pairings within a season, then rotate plant families between beds each year. Our guide on Vegetable Gardening Basics: Planting to Harvest covers the timing side.
Do I need a special printer or paper?
No. A standard inkjet or laser printer and regular copy paper work well. Heavier cardstock or lamination helps if the chart will live outdoors.
Conclusion
For most home gardeners, a clear single-page companion chart is the most useful starting point, and a university extension worksheet adds valuable rotation and spacing detail. Raised-bed gardeners will get the most from grid-based printables, while record keepers benefit from journal-style pages and anyone with a custom plot will prefer an editable template. Choose the format that matches where you will use the chart, check the source and date, and adjust recommendations to your own climate and results. For more on preparing the beds themselves, see Raised Garden Beds: Sizes, Materials and Setup and Preparing Garden Soil for Planting: A Practical Guide.
