Emily ParkerBy Emily Parker

Updated November 2026

A printable companion planting chart gives you a quick reference for which vegetables grow well side by side and which ones should be kept apart. In this guide, you will learn how to read a chart, adapt it to your own beds, and print a working copy you can pin to the potting shed wall. The whole process takes about an hour the first time and far less after that.

Start With the Chart You Actually Need

Not every printable companion planting chart is built the same way. Some list a dozen crops in a grid, while others group plants by family or by bed type. Before you print anything, decide what you need it to do. If you garden in raised beds, look for a chart that includes spacing numbers. If you grow mostly in containers, a shorter chart focused on pairings will be easier to use. For a broader look at how these charts are organized, see Veggie Companion Planting Chart: Pairings, Spacing and Pitfalls (2026).

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Garden Layout Free Printable Printable Companion Planting Charts (2026): Our Picks.

How to Read Companion Planting Symbols

Most charts use a simple system: a plus sign or green marker for good partners, a minus or red marker for plants to keep apart, and a blank for neutral pairings. Read the chart in both directions, since a grid is only reliable when both rows and columns agree. If you see a conflict, trust the more cautious rating.

  • Good partner: plant the two crops within the same bed or within 12 inches of each other.
  • Keep apart: place them at least 3 to 4 feet apart or on opposite sides of a walkway.
  • Neutral: no action needed, so use the space for whatever fits your layout.

Build Your Own Printable Chart in Five Steps

A generic chart is a good starting point, but a version tailored to your garden is more useful. Follow these steps to create one.

  1. List every vegetable and herb you plan to grow this season, usually 10 to 20 crops.
  2. Find a reliable companion chart and copy only the pairings that apply to your list.
  3. Add a spacing column with the plant-to-plant distance from the seed packet, such as 18 inches for tomatoes or 4 inches for carrots.
  4. Mark each bed or container with a letter or number, and note which crops went there last year to plan crop rotation.
  5. Print the chart on standard paper or cardstock, then laminate it or slip it into a sheet protector so soil and water do not ruin it.

Plan Spacing and Layout Alongside Pairings

Pairings only work if the plants have room to grow. A chart that says tomatoes and basil are good neighbors does not mean you should cram six basil plants into a corner of a tomato bed. Use the spacing column to calculate how many plants will fit in each square foot or row, and leave a small margin for air circulation. Our guide to Raised Bed Garden Layout Companion Planting: A Step-by-Step Guide walks through how to convert those numbers into a bed map.

Crop Good Neighbors Keep Apart From
Tomatoes Basil, parsley, carrots Potatoes, fennel
Carrots Onions, lettuce, rosemary Dill, parsnips
Cucumbers Beans, radishes, dill Potatoes, aromatic herbs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Printing a chart without checking which region or climate it was written for, which can shift planting timing.
  • Treating companion pairings as a guarantee. They reduce pest pressure and improve space use but do not replace good soil and watering.
  • Forgetting to update the chart after each season, especially when you change bed locations for crop rotation.
  • Using paper that gets soggy. Laminate or protect the chart before it goes near the garden.
  • Ignoring mature plant size, which can shade out smaller companions like lettuce.

A few simple supplies make a printable chart easier to use outdoors. These are general tools, not specific endorsements.

  • A laminating pouch sheet protector keeps ink dry when you carry the chart to the beds. View on Amazon
  • A clipboard with a sturdy spring clip holds the chart steady in wind. View on Amazon
  • A weatherproof garden marker helps you label beds to match the chart. View on Amazon

FAQ

Where can I find a reliable printable companion planting chart?

Many university extension websites publish free companion charts that you can download and print. Check that the source lists spacing and pairings from research-based guidance rather than unverified lists.

How often should I update my chart?

Review it once a year before planting season. Update it whenever you add new crops, change bed locations, or learn something new from your own harvests.

Can a companion planting chart replace crop rotation planning?

No. Companion charts show which plants grow well together, while rotation plans prevent soil-borne diseases from building up. Use both together for the best results.

Conclusion

A printable companion planting chart is most useful when it reflects your own beds, spacing, and crop list. Start with a reliable template, add your spacing numbers, and protect the paper so it lasts all season. Revisit it each year and it will become one of the most practical tools in your garden.

Ready to choose one?

Emily Parker

About Emily Parker

Emily Parker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our vegetable & edible gardening guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.