Container gardening is even better when you pair plants that help each other thrive. Think herbs + veggies + flowers in one pot: more pollinators, fewer pests, better flavour, and that full, lush look you usually only see in magazine planters.
Here are 10 easy companion combos you can grow in containers, plus the pot size, sun, watering, and quick notes to make them succeed.
1) Tomato + Basil + Marigolds
Container: 15–20+ gal (bigger is better)
Best in Ecopots
Sun: Full sun (8+ hrs)
Water: Evenly moist; water deeply when top 1–2" is dry (often daily in summer)
Notes: Add a cage/stake. Feed regularly for steady fruiting
2) Pepper + Basil + Alyssum
Container: 10–15 gal
Best in Ecopots
Sun: Full sun (6–8+ hrs), warm spot
Water: Moderate; let top 1" dry between waterings (peppers hate soggy roots)
Notes: A perfect “patio pot” combo: compact, colourful, and always blooming.
3) Cucumber (trellis) + Dill + Nasturtiums
Container: 15–25 gal + trellis
Best in Veradek
Sun: Full sun
Water: High (cucumbers drink a lot, don’t let the pot dry out)
Notes: Nasturtiums trail beautifully; dill loves the same conditions.
4) Lettuce + Chives + Pansies
Container: 8–12" wide bowl or window box
Best in DCN
Sun: Part sun (4–6 hrs) or morning sun / afternoon shade
Water: Consistent moisture; don’t let it fully dry
Notes: Ideal for spring + fall planters. Heat can make lettuce bolt.
5) Kale + Thyme + Calendula
Container: 12–16" pot
Best in Ecopots
Sun: Full sun to part sun
Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist, not soggy
Notes: Tough, productive, and super pollinator-friendly.
6) Beans (bush or pole) + Marigolds + Summer Savoury
Container: 10–15 gal (bush) OR 15–20 gal + trellis (pole)
Best in DCN
Sun: Full sun
Water: Moderate; water deeply, allow slight dry-down between
Notes: Summer savoury is a classic “bean buddy.”
7) Carrots (deep pot) + Green Onions + Viola
Container: Deep pot 12–18"
Best in Ecopots
Sun: Full sun to part sun
Water: Even moisture (inconsistent watering can cause splitting)
Notes: Choose shorter carrot types if your container is smaller.
8) Strawberries + Borage + Alyssum
Container: 12–16" wide pot or hanging basket
Best in Ecopots
Sun: Full sun (6–8 hrs)
Water: Moderate; consistent moisture during flowering/fruiting
Notes: Borage gets big—use one plant max, or swap for calendula for a tidier look.
9) Zucchini + Nasturtiums + Dill
Container: 20–30 gal (yes, big!)
Best in Veradek
Sun: Full sun
Water: High (big leaves = big thirst)
Notes: Statement pot. One zucchini per container.
10) Parsley + Thyme + Rosemary (+ edible viola)
Container: 12–16" pot
Clay works great, or Ecopots
Sun: Full sun to part sun (morning sun is perfect)
Water: Let top 1–2" dry between watering (especially with rosemary)
Notes: If you tend to overwater, clay is your best friend here.
These combos are customer favourites for a reason 🌿
They’re some of our most popular container pairings because they’re easy, they look full, and they actually worktogether. Meaning better growth, better blooms, and fewer “why is this struggling?” moments.
Want us to build one with you? Pop in and tell us your sun exposure (full sun vs part shade) and the size of pot you’re using, we’ll help you pick the exact plants, soil, and supports.
Shop container-growing essentials here: https://www.ritchiefeed.com
