Alliums
Both ornamental and edible, the Allium family is huge with 100s of species to choose from. The generic Latin name Allium Sativum translates to ‘cultivated garlic’.
This family includes:
Cultivated Onions.
Shallots
Garlic
Scallions
Leeks
Chives
Ornamental flowers
Welsh garlic
The unique smell omitted by this family is distinctive, be it onion or garlic. From the stance of horticulturalists, this family plays a huge beneficial role both above the ground by exuding its distinct scent that deters certain pests from causing damage. Below the ground this also repels slugs / snails / certain diseases and nematodes.
With their ability to repel crop specific pests, their contribution is valuable for the life cycle of certain crops. i.e., brassicas and carrots. Interestingly, peppers, strawberries and tomatoes all thrive when next to alliums.
The following table illustrates the effects of growing Alliums alongside these common vegetables using companion planting.
| Produce | Impact of Alliums Growing in close Proximity |
| Brassicas | Repels cabbage loopers, maggots, cabbage worm and cabbage butterfly |
| Parsley | Deters onions flies and maggots |
| Carrots | A unique special bond exists whereby Alliums repel carrot files whilst carrots repel onion flies |
| Leeks | Repel Onion Flies |
| Celery | Repels Onion flies |
| Chamomile | Enhances flavor of the oils in alliums whilst making alliums less susceptible to fungal infections. |
| Cucumbers | Protects alliums from fungal infections |
| Marigolds | Release a chemical that kills harmful nematodes whilst repelling onion flies. Attracts pollinators |
| Peppers | Improve taste of alliums. The spicier the better |
On the flip side, they can stunt the growth or can degrade the flavour of certain crops
- Asparagus
- Beans
- Peas
- Turnips