Companion Planting

In the world of gardening, companion planting is a practice that transcends soil and seed, creating a symphony of harmonious growth. But what exactly is companion planting? Let's delve into this fascinating gardening technique that has been embraced by enthusiasts worldwide.

Companion planting is a gardening practice where different plants are grown together in the same garden bed, with the aim of creating a mutually beneficial relationship between them. The idea is to plant crops that will support & enhance each other's growth, health, & overall well-being.

 Companion planting is based on the principle that certain plants have the ability to improve soil quality, repel pests, attract beneficial insects, & provide shade & support for neighbouring plants. For example, marigolds are often planted alongside tomatoes to repel aphids, while beans are grown with corn to fix nitrogen in the soil & provide support for the corn plants.

 Companion planting is not a new concept; it has been used for thousands of years by indigenous communities & traditional farmers around the world. However, in recent years, it has gained popularity among organic gardeners who are looking for natural & sustainable ways to grow crops.

 Overall, companion planting is a sustainable & environmentally-friendly farming practice that can improve plant health & yield, while also reducing the need for chemicals & artificial fertilizers.

Benefits of companion planting include:

Pest Control: Some plants are believed to repel pests, some act as a trap plant to lure aphids, and flea beetles, while others attract beneficial insects that prey on pests. For example, marigolds are often planted with tomatoes to repel aphids, & dill attracts ladybugs who prey on aphids.

 Improved Soil Health: Some plants are able to fix nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial for other plants that require nitrogen for growth. Some plants can also help your soil retain, moisture better.

Improved Growth & Yield: Some plants are believed to improve the growth & yield of others when grown together. For example, basil is often planted with tomatoes to improve their flavour & growth. 

Space Optimization: Companion planting can help to maximize space in the garden by growing plants together that have different heights & growth patterns. For example, tall plants such as sunflowers can be planted with shorter plants such as lettuce to provide shade & support.

Certain plant combinations flourish due to complementary characteristics. For instance, planting basil near tomatoes not only enhances the flavor of tomatoes but also helps deter pests that affect both plants. Carrots and onions make excellent companions as their scents repel pests, creating a protective shield around each other.

Herbs with Vegetables:

Basil: Enhances the flavor of tomatoes and helps deter pests.

Dill: Attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps.

Chives: Deters aphids and improves the flavor of carrots.

Rosemary: Repels pests like cabbage moths and bean beetles.

Thyme: Deters cabbage worms and improves growth when paired with tomatoes.

Oregano: Deters aphids, spider mites, and other pests.

Sage: Repels certain pests, including cabbage moths.

Mint: Repels certain pests, including cabbage moths.

Flowers with Vegetables:

Marigold: Deters nematodes in the soil, repels pests like aphids and mosquitoes.

Nasturtium: Acts as a trap crop for aphids, repels whiteflies and certain beetles.

Calendula: Attracts pollinators, deters nematodes, and can repel certain pests.

Chamomile: Improves the flavor of nearby herbs and vegetables, attracts beneficial insects.

Lavender: Repels moths, fleas, and certain beetles, attracts pollinators.

Sunflower: Provides structural support for climbing plants, attracts bees and beneficial insects.

Cosmos: Attracts pollinators, adds aesthetic appeal to the garden.

Alyssum: Attracts beneficial insects like predatory wasps and hoverflies, provides ground cover.

Daisy: Attracts predatory insects that feed on garden pests.

Zinnia: Attracts butterflies and bees, adds color to the garden.

Petunia: Deters certain pests like aphids, adds visual interest.

Snapdragon: Attracts pollinators, repels certain pests.

Vegetable Families with Each Other:

Tomatoes with Basil, Marigold, Nasturtium, Onions, and Carrots: Basil improves growth and flavor, marigolds deter nematodes, and onions and carrots can help repel certain pests.

Peppers with Basil, Oregano, Tomatoes, and Onions: Basil and oregano can deter pests, while onions can help repel aphids.

Cucumbers with Nasturtiums, Radishes, and Marigolds: Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for aphids, radishes deter cucumber beetles, and marigolds discourage nematodes.

Zucchini and Squash with Nasturtiums, Borage, and Marjoram: Nasturtiums attract insects that help protect against pests, and borage enhances growth.

Carrots with Chives, Onions, and Radishes: Chives and onions can help repel pests, and radishes deter carrot flies.

Lettuce with Carrots, Radishes, and Tall Flowers like Marigolds: Radishes can deter pests, and tall flowers provide shade.

Cabbage Family (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower) with Dill, Chamomile, and Celery: Dill attracts beneficial insects, chamomile improves flavor, and celery provides natural pest control.

Beans with Corn, Potatoes, and Marigolds: Corn provides support, potatoes deter Colorado potato beetles, and marigolds discourage pests.

Onions with Carrots, Beets, and Chamomile: Carrots and beets can help repel pests, and chamomile improves flavor.

Potatoes with Horseradish, Beans, and Marigolds: Horseradish provides pest protection, beans deter Colorado potato beetles, and marigolds discourage nematodes.

Radishes with Cucumbers, Lettuce, and Spinach: Radishes deter pests, especially cucumber beetles.

Spinach with Strawberries, Peas, and Onions: Strawberries provide ground cover, peas fix nitrogen, and onions deter pests.

Cautionary Pairings

(Plants That Shouldn't Share the Same Bed):

Beans and Onions/Garlic: Onions and garlic can inhibit the growth of beans.

Cabbage Family (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower) and Strawberries: Strawberries are susceptible to a soil-borne fungus called Verticillium wilt.

Tomatoes and Potatoes: Both are susceptible to similar diseases, such as late blight.

Cucumbers and Aromatic Herbs (Sage, Rosemary, Basil): Aromatic herbs can inhibit the growth of cucumbers.

Carrots and Dill: Dill can attract pests like aphids, potentially affecting carrots.

Beans and Sunflowers: Sunflowers can produce a substance that inhibits the growth of beans.

Asparagus and Alliums (Onions, Garlic, Leeks): Different soil pH preferences may lead to nutrient competition.

Corn and Tomatoes: Both are heavy feeders, leading to competition for nutrients.

Potatoes and Pumpkins/Squash: Shared susceptibility to pests like the Colorado potato beetle.

Broccoli and Strawberries: Broccoli releases allelopathic compounds that can inhibit the growth of strawberries.

Companion Planting Techniques:

Several techniques can be employed to make the most of companion planting. Interplanting, where different crops are interspersed, maximizes space and fosters diverse interactions.

Interplanting: Planting different crops interspersed to maximize space and foster diverse interactions.

Crop Rotation: A time-honored practice to prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases.

Trap Cropping: Planting a sacrificial crop to lure pests away from the main crop, serving as a natural pest control measure.

Companion planting is a dynamic and sustainable gardening approach that beckons to be explored. By understanding the intricacies of plant relationships and leveraging them to your advantage, you embark on a journey toward a more resilient, fruitful, and harmonious garden. Happy planting!