Companion planting is a gardening practice that involves planting different crops near each other to enhance mutual growth, improve pest management, and maximize overall garden health.
Examples:
- The “Three Sisters” method involves planting corn, beans, and squash together. Corn provides support for beans, beans fix nitrogen for corn, and squash provides ground cover to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- Planting tomatoes with basil is thought to enhance the flavor of tomatoes and may help deter certain pests.
The full list of good and bad combinations:
Good combinations: | |
Potato | with marigolds, peas, beans and garlic |
Strawberry | with marigolds, bush beans, lettuce, spinach, garlic, borage |
Endive | with fennel |
Asparagus | with tomato, parsley and marigolds |
Eggplant | with marjoram |
Cauliflower | with oregano |
Beans | with celery, sage, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce and potato |
Beet or beetroot | with onions, bush beans, dill, celery, kohlrabi and garlic |
Dill | with carrots, leeks, turnips, sage, fennel and celery |
Peas | with beans, carrots, leeks, turnips, sage, fennel and celery |
Kohlrabi | with celery |
Cucumber | with dill, garlic, celery and fennel |
Melon | with garlic and nasturtiums |
Leeks | with beans, carrots, peas and turnips |
Radish | with parsley |
Turnips | with beans, carrots, leek and parsley |
Celery | with leeks, cabbage, and basil |
Lettuce | with chervil, dill, fennel, carrots, turnips and garlic |
Spinach | with celery |
Chili peppers | with basil, garlic and chives |
Tomatoes | with parsley, basil, garlic chives and marigolds |
Broad beans | with dill and savory |
Onions | with carrots, beets, tomatoes, chamomile, savory and parsley |
Carrots | with lettuce, peas, dill, chives and garlic |
Bad combinations: | |
Potatoes | with tomatoes, rosemary, mint, thyme and chamomile |
Strawberries | with cabbage |
Cauliflower | after spinach |
Beans | with fennel, onion, shallots, garlic, and gladioli |
Peas | with onion, garlic and rue |
Lettuce | with parsley |
Tomato | with fennel and kohlrabi |
Onions | and garlic with beans and cabbage |
Natural pest control
Some plants emit natural compounds or fragrances that can repel or confuse pests. By strategically planting these pest-repelling plants near vulnerable crops, you can reduce the likelihood of pest infestations. For example, planting marigolds can help deter nematodes, while basil may help repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Attracting beneficial insects
Certain plants attract beneficial insects that prey on harmful pests. For instance, planting flowers such as calendula and alyssum can attract pollinators like bees and predatory insects like ladybugs, which feed on aphids and other garden pests.
Complementary growth patterns
Some plants have growth patterns or root structures that complement each other, making more efficient use of space and resources. For instance, planting shallow-rooted crops alongside deep-rooted ones can help prevent competition for water and nutrients.
Soil improvement
Legumes, such as peas and beans, are known for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Planting these crops near nitrogen-loving vegetables can improve soil fertility naturally.
Masking odors
Some aromatic plants can mask the scent of more vulnerable crops, making it harder for pests to locate them. For example, planting onions or garlic near susceptible plants may help repel pests.
Disease prevention
Certain plants release compounds that may inhibit the growth of pathogens. For instance, planting aromatic herbs like oregano or rosemary near susceptible crops can help protect against soil-borne diseases.
While companion planting is a popular and traditional practice, it’s essential to note that not all combinations have scientifically proven benefits, and effectiveness can vary based on environmental factors. Observing and experimenting with companion planting in your specific garden can help you determine what works best for your crops.
For more info see wiki and their extensive companion planting list.