Companion Gardening - Which Plants Grow Well Together?

Have you ever wondered if some plants can help each other grow better, while others can harm each other? If so, you might be interested in companion gardening, the practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefit. Companion gardening can help you make the most of your garden space, improve the health and yield of your crops, attract beneficial insects, repel pests, and enhance the beauty and diversity of your garden. In this blog post, we will give you a brief overview of what companion gardening is, why it works, and how to do it.

Various plants beVarious companion plants being hand watered

Introduction

Dive into the world of gardening harmony with companion planting, a delightful journey that unveils the secret language between plants. Companion gardening is like orchestrating a natural symphony where certain plants bring out the best in each other. Picture this – tomatoes cozying up with basil to enhance flavor, marigolds standing sentinel to protect against pests, and beans locking arms with corn for structural support. It’s a botanical dance where each partner plays a vital role in supporting, nourishing, or defending the other. By understanding these green alliances, you not only create a visually stunning garden but also foster a thriving ecosystem that works together like a green family. So, step into the fascinating world of companion gardening, where plants collaborate, creating a lush tapestry of colors, scents, and flavors right in your backyard.

What Is Companion Gardening?

Companion gardening is the practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefit. The idea is that some plants can offer identifiable benefits to one another, such as:

Providing shade: Some plants can provide shade for sun-sensitive plants, reducing their water loss and heat stress.
Fixing nitrogen: Some plants can fix nitrogen from the air and make it available for other plants, reducing their need for fertilizer.
Repelling pests: Some plants can repel pests by producing chemicals or scents that deter them, reducing their damage to crops.
Attracting pollinators: Some plants can attract pollinators by producing flowers or nectar that entice them, increasing their pollination and fruit set.
Enhancing flavor: Some plants can enhance the flavor of other plants by producing chemicals or scents that influence their taste, improving their quality.

Companion gardening is not always based on hard scientific facts, but rather on observations and experiences of gardeners over time. There is always an element of trial and error to see what works for you and your garden. However, understanding your garden as a system of biodiversity where plants are all connected and interdependent helps you make better plant choices.

Benefits of Companion Planting

There are many benefits to companion planting, including:

Increased crop yields – Companion planting can help to increase crop yields by improving the growth of plants and reducing the incidence of pests and diseases.

Improved soil quality – Companion planting can help to improve soil quality by adding nutrients and organic matter.

Reduced need for pesticides and fertilizers – Companion planting can help to reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers by attracting beneficial insects and predators, and by deterring pests and diseases.

Increased biodiversity – Companion planting can help to increase biodiversity in the garden by providing food and habitat for a variety of beneficial insects, birds, and other animals.

Why Does Companion Gardening Work?

Companion gardening works by taking advantage of these interactions and creating synergies between plants that can benefit each other. For example, by planting basil near tomatoes, you can take advantage of the fact that basil produces chemicals that repel tomato hornworms and enhance tomato flavor. By planting beans near corn, you can take advantage of the fact that beans fix nitrogen that corn needs and corn provides support that beans need. By planting marigolds near cucumbers, you can take advantage of the fact that marigolds produce chemicals that repel cucumber beetles and nematodes that harm cucumbers.

How Do I Do Companion Gardening?

When choosing plants to grow together, it is important to consider the following factors:

The needs of the plants – Each plant has different needs in terms of sunlight, water, nutrients, and space. It is important to choose plants that have similar needs so that they can all thrive.

The benefits that the plants can offer each other – Some plants can help to improve the growth of other plants, while others can help to protect them from pests and diseases. It is important to choose plants that can offer each other benefits.

The space available – When choosing plants to grow together, it is important to consider the amount of space available. Some plants, such as tomatoes, can grow quite large, so it is important to plant them where they will have enough room to spread out.

The personal preferences of the gardener – Some gardeners may prefer to grow plants that are known to be companion plants, while others may prefer to experiment and see what works best for them.

There are many sources of information on which plants make good companions for each other, such as books, websites, or charts. However, the best source is your own observation and experience in your garden. You can experiment with different combinations and see what works best for you and your plants.

Plants That Grow Well Together

Companion planting can be a great way to improve the health and productivity of your garden. By choosing plants that benefit each other, you can create a more balanced and healthy ecosystem.

Marigolds – Marigolds are a popular companion plant because they help to repel pests, such as aphids and whiteflies. They also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and pollinators.

Basil – Basil is another popular companion plant because it helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes and peppers. It also helps to repel mosquitoes and flies.

Cucumbers – Cucumbers can be planted near beans to help improve the growth of both plants. Beans add nitrogen to the soil, which is beneficial for cucumbers.

Lettuce – Lettuce can be planted near tomatoes to help improve the taste of both plants. Tomatoes release heat, which can help to keep lettuce from bolting.

Peas – Peas can be planted near corn to help improve the growth of both plants. Peas fix nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial for corn.

Plants That Do Not Grow Well Together

Potatoes – Potatoes should not be planted near tomatoes, eggplants, or peppers. These plants are all susceptible to the same diseases, and planting them together can increase the risk of infection.

Onions – Onions should not be planted near beans or peas. These plants can compete for the same nutrients, which can lead to poor growth.

Cabbage – Cabbage should not be planted near broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts. These plants are all susceptible to the same pests, and planting them together can increase the risk of infestation.

Tomatoes – Tomatoes should not be planted near eggplants or potatoes. These plants are all susceptible to the same diseases, and planting them together can increase the risk of infection.

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines, and there may be exceptions to these rules. If you are unsure whether or not two plants can be grown together, it is always best to consult with a gardening expert.

Tomatoes – The Popular Plant

Tomatoes are one of the most popular and versatile crops to grow in your garden, but they also have some specific needs and preferences when it comes to their companions. Here are some of the best and worst plants to grow with tomatoes.

Best Tomato Companions – Basil is a classic companion for tomatoes, not only in the kitchen but also in the garden. Basil helps tomatoes produce more and better fruits, and it repels flies and mosquitoes. Marigolds are another good companion for tomatoes, as they deter nematodes, aphids, and other pests. Other good companions for tomatoes include asparagus, carrots, celery, garlic, lettuce, onions, parsley, peppers, and spinach.

Worst Tomato Companions – Cabbage and its relatives (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, etc.) are not good companions for tomatoes, as they compete for nutrients and attract pests such as cabbage worms. Corn and tomatoes are also a bad match, as they share a common enemy: the corn earworm. Potatoes and tomatoes are susceptible to the same blight disease, so avoid planting them near each other. Other plants to avoid near tomatoes include beets, dill, fennel, peas, rosemary, and walnuts.

Peppers – The Spicy Plant

Peppers are another popular crop to grow in your garden, especially if you like some spice in your dishes and can benefit from some companions that can enhance their flavor and protect them from pests. Here are some of the best and worst plants to grow with peppers.

Best Pepper Companions – Basil is a good friend to peppers as well, helping them produce more and tastier fruits, and repelling aphids, spider mites, mosquitoes, and flies. Parsley is another good herb to grow with peppers, as it attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that prey on pests. Other good companions for peppers include carrots, eggplants, garlic, onions, spinach, and tomatoes.

Worst Pepper Companions – Beans are not good companions for peppers, as they can interfere with their growth and spread diseases. Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, etc.) are also not recommended near peppers, as they can attract pests such as flea beetles and cabbage worms that can damage both crops. Other plants to avoid near peppers include apricots, fennel, and kohlrabi.

Cucumbers – The Refreshing Plant

Cucumbers are a refreshing crop to grow in your garden, especially in the summer when they can quench your thirst and cool you down. They can benefit from some companions that can support their growth and deter their enemies. Here are some of the best and worst plants to grow with cucumbers.

Best Cucumber Companions – Marigolds and nasturtiums are good flowers to plant with cucumbers, as they repel aphids and beetles that can harm the cucumber vines. Beans are also good companions for cucumbers, as they fix nitrogen in the soil, which cucumbers need for growth. Other good companions for cucumbers include corn (which provides shade and support), lettuce (which provides ground cover), peas (which also fix nitrogen), and radishes (which deter cucumber beetles).

Worst Cucumber Companions – Aromatic herbs such as sage and thyme are not good companions for cucumbers, as they can stunt their growth and affect their flavor. Potatoes are also not recommended near cucumbers, as they can compete for nutrients and water, and spread diseases such as blight and mosaic virus . Other plants to avoid near cucumbers include melons (which can cross-pollinate and produce bitter fruits), pumpkins (which can take over the space), and tomatoes (which can attract pests such as spider mites).

Wild Mint – The Minty Plant

There are several plants that make good companions for Wild Mint.

Carrots – Carrots are a great companion plant for mint in the garden.

Tomatoes – Mint and tomatoes are the dynamic duo of the gardening world.

Beans – Beans are not only a delicious addition to your garden, but they also make excellent companions for mint.

Marigolds – Marigolds are known to deter pests, and they pair well with mint.

Cabbages – The peppermint scent can help keep away cabbage moths and flea beetles.

Beets – Beets are another plant companion for mint.

Brussels Sprouts – The aromatic scent of mint can help keep pesky beetles and other insects that feed on Brussels Sprouts away.

Sweet Corn – Sweet Corn is considered a good companion plant for mint.

Basil, Rosemary, Parsley, and Chives – These herbs not only share similar growing conditions but also help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.

Remember, while these plants can be great companions for Wild Mint, it’s always important to respect nature and not over-harvest any wild plants. Happy gardening!.

In Summary – The Benefits of Companion Gardening

Companion gardening is a powerful tool that harnesses the innate connections between plants, fostering a harmonious and thriving garden ecosystem. By understanding the principles of companion gardening and implementing strategic plant pairings, you can create a sustainable and bountiful garden teeming with life. Embrace the art and science of companion gardening, and witness the remarkable transformations it brings to your horticultural journey.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about companion gardening. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy gardening!

An example of companion plants in a garden

Some Final Tips for Companion Gardening

Do your research – There are many resources available to help you learn about companion planting. Books, websites, and gardening experts can all be helpful in providing information about which plants can be grown together.

Experiment – There is no right or wrong way to do companion planting. The best way to learn is to experiment and see what works best for you.

Be patient – It takes time to see the benefits of companion planting. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.

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Companion Gardening – Which Plants Grow Well Together?