What is Companion Planting? A Complete Guide to Companion Gardening

If you ever wonder what are the best plants to plant together, you are in the right place. This article will tell you everything you need to know about companion planting for your garden.

Companion planting is a time-tested gardening technique that involves strategically placing different plant species together to enhance growth, deter pests, and improve overall garden health. By understanding the relationships between various plants, gardeners can create a more productive and sustainable garden ecosystem.

WHAT IS COMPANION PLANTING?

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants close to each other for mutual benefits. These benefits can include pest control, improved pollination, enhanced flavor, and better use of space. The concept is rooted in traditional agriculture and has been used for centuries to promote healthier and more productive gardens.

NATURAL PEST CONTROL THROUGH COMPANION PLANTING

One of the primary advantages of companion planting is its ability to naturally deter pests. Certain plants emit scents or chemicals that repel harmful insects, while others attract beneficial predators that feed on pests.

Plants that are natural pest control:

    Marigolds: These vibrant flowers release a substance from their roots that deters nematodes and other soil-borne pests. 

    Basil: When planted near tomatoes, basil can repel flies and mosquitoes, and may even enhance the flavor of the tomatoes. 

    Nasturtiums: These act as a trap crop, luring aphids and other pests away from more valuable plants. 

PLANTS ENHANCING PLANT GROWTH AND HEALTH

Companion planting isn't just about pest control, it also promotes healthier plant growth. Some plants improve soil fertility, provide shade, or offer structural support to their neighbors.

Plants that promote growth and health:

    Legumes (beans, peas): These plants fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for neighboring plants, nitrogen helps with soil health.

    Corn, Beans, and Squash ("Three Sisters" method): Corn provides a structure for beans to climb, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and squash spreads along the ground, suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture. 

PLANTS ATTRACTING POLLINATORS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS

Certain companion plants can attract pollinators and beneficial insects, leading to increased yields and healthier plants.

Plants that are great for pollination:

    Sweet Alyssum: This plant attracts aphid predators like parasitic wasps, making it ideal for container gardening. 

    Chrysanthemums: They repel a range of garden pests using natural pyrethrins and are particularly effective against nematodes and spider mites. 

    Calendula: Known to deter hornworms and other pests while offering culinary appeal. 

PLANNING YOUR COMPANION PLANTING STRATEGY

To effectively implement companion planting:

1. Research Plant Pairings: Understand which plants benefit each other and which combinations to avoid.

2. Consider Plant Needs: Ensure that companion plants have similar requirements for sunlight, water, and soil type.

3. Rotate Crops: Avoid planting the same combinations in the same spot each year to prevent soil depletion and disease buildup.

4. Monitor and Adjust: Observe your garden regularly and make adjustments based on plant health and pest activity.

PLANTS TO AVOID PAIRING TOGETHER

Not all plants make good neighbors. Some combinations can lead to competition for resources or increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Examples:

     Sunflowers and Potatoes: Sunflowers can release compounds that hinder the growth of nearby plants, and they compete for similar nutrients and water. 

    Beans and Onions: These plants can inhibit each other's growth when planted together.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(FAQs): COMPANION PLANTING

1. What is companion planting?

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants in proximity to each other for mutual benefits, such as pest control, pollination, and improved growth. 

2. How does companion planting work?

It works by taking advantage of the natural attributes of plants to enhance the growth, flavor, and health of neighboring plants. This includes using certain plants to repel pests, attract beneficial insects, or provide nutrients, shade, or physical support. 

3. Can companion planting help reduce pests?

Yes, companion planting can help reduce pests by attracting beneficial insects that prey on pests, by repelling pests through natural substances emitted by certain plants, and by acting as a trap crop that lures pests away from more valuable plants. 

4. Is companion planting suitable for small gardens?

Absolutely. Companion planting is highly beneficial for small gardens as it maximizes the use of limited space and can enhance the biodiversity, which is crucial for the ecological health of the garden. 

5. Are there any plants that should not be grown together?

Yes, some plants can inhibit the growth of others, known as allelopathy. For example, black walnut trees release juglone, which can be harmful to plants like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. 

6. What vegetables grow well together?
Here are some popular vegetable combinations that grow well together:

    Carrots and onions – onions repel carrot flies.

    Corn and beans – beans fix nitrogen that corn needs, and corn provides structure.

    Lettuce and radishes – radishes help loosen soil, allowing lettuce to grow better.

    Cabbage and dill – dill attracts beneficial wasps that prey on cabbage pests.

7. What are the best companion plants for tomatoes?
The best companion for tomatoes are basil, marigolds, chives and garlic, and nasturtiums:

    Basil – repels flies and mosquitoes; may improve tomato flavor.

    Marigolds – repels nematodes and aphids.

    Chives and garlic – repel red spider mites and aphids.

    Nasturtiums – act as a trap crop for aphids and whiteflies.

    Avoid planting tomatoes near corn (which attracts tomato pests) and potatoes (which share similar diseases).

8. What herbs grow well together?
The herbs that grow well together are basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, cilantro, and dill.

    Basil, oregano, and parsley – share similar water and sunlight needs.

    Rosemary, sage, and thyme – prefer drier soil and lots of sun.

    Cilantro and dill – grow well in cooler weather and help attract beneficial insects.

    Avoid pairing mint with most herbs, as it spreads aggressively and competes for resources. Plant mint in a separate pot so the roots will have boundaries.