Companion planting is one of the oldest techniques in gardening, yet it is growing in popularity every year, as more and more gardeners are experimenting with organic and eco-friendly practices that help to promote plant growth and reduce pest problems. The technique involves strategic pairing of plants whereby they help benefit each other to grow better, attract beneficial insects, improve soil health, or discourage harmful pests. An accomplished companion planting guide does nothing but increase the growth of your plants while reducing the usage of chemical pesticides, which is a win-win for the garden and the environment.
At its most basic, companion planting is the means by which different species of plants are grown together to create mutual benefits. Some plants simply repel pests, while others attract beneficial insects, such as pollinators or predators of harmful pests.
Other combinations might improve soil fertility, promote healthier growth, improve flavour, or even enhance texture. Once you realize what plants go well together in your garden, you'll know what combinations work best.
Compatibility will depend on whether the plants you have so chosen to plant together can get along with each other. Some plants can promote beneficial relationships between the species of the plant, while others compete with their companions and even attract detrimental pests. The following are some key considerations for compatibility evaluation:
Some plants naturally benefit others. For example, basil and tomatoes are planted together because basil deters the mosquitoes and flies that may destroy the plant tomatoes. Its strong fragrance also wards off insects such as aphids and whiteflies. This means the tomato plant is relatively healthier.
Some flowers and herbs attract beneficial insects that prey on nasty pests. For example, ladybugs are attracted to marigolds, which feed on aphids and other pests in the garden. Meanwhile, nasturtiums attract aphids, but they act as a trap crop by drawing unwanted aphids away from more valuable plants.
For example, such plants as carrots have relatively deep roots that can loosen the firm soil and create space for shallow-rooted plants to establish. For example, tomatoes and carrots growing together will benefit both of them. Although tomatoes have deep roots, the carrots do not occupy much space in the soil since they have shallow roots, and, in addition, shade provided by the carrots' foliage will help the tomato plants acclimate to hot temperatures.
Probably one of the most effective uses of companion planting is through pest control. Planting certain combinations strategically can eliminate those unwanted pests without the need for those chemicals, which are harmful pesticides. Your garden becomes a haven for beneficial insects, pets, and people. Here's your plant combination for natural pest control:
Garlic is a fantastic pest repellent and does wonders when planted beside roses. It excludes aphids as well as other common rose pests, often spider mites. It will also exclude deer and rabbits, which like to nibble on budding rose tips, allowing its strong smell to outshine the fragrance of roses, thus further protecting roses from pests.
Chives have an onion-like scent and will provide excellent pest repellent, deterring aphids, Japanese beetles, and other species of pests; having them nearby carrots prevents all those aforementioned insects from infesting your crop. Also, chives are known to enhance the flavour of carrots, so this is a win-win combination.
Beans and corn have an old classic partnership that can be considered in traditional "Three Sisters" planting. Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, therefore improving the fertility of soils and making them richer for corn. Corn provides a good natural tree for beans to climb while making a supportive relationship that is also spatially efficient. Beans can help repel aphids and other pests that are commonly attracted to corn.
Dill will also repel pest cucumber beetles and aphids and attract beneficial insects such as predatory beetles and wasps to keep pest populations in balance. In addition, aromatic herbs can be added to flavour your garden's bounty.
That aside, companion planting also stimulates the growth and yield of your plants. Combinations of certain plants allow for a kind of micro-ecosystem that will encourage healthier soil, strong plants, and increased productivity. Here are some good plant partners to encourage growth:
A mutualistic relationship is the connection between corn and squash. The squash vines climb up the corn plant and on up rather than spreading out over the ground. The squashes also serve as groundcover, retaining moisture in the soil and removing competing weeds for water and nutrients from the corn.
Lettuce and radishes grow well because each has a complementary habit of growth. The latter has fast growth and can be harvested early, thus creating empty spaces for lettuce to mature without competing in the area; more so, it helps loosen the soil, making way for easy spreading of lettuce roots in all directions.
Strawberries and spinach can flourish because spinach grows very fast, shading strawberries and cooling their soil. The cool soil-less stresses the strawberry plants on hot days. Another reason spinach competes with strawberries for nutrient uptake is that it suppresses weeds.
However, companion planting can be extremely powerful if planned thoughtfully and developed with careful observation. Here are a few suggestions to help you better benefit your garden:
Not all plants are good companions, so check that they do well together before picking and planting two together. Some plants inhibit the growth of others, while a few attract pests; hence, avoid planting those that may fail to complement each other. In particular, beans should not be planted with onions because, when planted together, onions stunt the development of the beans.
Pairing plants is not limited to just one season. Crop rotation must be done to replenish the soil and avoid an accumulation of pests. Changing the location of your companion plants will keep pests away and decrease the possibility of soil depletion.
Observe your plants as your garden grows. Once you notice a pest infestation, then it is time to change your companion plant combinations. Sometimes, although not recommended, pests can penetrate still, and additional plants may be necessary or alternative pest control measures may be brought in.
Companion plants grow quite well together. However, they still require a particular space in which to expand. Do not overcrowd the plants in an area, making sure there is room for air circulation and root expansion. Even though proper spacing also increases light and nutrient competition for the species, it will simultaneously increase healthy growth for both plants.
Mulching around the companion plants will retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain the fertility of the soil. Organic mulch materials break down over time, adding richness to the soil and supporting the health of plants further.
Another good technique that can be practised in a natural and sustainable garden is companion planting. Companion planting increases growth, promotes pest control, and creates a healthier, more productive garden by pairing plants according to their compatibility. Whether you are a novice or an experienced horticulturist, incorporating companion planting as part of your gardening techniques is surely one way to improve the health of your plants, eliminate chemical inputs that can be harmful to the environment, and enjoy your garden even more.
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