Companion planting...we grow together
Companion planting is a gardening practice where different plants are grown alongside each other to provide mutual benefits such as pest control, improved growth, and increased yield.
By understanding which plants make good companions, you can improve your garden’s health, increase yield, and even deter pests naturally. Let’s dig in!
Some common companion planting combinations include:
Tomatoes and basil. Not just good together on pizza!
Planting basil near tomatoes can repel pests like aphids and whiteflies. The strong aroma of basil can also help mask the scent of the tomato plants, making them less attractive to certain pests.
Carrots and alliums (anything from the onion family)
Carrots and plants from the allium family make great companions as they help deter pests that target each other. Onion types like chives, shallots and spring onions can repel carrot flies, while carrots can help mask the scent of onions, making them less noticeable to pests.
Beans and sweetcorn
Planting beans near sweetcorn can benefit both plants. Beans can add nitrogen to the soil, which benefits the nitrogen-hungry sweetcorn. In return, the sweetcorn provides a natural trellis for the beans to climb, saving space in the garden.
Lettuce and radishes
Radishes are known to repel pests that attack lettuce, such as aphids. Additionally, radishes grow quickly and can be harvested before they interfere with the lettuce’s growth, making them ideal companions in the garden.
Marigolds and tomatoes
Marigolds are often used as companion plants for tomatoes as they can repel nematodes in the soil and deter pests like whiteflies. Their bright flowers also attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests.
Some general top tips for successful companion planting:
1. Plan your garden layout carefully so that compatible plants can be grouped together.
2. Rotate crops each season to prevent disease build-up and nutrient depletion.
3. Be observant and experiment with different plant combinations to see what works best in your garden.
Volunteers Dig into Horticulture Course with Green Futures
