Companion planting...we grow together
Companion planting is an old, natural gardening trick where certain plants are grown together because they help each other out — a bit like good neighbours.
Some plants attract helpful insects, some confuse pests, and others improve the soil or boost the flavour of nearby crops.
It’s a great way to garden more sustainably, with fewer chemicals, and it works just as well in pots and planters as it does in veg patches.
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.
Looking after your soil
Some companion plants improve the soil too. Legumes, like peas and beans, naturally fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits leafy greens and other hungry plants in the same bed or next season’s planting.
Companion planting in containers
You don’t need a big garden to give companion planting a go. It works just as well in pots, planters, and window boxes. Try planting tomatoes and basil together in a sunny container, or mix lettuces with marigolds for a cheerful, practical display.
Pop down for a browse or chat to our team for more ideas.
