Companion planting is a technique where different crops are grown close to each other to benefit one or both plants and save space. This method uses natural relationships between plants to improve growth, protect from pests, and enhance yields.

One key benefit of companion planting is pest control. Certain plants can repel insects or attract beneficial predators. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides. Another advantage is improved soil health. Some plants add nutrients to the soil, which helps neighboring plants grow better. For instance, some plants fix nitrogen, an essential nutrient, making it available for others.

Small gardens will also benefit from companion planting because it saves space. Growing plants close together makes every square inch of space work harder. The best part? Many companion plants have different root depths and can coexist without competing for nutrients. Additionally, this practice can lead to better use of sunlight and water.

The best thing about companion planting is its effect on the environment. Growing a variety of plants together creates a more resilient ecosystem. This diversity can reduce the spread of diseases and make the garden more sustainable.

How close to plant companion plants?

The spacing between companion plants depends on their growth habits, root systems, and the purpose they serve.

For example, if you want to plant crops together to protect each other from the elements, the space should be close enough to form a barrier against the wind or intense light but not too close to suffocate each other. Overcrowding can lead to reduced airflow, increasing the risk of diseases.

Ensure there is enough space for both plants to access sunlight and air, which are essential for healthy growth. Some plants improve soil quality by fixing nitrogen from the air. These plants should be grown close enough to influence their neighbors but not so close that they hinder each other’s development.

On the other hand, if you’re doing companion planting to protect crops’ root systems, the plants should have enough space to avoid competing for nutrients and water. Those with deep roots can coexist well with those with shallow roots, sharing the same area without interfering with each other’s growth. However, ensure adequate room for each plant to spread its roots fully.

Most times, companion planting is done to deter pests. If this is the case with you, position plants so their scents or chemical properties can effectively repel harmful insects or attract beneficial predators. The distance should be enough to allow the protective properties to work, yet close enough to shield the companion plant.

Best Combination for Companion Planting

Mint and Brassicas

Mint and brassicas are an excellent companion planting combination due to their complementary benefits.

Mint has a strong aroma that deters many common pests. This natural pest control helps protect brassicas from insects such as cabbage moths and aphids, which can damage their leaves and reduce their yield. Planting mint near brassicas creates a protective barrier, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Additionally, mint can improve soil health. Its spreading growth habit covers the soil, reducing weed growth and helping to retain soil moisture. This coverage benefits brassicas by providing a more stable growing environment, conserving water, and reducing competition from weeds.

On the other hand, brassicas, which include vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, benefit from mint by having healthier and pest-free growth. This partnership helps brassicas thrive, leading to better harvests.

Marigolds and Tomatoes

Marigolds are well-known for repelling various pests, such as nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies, which can damage tomato plants. By planting marigolds near tomatoes, you create a natural pest barrier that reduces the need for chemical pesticides, leading to healthier tomato plants.

Marigolds also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which feed on the pests that might attack tomato plants. This attraction supports a balanced garden ecosystem, promoting the presence of natural predators that keep pest populations in check.

Tomatoes benefit significantly from the presence of marigolds. With fewer pests to contend with, tomatoes can grow more robustly and produce better yields. The improved pest control provided by marigolds helps ensure that tomato plants remain healthy and productive throughout the growing season.

Carrots and Leeks

One key benefit of this pairing is natural pest control. Carrots are susceptible to pests like carrot flies, while leeks can be affected by leek moths. However, the strong scent of leeks can deter carrot flies, and the aroma of carrots can help keep leek moths at bay. Planting these two vegetables together reduces the need for chemical pesticides and promotes healthier growth for both plants.

Carrots and leeks also complement each other in terms of growth habits. Carrots have deep roots that help to break up the soil, improving soil structure and allowing better water and nutrient absorption. Leeks have shallow roots and grow vertically, so they don’t compete with carrots for space. This efficient use of space allows both plants to thrive, maximizing your garden’s productivity.

Another advantage is the improved soil health they promote. Combining deep and shallow root systems helps aerate the soil, enhancing its overall fertility. This soil improvement benefits not only carrots and leeks but also other garden plants.

Lavender with Carrots

Lavender is known for its strong fragrance, which can deter many common pests. This aromatic quality is particularly effective against carrot flies, a pest that can cause significant damage to carrot crops. Planting lavender near carrots creates a natural pest barrier, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and leading to healthier carrot plants.

Lavender’s drought-resistant nature also improves the garden environment. Its presence can help create a more resilient garden, as lavender requires little water and can thrive in less fertile soils. This characteristic allows it to grow well alongside carrots without competing for essential resources like water and nutrients.

Carrots, in turn, benefit from the presence of lavender in several ways. With fewer pests, carrots can grow more robustly and produce higher yields. Additionally, lavender attracts beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination in the garden. Although carrots are not pollinated by insects, the increased activity of these beneficial insects supports a thriving garden ecosystem, promoting overall plant health and productivity.

Wormwood and Beans

Wormwood is known for its potent aroma and natural chemical properties that repel many pests that attack beans, including aphids, spider mites, and flea beetles. By planting wormwood near beans, you create a natural pest barrier, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and enhancing the health and yield of the bean plants.

Beans, in turn, contribute to the garden by enriching the soil. They are legumes and have the unique ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through their root systems. This process adds essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, which benefits not only the beans themselves but also neighboring plants like wormwood. Improved soil fertility supports more robust growth for both plants.

While wormwood is beneficial for pest control, it is essential to manage its growth. Wormwood can be allelopathic, meaning it releases chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants. Properly spacing wormwood and beans ensures that the beneficial effects of pest control are maximized without negatively impacting the beans.

Borage and Strawberries

Borage repels common pests that can harm strawberries, such as aphids and caterpillars. Its strong scent deters these insects, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and helping strawberry plants stay healthy and productive. Additionally, borage attracts beneficial insects like bees and predatory wasps. Bees, in particular, are vital for pollinating strawberry flowers, leading to bigger fruits and higher yields.

If you want tastier strawberries, plant borage right next to them. Borage can enhance the flavor of strawberries, and when planted near strawberries, it leads to sweeter, more flavorful berries!

Borage acts as a living mulch for strawberries. Its broad leaves provide ground cover, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. This reduces competition for resources, allowing strawberry plants to thrive. The improved moisture retention also benefits strawberries during dry periods, ensuring they receive consistent hydration.

Strawberries, in turn, benefit from borage’s ability to improve soil health. Borage has deep roots that help to aerate the soil and increase its nutrient content. When borage leaves decompose, they add valuable minerals, such as potassium and calcium, back into the soil. These nutrients are essential for the healthy growth of strawberry plants, contributing to stronger plants and more abundant fruit.

Thyme and Roses

Thyme is a fragrant herb, so it’s a popular seasoning ingredient in many dishes. The same strong scent can also deter pests, particularly those that harm roses. This protection helps roses maintain their beauty and thrive throughout the growing season.

Thyme attracts beneficial insects such as bees and predatory wasps. These insects help pollinate the garden and control pest populations, creating a more balanced and thriving ecosystem. These beneficial insects can enhance the health of the entire garden, promoting better growth and flowering in roses and other plants.

Roses, on the other hand, can benefit thyme by providing partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. This shade helps thyme grow more robustly, preventing the herb from becoming too stressed in intense sunlight. Additionally, the dense foliage of roses can create a microenvironment that retains moisture in the soil, which is beneficial for thyme’s growth.

Healthy and Balanced Garden with Companion Planting

Companion planting promotes a healthier, more balanced growing environment. It allows plants to support each other, leading to better growth and reduced dependency on artificial aids. This method is valuable for small and large gardens and contributes to more sustainable and productive agriculture. With the plant combinations outlined in this guide, we hope you’ll have a thriving garden and higher yield come harvest season!