Companion Gardening: A Guide to Planning and Planting for a Bountiful Harvest
Understanding Companion Planting
Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves growing different plant species together for their mutual benefit. While not always based on scientific evidence, it draws upon traditional gardening knowledge and observations. By understanding garden biodiversity and the interactions between plants, you can make informed choices to enhance the health and productivity of your garden.
Benefits of Companion Planting
- Increased fruit production: Certain companion plants can stimulate growth and improve fruit set.
- Pest deterrence: Some plants release scents or compounds that repel insects and other pests.
- Soil health improvement: Leguminous plants, such as beans and peas, fix nitrogen in the soil, making it available to other plants.
Classic Example: The Three Sisters
The “three sisters” planting method is a classic example of companion planting. Corn, beans, and squash are grown together in a mutually beneficial arrangement:
- Corn provides support for climbing beans.
- Beans add nitrogen to the soil, stabilizing corn during high winds.
- Large squash leaves shade the ground, retaining moisture and suppressing weeds.
Companion Plants for Common Vegetables
Tomatoes: Basil, carrots, cucumbers, squash
Potatoes: Beans, cole crops, corn, lettuce, spinach, radishes
Cole Crops (Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower): Oregano, garlic, mint, nasturtium, onions, peas, thyme
Beans and Peas: Cole crops, carrots, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, potatoes, radishes, squash, strawberries, tomatoes
Beets: Cole crops, bush beans, garlic, lettuce, onions
Carrots: Chives, leeks, onions, peas, radishes, rosemary, sage
Summer Squash (including Zucchini): Beans, corn, peas, radishes
Peppers: Basil, onions, okra
Onions: Beets, carrots, cole crops, lettuce
Lettuces: Corn, pumpkins, radishes, squash
Eggplant: Beans, catnip, marigolds, peas, peppers
Cucumber: Beans, beets, corn, onions, peas, radishes
Corn: Beans, cucumbers, peas, melons, potatoes, squash
Companion Garden Plans
Row Gardening
- Plan your rows according to the companion plant chart, placing compatible plants side-by-side.
- Till the soil and add compost before planting.
- Choose compact plants for short rows.
Raised Bed Gardening
- Raised beds warm up quickly in the spring, extending the growing season.
- They are easy to weed and harvest root vegetables.
Square Foot Gardening
- Divides a raised bed into squares, allowing for precise spacing of companion plants.
Small In-Ground Gardening
- Suitable for small yards, a 10 x 10-foot sunny spot is ideal.
- Companion plant compatible vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, and bush beans.
Vertical Gardening
- Ideal for small spaces, it uses vertical structures to support companion plants like salad greens, dwarf peas, and herbs.
Plants to Avoid Planting Together
- Beans and Onions
- Tomatoes and Potatoes
- Corn and Tomatoes
- Tomatoes and Cole Crops
- Cucumber and Squash
- Lettuce and Celery
- Tomatoes and Fennel
- Peppers and Cole Crops
- Potatoes and Summer Squash
- Asparagus and Onions
- Fennel and Eggplant
- Pumpkins and Summer Squash
- Peas and Garlic
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I arrange my vegetable garden?
- Consider available space, sunlight, and companion plant guidelines. Avoid planting tall plants that may shade others.
What vegetables should be planted next to each other?
- Refer to the companion planting chart for compatible pairings that deter pests, diseases, and soil depletion.
What is the rule of three companion planting?
- The “three sisters” planting method involves growing corn, beans, and squash together, providing mutual support, soil enhancement, and weed control.
