Companion Planting is Easy

Companion planting is easy and in many instances very beneficial to every garden. Reducing watering, weeding, pests and even provide nutrients to the soil. The Three sisters method of planting is one of the best examples of companion planting. Each plant serves a specific purpose to the others. Ground covering plants like squash protects the soil from weeds while retaining moisture. This abundant moisture allows the corn to grow tall enough to act as a trellis for the beans. Beans that return nitrogen, the plants food, back into the soil. Beans, lentils and peas are beneficial companions to most garden beds as the nitrogen they replace is a necessity for plant growth.

There are a few different types of companion planting. Sometimes when suffering from some garden pests, the most effective solution is the predator of the pests. Types of companion planting like this is used by many gardeners. Planting marigolds is a type of companion planting based on attracting the pollinators and predators of many annoying garden pests. Marigolds repel aphids, cabbage moths, potato and cucumber beetles as well as squash bugs and nematodes. Some gardeners even say marigolds scent discourages rabbits. Dill protects your kale, cabbages and broccoli by attracting the wasps that keep your areas clear of damaging pests.

Tips and Uses

Basil is known to be a great companion plant for your tomatoes. Enhancing the flavor of the tomatoes, as well as deterring cabbage moths from getting at your tomato leaves. Basil also repels bugs like mosquitos, flies making it a great companion on the deck or in your sitting areas. Basil is even good for keeping hornworms away from your tomatoes. Many times companion plants have many beneficial purposes.

Borage, also known as starflower, is another benefit to your tomatoes, it improves the growth rate of your plants. Starflower also defends against blossom rot by adding calcium into the soil.

Peppermint is great for teas. However it also has been used to repel many pests like ants, mosquitos, mice and spiders.

Some plants have the opposite effect, like sunflowers. Sunflowers can have a stunting effect on surrounding plants causing a slower growth and lower production. Designate a raised bed or allow a few feet of empty space around sunflowers. I personally plant some bean or pea seeds around the sunflowers to encourage nitrogen replacement to the soil.

Companion planting helps provide you with ample harvests while reducing the work and pests associated with gardening. So get out there and learn what grows best with your favorite crops!