What is Companion Planting?
Companion Planting is planting crops together to not only support the growth of the plants but also to help protect your plants from certain pests and diseases.
By planting onions and mint around your brassica, you will naturally help deter cabbage moths. Basil is not just for your pasta sauce but will also help improve the growth and flavor of your tomatoes. Then you have the “three sisters” garden with corn, squash, and beans. Each working together to benefit the other, in not just protection but also in the nutrients in the soil bed itself.
I like to plant flowers throughout my garden, not just because I enjoy them, but they also attract pollinators and many predator insects that we need in order for our crops to grow. It’s important to use plants that complement each other in nature, as they work together. Flowers play an important role in companion planting, as they offer your plants protection from many pests. We consider marigolds to be the flower of choice with many gardeners for that very reason.
There is a lot of information on companion planting, what works and does not together, but don’t let it overwhelm you either. Start with a list of the plants you want to grow and the area you have for them, even if it just containers. Group them together with what works or helps, you will see fast that you will get a few distinct groups.
I helped a friend a few weeks ago design her new raised beds. With a list of the plants she wanted to grow and knowing her bed’s layout, I could create a functioning design for her with companion planting in mind. It ended with 3 different beds; a tomato bed, a potato bed, and a pea bed. Then she could mix in the rest of her selection in amongst those three primary crops and adding additional plants like nasturtiums and marigolds.
Now that you know why you want to try companion planting, head over to West Coast Seeds for a more in-depth breakdown of each type of plant and what it will work well with or not! If you need more help or advice, contact me today!
The Gardeners' Wings 