The Ultimate Guide to Amaranth Companion Plants
Amaranth Companion Plants - What are They?
Amaranth, also known as pigweed, is a versatile crop that can be grown for its seeds, leaves, and flowers. It is an ancient crop that has been cultivated for thousands of years and is now grown all over the world.
Companion planting involves growing different plants together in a way that benefits both plants. Amaranth companion plants include vegetables, herbs, and flowers that are planted alongside amaranth to improve its growth, flavor, and yield.
15 Best Amaranth Companion Plants
1. Beans
Beans are a great companion plant for amaranth because they fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps the amaranth grow. They also provide shade and support for the amaranth.
How to plant:
Plant beans around the base of the amaranth plant at the same time or after the amaranth has already grown a few inches. Sow the beans about 6 inches apart and water them regularly.
Benefits:
Beans will attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which will help pollinate the amaranth. The beans will also add nitrogen to the soil, which will benefit both plants.
2. Cilantro
Cilantro is a popular herb that is often used in Mexican, Indian, and Asian cuisine. It is a good companion plant for amaranth because it attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies.
How to plant:
Plant cilantro seeds around the base of the amaranth plant after it has grown a few inches. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart.
Benefits:
Cilantro will attract beneficial insects that will help control pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It will also add nutrients to the soil and improve the flavor of the amaranth.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds are a popular annual flower that is easy to grow and adds color to any garden. They are a good companion plant for amaranth because they repel harmful nematodes and other pests.
How to plant:
Plant marigold seeds around the base of the amaranth plant before or after it has grown a few inches. Sow the seeds about 6 inches apart and water them regularly.
Benefits:
Marigolds will repel harmful pests and nematodes that can damage the amaranth plant. They will also add nutrients to the soil and improve the overall health of the garden.
4. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a beautiful edible flower that is often used in salads and other dishes. They are a great companion plant for amaranth because they attract beneficial insects and repel harmful pests.
How to plant:
Plant nasturtium seeds around the base of the amaranth plant before or after it has grown a few inches. Sow the seeds about 6 inches apart and water them regularly.
Benefits:
Nasturtiums will attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which will help pollinate the amaranth. They will also repel harmful pests like aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles.
5. Peppers
Peppers are a popular vegetable that is often used in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cuisine. They are a good companion plant for amaranth because they repel harmful insects and attract beneficial ones.
How to plant:
Plant pepper seeds around the base of the amaranth plant after it has grown a few inches. Sow the seeds about 12-18 inches apart and water them regularly.
Benefits:
Peppers will repel harmful insects like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. They will also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which will help pollinate the amaranth.
6. Radishes
Radishes are a root vegetable that is easy to grow and adds flavor to any salad or dish. They are a good companion plant for amaranth because they break up compacted soil and attract beneficial insects.
How to plant:
Plant radish seeds around the base of the amaranth plant before or after it has grown a few inches. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart.
Benefits:
Radishes will break up compacted soil and improve drainage, which will benefit the amaranth. They will also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies.
7. Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is high in nutrients like iron and calcium. It is a good companion plant for amaranth because it shades the soil and provides nutrients.
How to plant:
Plant spinach seeds around the base of the amaranth plant after it has grown a few inches. Sow the seeds about 6 inches apart and water them regularly.
Benefits:
Spinach will shade the soil and help retain moisture, which will benefit the amaranth. It will also add nutrients to the soil and improve the overall health of the garden.
8. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a beautiful annual flower that is easy to grow and adds color to any garden. They are a good companion plant for amaranth because they attract beneficial insects and provide shade.
How to plant:
Plant sunflower seeds around the base of the amaranth plant before or after it has grown a few inches. Sow the seeds about 12-18 inches apart and water them regularly.
Benefits:
Sunflowers will attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which will help pollinate the amaranth. They will also provide shade and support for the amaranth.
9. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a popular root vegetable that is often used in Southern cuisine. They are a good companion plant for amaranth because they provide ground cover and add nutrients to the soil.
How to plant:
Plant sweet potato slips (small plants) around the base of the amaranth plant after it has grown a few inches. Space them about 12-18 inches apart and water them regularly.
Benefits:
Sweet potatoes will provide ground cover and help suppress weeds, which will benefit the amaranth. They will also add nutrients to the soil and improve the overall health of the garden.
10. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a popular vegetable that is often used in Italian, Mexican, and American cuisine. They are a good companion plant for amaranth because they repel harmful pests and attract beneficial ones.
How to plant:
Plant tomato seeds or small plants around the base of the amaranth plant after it has grown a few inches. Space them about 12-18 inches apart and water them regularly.
Benefits:
Tomatoes will repel harmful pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. They will also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which will help pollinate the amaranth.
11. Basil
Basil is a popular herb that is often used in Italian, Thai, and Indian cuisine. It is a good companion plant for amaranth because it repels harmful insects and adds flavor.
How to plant:
Plant basil seeds or small plants around the base of the amaranth plant after it has grown a few inches. Space them about 6-8 inches apart and water them regularly.
Benefits:
Basil will repel harmful insects like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It will also add flavor to the amaranth and improve the overall health of the garden.
12. Chives
Chives are a popular herb that is often used in salads, soups, and other dishes. They are a good companion plant for amaranth because they repel harmful insects and add flavor.
How to plant:
Plant chive seeds or small plants around the base of the amaranth plant after it has grown a few inches. Space them about 6-8 inches apart and water them regularly.
Benefits:
Chives will repel harmful insects like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. They will also add flavor to the amaranth and improve the overall health of the garden.
13. Dill
Dill is a popular herb that is often used in pickles, salads, and other dishes. It is a good companion plant for amaranth because it attracts beneficial insects and repels harmful ones.
How to plant:
Plant dill seeds or small plants around the base of the amaranth plant after it has grown a few inches. Space them about 6-8 inches apart and water them regularly.
Benefits:
Dill will attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. It will also repel harmful insects like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
14. Fennel
Fennel is a popular herb that is often used in Italian, French, and Indian cuisine. It is a good companion plant for amaranth because it attracts beneficial insects and repels harmful ones.
How to plant:
Plant fennel seeds or small plants around the base of the amaranth plant after it has grown a few inches. Space them about 12-18 inches apart and water them regularly.
Benefits:
Fennel will attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. It will also repel harmful insects like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
15. Garlic
Garlic is a popular vegetable that is often used in Italian, Mexican, and Asian cuisine. It is a good companion plant for amaranth because it repels harmful insects and adds flavor.
How to plant:
Plant garlic bulbs around the base of the amaranth plant after it has grown a few inches. Space them about 6-8 inches apart and water them regularly.
Benefits:
Garlic will repel harmful insects like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It will also add flavor to the amaranth and improve the overall health of the garden.
FAQs
Q1. What is companion planting?
Companion planting involves growing different plants together in a way that benefits both plants. For example, planting beans alongside amaranth can improve its growth and yield.
Q2. What are the benefits of amaranth companion plants?
Amaranth companion plants can improve the growth, flavor, and yield of the crop. They can also repel harmful pests and attract beneficial insects.
Q3. Can I plant amaranth with other crops?
Yes, amaranth can be planted with other crops like corn, beans, and squash. This is known as the Three Sisters method and has been used by Native Americans for centuries.
Q4. What are some common pests that can damage amaranth?
Some common pests that can damage amaranth include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Companion plants like marigolds and garlic can help repel these pests.
Q5. Can I grow amaranth in containers?
Yes, amaranth can be grown in containers as long as they are at least 12 inches deep and have good drainage. Make sure to water the plant regularly and provide enough sunlight.
In amaranth companion plants can benefit the growth, flavor, and yield of the crop. By planting beans, cilantro, marigolds, nasturtiums, peppers, radishes, spinach, sunflowers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, basil, chives, dill, fennel, and garlic alongside amaranth, you can create a healthy and thriving garden. Remember to plant them at the right time, space them properly, and water them regularly. Happy planting!
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