Companion Planting: The Ultimate Guide to Printable Charts

Oleh Anonymous February 18, 2021 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

What is a Printable Companion Planting Chart?

Companion planting refers to the practice of growing different crops together for mutual benefits. A printable companion planting chart is essentially a visual tool that outlines which plants are compatible with each other and which ones should be kept apart. These charts can be printed out and used as a guide when planning your garden.

Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting has several benefits, including:

Pest Control - Some plants repel pests, while others attract beneficial insects that prey on harmful ones.
Improved Soil Health - Different plants have different nutrient requirements, so companion planting can help balance the soil pH and prevent depletion of nutrients.
Increased Yield - By planting complementary crops together, you can increase the yield of both crops.
Weed Suppression - Some plants act as natural weed suppressors, which can reduce the need for herbicides or manual weeding.

How to Use a Printable Companion Planting Chart

Using a printable companion planting chart is easy. Simply print it out and refer to it when planning your garden. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Consider Your Growing Conditions

Before selecting plants for your garden, consider the climate, soil type, and amount of sunlight that your garden receives. Not all plants thrive in the same conditions, so it's important to choose plants that are well-suited for your specific location.

Group Plants by Compatibility

When planning your garden, group plants together based on their compatibility. Companion plants should be planted together, while plants that are incompatible should be kept apart.

Rotate Your Crops

To prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases and pests, it's important to rotate your crops each year. A printable companion planting chart can help you plan out your crop rotation schedule.

The Best Printable Companion Planting Charts

There are many different printable companion planting charts available online. Here are a few of the best ones:

The Vegetable Garden Companion Planting Chart

This chart from The Old Farmer's Almanac is a comprehensive guide to companion planting for vegetable gardens. It includes information on which plants are compatible with each other, as well as planting tips and suggestions for crop rotation.

The Herb Garden Companion Planting Chart

If you're planning an herb garden, this companion planting chart from Savvy Gardening is a must-have. It outlines which herbs are compatible with each other and provides planting tips for optimal growth.

The Flower Garden Companion Planting Chart

Companion planting isn't just for vegetables and herbs - it can also be used in flower gardens. This chart from Better Homes & Gardens provides information on which flowers are compatible with each other and how to create a beautiful, thriving garden.

Tips for Successful Companion Planting

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when practicing companion planting:

Plant Compatible Crops Together

As mentioned earlier, it's important to group plants together based on their compatibility. Some examples of compatible crops include:

Tomatoes and basil
Carrots and onions
Corn and beans

Avoid Planting Incompatible Crops Together

Some plants are incompatible with each other and should not be planted together. Some examples of incompatible crops include:

Tomatoes and potatoes
Cucumbers and sage
Onions and peas

Choose Plants Based on Their Benefits

When selecting plants for your garden, consider their benefits beyond just compatibility. For example, certain plants are known to repel specific pests or attract beneficial insects.

Be Mindful of Plant Spacing

Plants that are too close together can compete for resources and limit growth. Be sure to space your plants according to their specific requirements.

In companion planting is a great way to improve the health and yield of your garden. By using a printable companion planting chart, you can easily plan out which plants to grow together and which ones to keep apart. Remember to choose plants based on their compatibility and benefits, rotate your crops regularly, and be mindful of plant spacing for optimal growth.

FAQs

Q: Can I use companion planting in container gardens?

A: Absolutely! Companion planting can be used in any type of garden, including container gardens. Just be sure to choose plants that are well-suited for container growing.

Q: Do I need to follow a companion planting chart exactly?

A: While it's a good idea to follow a companion planting chart as closely as possible, remember that gardening is not an exact science. If you don't have all of the recommended plants, don't worry - just do the best you can with what you have.

Q: Are there any disadvantages to companion planting?

A: The main disadvantage of companion planting is that it requires careful planning and research. However, the benefits of improved soil health, increased yield, and natural pest control far outweigh the extra effort.

Q: Can companion planting be used in organic gardening?

A: Yes! In fact, companion planting is often used in organic gardening as a natural way to control pests and improve soil health.

Q: Are there any plants that should not be planted together under any circumstances?

A: While there are many incompatible plant combinations, there are no plants that should never be planted together under any circumstances. Use a printable companion planting chart as a guide, but remember to experiment and find what works best for your specific garden.