Companion Planting: A Comprehensive Guide with Free Printable Chart

Oleh Anonymous June 09, 2021 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Free Printable Companion Planting Chart

Companion planting is a gardening technique where different plants are grown together in order to benefit each other. For example, some plants can repel pests or attract beneficial insects, while others can improve soil quality or provide shade for other plants. If you're interested in trying out companion planting, having a chart can be really helpful. In this article, we'll give you a free printable companion planting chart that you can use as a reference.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting has been used for centuries by gardeners all over the world. There are many benefits to this technique, including:

Pest Control

Some plants have natural pest-repellent properties. For example, marigolds can repel nematodes, while basil can repel mosquitoes and flies. By planting these plants alongside your other crops, you can reduce the amount of damage caused by pests.

Improved Soil Quality

Different plants have different nutrient needs. By growing a variety of plants together, you can improve the overall health of your soil. For example, legumes like beans and peas can fix nitrogen in the soil, while plants like sunflowers can loosen compacted soil.

Better Yield

By using companion planting techniques, you can increase your overall yield. Some plants, like beans and corn, work well together because the beans can climb up the corn stalks, providing a natural trellis. Other plants, like tomatoes and basil, can improve each other's flavor when grown together.

How to Use the Companion Planting Chart

Our free printable companion planting chart is organized by plant type. You'll find a list of vegetables, herbs, and flowers that are commonly grown in home gardens. Each plant is then listed alongside its companion plants, as well as plants that should be avoided.

Vegetables

The vegetable section of our chart includes popular crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. For example, if you're growing tomatoes, you'll find that they do well when planted alongside basil, carrots, and marigolds. On the other hand, they should be kept away from cabbage and fennel.

Herbs

The herb section of our chart includes common herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme. For example, if you're growing parsley, you'll find that it does well when planted alongside tomatoes and asparagus. However, it should be avoided when planting with mint.

Flowers

The flower section of our chart includes popular blooms like petunias, zinnias, and sunflowers. For example, if you're planting petunias, you'll find that they do well when planted alongside beans and corn. However, they should not be planted with fennel or dill.

Tips for Successful Companion Planting

While companion planting can be a great way to improve your garden, there are some tips you should keep in mind:

Plan Ahead

Before you planting, make sure you have a plan in place. Decide which plants you want to grow and where you want to plant them. This will help you avoid any potential problems down the line.

Rotate Crops

To prevent soil-borne diseases, it's important to rotate your crops each year. Don't plant the same crop in the same spot two years in a row.

Be Flexible

While companion planting can be helpful, it's not always necessary. If you don't have the space or resources to plant multiple crops together, that's okay! Focus on growing healthy plants and the rest will fall into place.

Experiment

Companion planting is not an exact science. What works well for one gardener may not work as well for another. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the companion planting chart for container gardening?

A: Yes, you can! While the chart was designed with traditional garden beds in mind, many of the principles can be applied to container gardening as well.