Companion Plants: The Perfect Gardening Partners

Oleh Anonymous June 30, 2021 Post a Comment

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Good Companion Plants

When it comes to gardening, choosing the right plants isn't just about aesthetics. Certain plants can actually benefit each other when grown together in the same bed. These combinations are known as companion plants and can provide various benefits such as pest control, improved soil fertility, and increased crop yield. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best companion plants for your garden.

1. Tomatoes and Basil

Tomatoes and basil are a classic combination in both the culinary world and the garden. Basil is known to repel pests such as aphids and spider mites, while also improving the flavor and growth of tomatoes. Planting these two together will not only make for a delicious Caprese salad but also lead to healthier plants.

How to plant:

Plant 1-2 basil plants per tomato plant, spacing them 6-10 inches apart. Make sure to keep the soil moist and well-drained.

2. Carrots and Onions

Carrots and onions are another great pair. Onions can deter pests like carrot flies while carrots improve the soil structure, making it easier for onions to grow. Additionally, onions have a shallow root system that won't compete with carrots for nutrients.

How to plant:

Plant onion sets around the base of young carrot plants. Space them 3-4 inches apart and water thoroughly.

3. Cucumbers and Dill

Cucumbers and dill are a popular combination in many gardens. Dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on cucumber pests such as aphids and cucumber beetles. Additionally, dill can improve the flavor of cucumbers.

How to plant:

Plant 2-3 dill plants per cucumber plant, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. Make sure to keep the soil moist and well-drained.

4. Beans and Corn

Beans and corn are often referred to as the "three sisters" when grown together with squash. The beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which corn needs to grow, while the corn provides a trellis for the beans. Additionally, the beans can help support the corn during strong winds.

How to plant:

Plant corn first, then add pole bean seeds around the base of each corn plant. Space the beans 6-8 inches apart and water thoroughly.

5. Roses and Garlic

Roses are loved by many gardeners for their beauty but are also susceptible to pests like aphids and Japanese beetles. Adding garlic to rose beds can help repel these pests while also improving the health of the roses.

How to plant:

Plant garlic bulbs around the base of rose bushes, spacing them 4-6 inches apart. Make sure to keep the soil moist and well-drained.

6. Squash and Nasturtiums

Squash and nasturtiums are another great pairing. Nasturtiums attract beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies, which pollinate squash flowers. Additionally, they can deter pests like squash bugs and cucumber beetles.

How to plant:

Plant nasturtium seeds around the base of young squash plants, spacing them 10-12 inches apart. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist.

7. Peppers and Marigolds

Peppers and marigolds are a common combination in many gardens. Marigolds repel pests like nematodes and aphids, while also improving the overall health of pepper plants.

How to plant:

Plant marigold seeds around the base of young pepper plants, spacing them 6-8 inches apart. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist.

8. Lettuce and Chives

Lettuce and chives are a great pair for any salad lover. Chives can help deter pests like aphids and slugs, while also improving the flavor of lettuce.

How to plant:

Plant chive bulbs around the base of young lettuce plants, spacing them 4-6 inches apart. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist.

9. Radishes and Spinach

Radishes and spinach are another great pairing in the garden. Radishes mature quickly, providing space for spinach to grow, while spinach provides shade for radishes during hot summer months.

How to plant:

Plant radish seeds first, then add spinach seeds around the base of each radish plant. Space the spinach 6-8 inches apart and water thoroughly.

10. Eggplant and Catnip

Eggplant and catnip may seem like an odd pairing, but it's actually quite beneficial. Catnip attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and parasitic wasps, which prey on eggplant pests like flea beetles and spider mites.

How to plant:

Plant catnip around the base of young eggplant plants, spacing them 6-8 inches apart. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist.

Companion planting is a great way to improve your garden's health and yield while also reducing the need for harmful pesticides. By choosing the right combinations, you can create a self-sustaining ecosystem that benefits both you and the environment.

FAQs

1. What are companion plants?

Companion plants are plants that benefit each other when grown together in the same bed. They can provide various benefits such as pest control, improved soil fertility, and increased crop yield.

2. What are some good companion plants for tomatoes?

Basil, marigolds, and garlic are all good companion plants for tomatoes.

3. Can companion plants help reduce the need for pesticides?

Yes, by choosing the right combinations of plants, you can create a self-sustaining ecosystem that reduces the need for harmful pesticides.

4. Do all plants make good companions?

No, not all plants make good companions. Some plants can actually harm each other if grown together.

5. How do I know which plants make good companions?

There are many resources available online or at your local nursery that can help you determine which plants make good companions based on their specific needs and benefits.