The Dos and Don'ts of Plant Pairings: Plants Not to Plant Together

Oleh Anonymous March 08, 2023 Post a Comment

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Gardening is a fantastic hobby, but it can be quite the challenge. There are so many factors to consider, such as soil type, climate, and sun exposure. One aspect that is often overlooked is plant pairings. Certain plants can thrive when planted together, while others shouldn't be planted near each other at all. In this article, we'll be discussing plants not to plant together.

Why Do Plants Matter?

Plants have different needs and characteristics that affect how they grow. Some plants prefer acidic soil, while others thrive in alkaline soil. Some require more water than others, and some need more sunlight. When two plants with different requirements are planted too close together, they can compete for resources, leading to stunted growth or even death. Additionally, some plants release chemicals that can be toxic to other plants, which is why careful plant pairing is crucial.

Plants Not to Plant Together

Here are some examples of plants that should not be planted together:

Tomatoes and Potatoes

Tomatoes and potatoes are both part of the nightshade family. They are susceptible to the same diseases and pests, so planting them together can increase the risk of an infestation. Additionally, both plants require a lot of nutrients, so planting them together can lead to nutrient depletion in the soil.

Cucumbers and Sage

Sage releases a chemical called thujone, which can stunt the growth of nearby plants. Cucumbers are particularly sensitive to thujone, so planting them near sage can result in stunted growth and poor yields.

Garlic and Beans

Garlic is known for its antibacterial properties, which can be beneficial in some cases. However, it can also inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including beans. Planting garlic near beans can result in reduced yields and stunted growth.

Mint and Parsley

Mint is a vigorous grower that can quickly take over a garden bed. Parsley is a slower grower that can struggle to compete with mint. Additionally, mint releases chemicals that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including parsley.

Onions and Peas

Onions are known for their pungent smell, which can deter pests. However, this smell can also inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including peas. Planting onions near peas can result in reduced yields and stunted growth.

Other Considerations

In addition to the specific plant pairings mentioned above, there are other factors to consider when planning your garden. Here are a few tips:

Companion Planting

Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together to benefit each other. For example, planting marigolds near tomatoes can help repel pests, while planting basil near peppers can improve flavor. Research companion planting options for your favorite vegetables to give your garden a boost.

Crop Rotation

Crop rotation is the practice of moving crops around to different areas of the garden each year. This helps prevent soil-borne diseases and pests from building up. If you're growing plants that are susceptible to the same issues, make sure to rotate them each year.

Soil Preparation

Different plants have different soil requirements. Some prefer sandy soil, while others prefer loamy soil. Before planting, make sure to prepare your soil according to the needs of your plants. This can include adding compost, fertilizer, or other amendments.

Plant pairing is an important consideration when planning your garden. Certain plants should not be planted together due to their different requirements or chemical interactions. By carefully selecting your plant pairings and considering other factors like companion planting, crop rotation, and soil preparation, you can create a healthy and thriving garden.

FAQs

Q: Can I plant tomatoes near peppers?

A: Yes! Tomatoes and peppers are actually good companions, as they have similar nutrient requirements and can help repel pests from each other.

Q: What about planting herbs together?

A: Herbs are generally good companion plants and can even improve each other's flavor. Just be careful not to plant vigorous growers like mint with slower-growing herbs like parsley.

Q: Can I plant garlic near anything?

A: Garlic can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, so it's best to plant it away from other vegetables. However, it can be beneficial to plant it near roses, as it can help repel aphids.

Q: Is crop rotation really necessary?

A: Yes! Crop rotation is an important practice that helps prevent soil-borne diseases and pests from building up.

Q: Can I plant fruit trees near my vegetable garden?

A: It depends on the fruit tree and the vegetables you're growing. Some fruit trees, like apple trees, can release chemicals that are toxic to certain vegetables. Do some research before planting to make sure your pairings are compatible.