The Power of Companion Planting: 15 Plants that Thrive Alongside Corn
Companion Plant to Corn
Corn is one of the most popular crops around the world, and for good reason. This versatile crop can be used in countless ways, from feeding livestock to producing biofuels. However, growing corn can be a challenge, as it is vulnerable to pests, disease, and other environmental stressors.
One way to help protect your corn crop and promote its growth is through companion planting. Companion planting involves growing different plants together that benefit each other in various ways. In this post, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for corn.
15 Companion Plants for Corn
1. Beans
Beans are a great companion plant for corn because they fix nitrogen in the soil. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and corn requires a lot of it. By planting beans alongside corn, you can improve the soil quality and promote healthy growth for both crops.
How to Plant:
Plant bush beans or pole beans near the base of the corn stalks after the corn has been planted and is at least six inches tall. The beans will climb up the stalks and add nitrogen to the soil.
2. Squash
Squash is another excellent companion plant for corn. Squash plants have large leaves that shade the soil and help retain moisture, which is beneficial for corn. Additionally, squash plants repel certain pests that can damage corn, such as squash bugs and cucumber beetles.
How to Plant:
Plant squash seeds in hills between the corn rows, making sure to leave enough space for the plants to spread out.
3. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a great companion plant for corn because they have similar water and nutrient needs. Additionally, cucumber plants attract beneficial insects that can help control pests that harm corn.
How to Plant:
Plant cucumber seeds in hills between the corn rows, making sure to leave enough space for the plants to spread out.
4. Melons
Melons are another great companion plant for corn. Like squash, melon plants have large leaves that shade the soil and help retain moisture. Additionally, melon plants attract beneficial insects that can help control pests that harm corn.
How to Plant:
Plant melon seeds in hills between the corn rows, making sure to leave enough space for the plants to spread out.
5. Peas
Peas are another nitrogen-fixing plant that make great companions for corn. Additionally, pea plants attract beneficial insects that can help control pests that harm corn.
How to Plant:
Plant peas near the base of the corn stalks after the corn has been planted and is at least six inches tall.
6. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a great companion plant for corn because they have large leaves that shade the soil and help retain moisture. Additionally, pumpkin plants repel certain pests that can damage corn, such as squash bugs and cucumber beetles.
How to Plant:
Plant pumpkin seeds in hills between the corn rows, making sure to leave enough space for the plants to spread out.
7. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a great companion plant for corn because they have deep roots that help break up the soil, allowing for better water and nutrient absorption. Additionally, tomato plants attract beneficial insects that can help control pests that harm corn.
How to Plant:
Plant tomato seeds in hills between the corn rows, making sure to leave enough space for the plants to spread out.
8. Radishes
Radishes are a great companion plant for corn because they break up compacted soil and add organic matter to the soil. Additionally, radish plants attract beneficial insects that can help control pests that harm corn.
How to Plant:
Plant radish seeds near the base of the corn stalks after the corn has been planted and is at least six inches tall.
9. Marigolds
Marigolds are a great companion plant for corn because they repel certain pests that can damage corn, such as root-knot nematodes and bean beetles. Additionally, marigold plants attract beneficial insects that can help control pests that harm corn.
How to Plant:
Plant marigold seeds in between the corn rows.
10. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for corn because they repel certain pests that can damage corn, such as aphids and squash bugs. Additionally, nasturtium plants attract beneficial insects that can help control pests that harm corn.
How to Plant:
Plant nasturtium seeds in between the corn rows.
11. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a great companion plant for corn because they provide shade for the soil and attract beneficial insects that can help control pests that harm corn.
How to Plant:
Plant sunflower seeds in between the corn rows.
12. Borage
Borage is a great companion plant for corn because it repels certain pests that can damage corn, such as hornworms and tomato fruit worms. Additionally, borage plants attract beneficial insects that can help control pests that harm corn.
How to Plant:
Plant borage seeds in between the corn rows.
13. Chives
Chives are a great companion plant for corn because they repel certain pests that can damage corn, such as aphids and Japanese beetles. Additionally, chive plants attract beneficial insects that can help control pests that harm corn.
How to Plant:
Plant chive seeds in between the corn rows.
14. Oregano
Oregano is a great companion plant for corn because it repels certain pests that can damage corn, such as spider mites and aphids. Additionally, oregano plants attract beneficial insects that can help control pests that harm corn.
How to Plant:
Plant oregano seeds in between the corn rows.
15. Sage
Sage is a great companion plant for corn because it repels certain pests that can damage corn, such as cabbage moths and carrot flies. Additionally, sage plants attract beneficial insects that can help control pests that harm corn.
How to Plant:
Plant sage seeds in between the corn rows.
Companion planting is an effective way to protect your corn crop and promote its growth. By growing different plants together, you can improve soil quality, retain moisture, and repel pests that harm corn. Consider planting some of these companion plants alongside your corn this season!
FAQs
Q: What is companion planting?
A: Companion planting involves growing different plants together that benefit each other in various ways.
Q: What are some benefits of companion planting?
A: Companion planting can improve soil quality, retain moisture, and repel pests that harm crops.
Q: What are some common companion plants for corn?
A: Common companion plants for corn include beans, squash, cucumbers, melons, peas, pumpkins, tomatoes, radishes, marigolds, nasturtiums, sunflowers, borage, chives, oregano, and sage.
Q: How do you plant companion plants alongside corn?
A: Plant companion plants in between the corn rows, making sure to leave enough space for each plant to spread out.
Q: Can companion planting help reduce the need for pesticides?
A: Yes, by repelling certain pests and attracting beneficial insects, companion planting can help reduce the need for pesticides.
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