Companion Planting Chart: How to Grow Vegetables and Flowers Together

Oleh Anonymous May 02, 2024 Post a Comment

companion planting chart vegetables and flowers

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If you're interested in gardening, you've probably heard of companion planting. This is the practice of growing different plants together that benefit each other in some way. Some plants repel pests, while others attract beneficial insects or provide shade. By combining plants strategically, you can create a healthier, more productive garden.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at companion planting, focusing specifically on vegetables and flowers. We'll provide a handy chart to help you decide which plants to grow together, and we'll explain why certain combinations work better than others.

Why Companion Planting Works

Companion planting is based on the idea that different plants have different needs, and by growing them together, you can create a more balanced ecosystem. For example, some plants are nitrogen-fixers, meaning they convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. Others are good at repelling pests or attracting pollinators. By combining these plants, you can create a more self-sustaining garden.

One of the key benefits of companion planting is pest control. Certain plants naturally repel insects that might otherwise damage your crops. For example, marigolds are well-known for their ability to repel nematodes, which are microscopic worms that attack the roots of plants. Other plants, such as basil or dill, can repel aphids or whiteflies.

Another benefit of companion planting is improved soil health. Some plants have deep roots that help break up compacted soil, while others add nutrients back into the soil. By growing a variety of plants together, you can create a more diverse and healthy ecosystem.

The Companion Planting Chart

Now that we've talked about why companion planting works, let's dive into the details. Below is a chart that shows which vegetables and flowers are good companions, and which ones should be kept apart.

Vegetable	Companion Flowers	Bad Companions
Beans	Marigolds, Nasturtiums	Alliums (onions, garlic, etc.)
Carrots	Parsley, Chives, Marigolds	Dill
Cucumbers	Nasturtiums, Radishes, Marigolds	Aromatic herbs (basil, oregano, sage)
Lettuce	Marigolds, Nasturtiums	None
Peppers	Marigolds, Petunias	Fennel
Squash	Nasturtiums, Marigolds	Potatoes
Tomatoes	Marigolds, Basil, Calendula	Potatoes, Fennel

Beans

Beans are nitrogen-fixers, meaning they can take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use. This makes them great companions for other plants that need nitrogen, such as corn or squash. They also benefit from being planted near flowers like marigolds or nasturtiums, which can deter pests.

Bad Companions for Beans

On the other hand, beans should not be planted near alliums, such as onions or garlic. These plants release compounds that can inhibit the growth of beans.

Carrots

Carrots are another vegetable that benefits from companion planting. They grow well with herbs like parsley or chives, which can help repel pests like carrot flies. Marigolds are also a good choice, as they can help deter nematodes in the soil.

Bad Companions for Carrots

However, carrots should not be planted near dill. Dill attracts a specific type of insect called the carrot psyllid, which can damage your crop.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a popular choice for home gardeners, but they can be prone to pests like cucumber beetles or aphids. To keep these pests at bay, try planting your cucumbers near flowers like nasturtiums, radishes, or marigolds. These plants can deter pests and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings.

Bad Companions for Cucumbers

Avoid planting cucumbers near aromatic herbs like basil or oregano. These plants can attract pests that might otherwise leave your cucumbers alone.

Lettuce

Lettuce is another vegetable that benefits from companion planting. It doesn't have any specific companion plants, but it does well when planted near flowers like marigolds or nasturtiums. These plants can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.

No Bad Companions for Lettuce

There are no specific plants to avoid planting near lettuce, so feel free to mix and match as you please.

Peppers

Peppers can benefit from companion planting in a few different ways. They do well when planted near flowers like marigolds or petunias, which can help deter pests. They also benefit from being planted near herbs like basil or oregano, which can enhance their flavor.

Bad Companions for Peppers

Peppers should not be planted near fennel, as it can inhibit their growth.

Squash

Squash is another popular vegetable that can benefit from companion planting. It grows well with flowers like nasturtiums or marigolds, which can deter pests. It also benefits from being planted near corn or beans, which can provide shade and fix nitrogen in the soil.

Bad Companions for Squash

Squash should not be planted near potatoes, as they are both susceptible to the same types of pests and diseases.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are perhaps the most well-known vegetable for companion planting. They grow well with a variety of plants, including basil, marigolds, and calendula. These plants can help repel pests and improve soil health.

Bad Companions for Tomatoes

Tomatoes should not be planted near potatoes or fennel. These plants can attract pests that might otherwise leave your tomatoes alone.

Companion planting can be a great way to improve the health and productivity of your garden. By combining different plants strategically, you can create a more balanced ecosystem that is better able to resist pests and disease. Use the chart we've provided as a ing point, but feel free to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.

FAQs

1. Can I plant any vegetable with any flower?

No, some vegetables and flowers work better together than others. Consult our companion planting chart to get an idea of which plants are good companions.

2. Do I need to plant all of these plants together at once?

No, you can mix and match as you please. The chart is just a guide to help you get ed.

3. Can companion planting really help control pests?

Yes, certain plants have natural pest-repelling properties that can help protect your crops.

4. What if I don't have space for all of these plants?

You can still benefit from companion planting even if you only have a small garden. Just choose a few key plants to grow together, and see how they do.

5. Are there any downsides to companion planting?

Some plants may not thrive when grown near certain companions, so it's important to do your research before planting. Additionally, some plants can compete with each other for resources, so you'll need to make sure that you're giving each plant enough space and nutrients.