Companion Planting in Edible Landscapes: A Guide to Garden Besties

🌱Hey there, garden gurus and greenhorns alike! 🌿

Have you ever heard the phrase "teamwork makes the dream work"? Well, that doesn't just apply to group projects and family dinners. It’s also a golden rule in the world of gardening. Enter: companion planting. If you've ever wondered how to make your garden thrive while keeping pests at bay and boosting plant growth, then companion planting is your new best friend. Let’s dig into what it is, why it’s important, and how you can create some plant BFFs in your own edible landscape.

What is Companion Planting and Why It's Important?

Companion Planting 101: Companion planting is like matchmaking for plants. It’s all about growing certain plants together because they help each other out. Some plants repel pests, while others improve soil nutrients or provide shade. It’s like having a helpful neighbor who brings you soup when you’re sick, but in plant form!

Why Bother with Companion Planting?

• Pest Control: Some plants repel pests naturally. No need for chemical sprays!

• Improved Growth: Certain plants can enhance each other's growth. Think of it as plant synergy.

• Better Use of Space: Maximize your garden space by pairing plants that grow well together.

• Soil Health: Some plants improve soil conditions, making it more fertile for their companions.

Examples of Effective Companion Planting Combinations

1. Tomatoes and Basil:

• Why They Work: Basil repels pests like aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. Plus, it’s said to enhance the flavor of tomatoes. Talk about a delicious duo!

• Planting Tips: Plant basil around the base of your tomato plants. Make sure they both get plenty of sunlight.

2. Carrots and Onions:

• Why They Work: Onions repel carrot flies, while carrots can help deter onion flies. They’ve got each other’s backs!

• Planting Tips: Alternate rows of carrots and onions. They’ll happily grow side by side.

3. Cucumbers and Nasturtiums:

• Why They Work: Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, luring aphids away from cucumbers. They also add a splash of color and are edible too!

• Planting Tips: Plant nasturtiums around the edges of your cucumber patch or intersperse them among the vines.

4. Beans and Corn:

• Why They Work: Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which corn loves. Corn provides a natural trellis for the beans to climb. It's a classic Three Sisters combo (often paired with squash).

• Planting Tips: Plant corn first and allow it to grow a few inches before planting beans. This gives the corn a head start to act as a sturdy support.

5. Lettuce and Radishes:

• Why They Work: Radishes mature quickly and help break up the soil for the slower-growing lettuce. They’re a fast and slow combo that works beautifully.

• Planting Tips: Plant radishes in rows or between your lettuce plants. Harvest the radishes early to give lettuce more room to grow.

How to Implement Companion Planting in Your Landscape

Plan Your Layout:

• Sketch It Out: Draw a rough map of your garden. Plan where each plant will go based on their companion needs.

• Consider Sunlight: Make sure each plant gets the right amount of sun. Tall plants can provide shade for those that need it.

Start Small:

• Test Combos: Start with a few companion pairs and see how they do. Every garden is different, so a bit of trial and error is part of the process.

• Observe and Adjust: Keep an eye on how your plants are doing. If something isn’t thriving, don’t be afraid to move things around.

Use Containers:

• Flexible Gardening: If space is limited, use containers to test different companion planting combos. This is especially useful for herbs and smaller plants.

Rotate Crops:

• Keep It Fresh: Rotate your plants each season to avoid soil depletion and pest buildup. Companion planting can help, but rotating ensures your soil stays healthy and pests stay confused.

Have Fun with It:

• Get Creative: Mix and match different plants and see what works best for your garden. Companion planting is as much an art as it is a science.

Companion planting is a fantastic way to boost your garden’s health and productivity. By strategically pairing plants, you can create a harmonious garden where every plant supports each other. Plus, it’s a great excuse to spend more time planning and less time battling pests. So, grab your garden gloves and get planting—your garden will thank you!

P.S. Did you know there are bad companion plants. Read about it here.