Best Companion Plants Your garden is so much more than just plants you put in the earth and water — it’s a place where things grow to support other things growing. And companion planting is easily one of the best methods to get this balance as it involves planting different crops in close proximity for mutual benefit. When done, the results are greener leaf and bigger output, and it also eliminates pests naturally not to mention makes plants give you your tomatoes that taste so much better. Here is a list of the 11 best companion plants to help you grow a happy, healthy garden – no matter your level (or lack) of green thumb. Best Companion Plants
What is Companion Planting?
Enrollment STARTS Companion planting guidelines Basic companions Dynamic accumulators Decoy plants Pest martyrdom Plant pairs. The idea behind this method is that certain plants, when planted together can help each other thrive. Other combinations can repel pests that are harmful or enrich the soil, providing necessary shade. In layman’s terms, you apply the same principles to how plants grow naturally in nature and they pretty much look after themselves because these are self-maintaining systems that need less chemicals, water or interaction from humans like traditional gardens. Best Companion Plants
How to Use Companion Planting
Plants all play a different role in the garden. While some access nutrients deep in the soil, others naturally repel pests or attract beneficial insects (such as pollinators). Certain plants, when paired correctly can amplify the growth of one another. And so, for instance — corn creates a natural trellis to beans (as does the ladder), however in addition, peas and all fats fix nitrogen from their roots and it is profitable to others near by. Best Companion Plants
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Companion Plants for Your Garden
So now that you understand what is companion planting, let us delve into the best ever companions for different gardens. If you grow flowers, vegetables or herbs in your garden then there are ideal companion plants that will help make each of them even their health and performance. Best Companion Plants
1. Tomatoes and Basil
One of the most iconic duos in gardening, tomatoes and basil for your plate also make fantastic partners off it. Basil can help to keep tomato hornworms, aphids and whiteflies off your tomatoes. In return, basil protects tomatoes from insects & acts as a good partner to fight off pests in the garden whilst at the same time; well planted along side with tomato plants prevent slipping of sunlight over it. Not to mention, tomato love plants as well. By growing them together you are said to improve the taste of tomatoes. Best Companion Plants
Pro Tip: Basil is also a wonderful companion for peppers and eggplants! Herbs and the Liquor Want to go more in depth on what herbs pair well together? Seasonal Garden Care Guide Read Here
2. Carrots and Onions
Onions and carrots are great neighbours as onions can deter pests like carrot flies. Carrots in return help break the soil apart making it easier for onions to put down strong roots. This is also a good pairing, because tomatoes and basil have shallow root systems so they do not compete with each other as much. Best Companion Plants
Planting Tip: Additionally planting carrots and onions together in the garden also helps to save space, a nice trick if you have less growing ground or raised beds.
3. The Three Sisters: Corn, Beans and Squash
A classic companion planting used by Native American cultures, this ancient trio stands out in the garden. Beans grow up the corn, enriching the soil with nitrogen; squash leaves spread out beneath providing mulch for shade and moisture. What they produce together allows the three plants to have a symbiotic relationship and flourish in each others’ presence. Best Companion Plants
Pro Tip: If you are gardening in a limited space, you can use dwarf corn varieties and bush beans to get the benefits of Three Sisters method on breakfast scale.
4. Cucumbers and Nasturtiums
If you are trying to deter pests that eat cucumber, then nasturtium is the one for you. The sunny faces of marigolds will help keep aphids, beetles and other pests at bay. In addition to their heat-loving qualities nasturtiums draw beneficial pollinators like bees — necessary for a good cucumber yield. Best Companion Plants
Pro Tip: Nasturtiums are actually edible and look pretty in salads too. Grow them around the edge of your garden for added pest protection!
5. Marigolds, marigolds and more니askets of gold!
Marigolds — Marigolds are known throughout the gardening community as one of the most popular companion plants due to their potential effectiveness in deterring a long list pests from nematodes and aphids all the way down to cabbage worms. The bright colors are also attractive to ladybugs and hoverflies which feed on garden pests. They work with just about any vegetable in the garden especially tomatoes, peppers, beans etc.
Pro Tip: Border your garden beds with marigolds to keep pests away and for added color!
Sustainable Gardening: Key Success
The magic of companion planting is not just in helping your garden to be more productive early on, but also being an integral part of sustainable gardening. If you plant species that work together in their native setting, this will reduce the need for any outside synthetic help such as chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This results in healthier soil, less water incorporation, and a more eco-friendly garden. Best Companion Plants
Pro Tip: By rotating your crops annually and practicing companion planting, you can greatly reduce the number of pests that eat at these plants, and replenish nutrient depleted soil. Find our more about Raised Garden Bed Guide Here
Symbiotic Beneficial Pest Control Plant Combinations
Photo by Jade Published on July 11, 2019 in Garden Basics Tips for Companion Planting One of the many perks associated with companion planting is its ability to naturally control pests. Some, plants act as natural pest repellents which keep the destructive insects away without hose spray. There are a few tips that you can use such as planting garlic around your roses to avoid aphids, just like chives planted with cucumbers will help against mildew. Best Companion Plants
6. Lettuce and Radishes
Radishes bring up plants need of binding minerals and break the earth beneath, creating more efficient reach fro root systems to absorb those elements. Moreover, radishes serve as a trap crop to keep leaf miners at bay (they attract the pests away from lettuce). Best Companion Plants
Grow radishes in between slow-growing vegetables to make the most of your garden space all season long!
Why Companion Planting Works
According to scientific research: companion planting performs pest control (in addition which we knew), but this improves soil health and pollination. Flowering plants —such as lavender and sunflower— will bring in the bees, which are key to fruit production. Best Companion Plants
There are also studies which demonstrate that plants can release specific chemical signals to scare off unwanted insects (or, in some cases attract predatory bugs.) This complex web of plant interactions is what makes companion planting effective.
Conclusion: Achieving a Bountiful Garden Through Companion Planting
But by using companion planting methods, you can create a wonderful garden that will grow to become self-regulating. The list of advantages ranges from High Yield, Natural Pest, and Disease Control to many more. If you plant tomatoes with basil or use the Three Sisters method your garden will benefit from a diverse ecosystem!