Introduction to Companion Planting

The idea of companion planting is an old one and can be used for several reasons. Many gardeners use this technique to maximize the space in their garden to they can produce the largest amount in the smallest space. Other gardeners use this to increase overall production as many vegetables simply grow better when planted near their preferred companions. The final reason many gardeners will use at least some limited companion planting is pest control. There are many flowers and vegetables that deter certain insects that may be attracted by other vegetables in the garden. Planting these items closely helps reduce the damage done by unwanted pests.

How to Choose Companions for Your Garden

The first step is to determine what vegetables you want to plant in your garden. We usually plant tomatoes, carrots, peas, beans, onions, lettuce and popcorn. We grow some unusual varieties of tomatoes to add flavor to our diet and fun to our garden. Once you have chosen the vegetables you would like to grow it is time to find out what their preferred companions are and how to plant together. It is also important to understand what plants they may not like. Here is a short list of companions:

· Tomatoes love carrots and garlic. Tomatoes hate cabbage and potatoes

· Peas love corn and cucumbers. Peas hate onions and garlic

· Beans love carrots and cauliflower. Beans hate onions and shallots

· Onions love beets and tomatoes. Onions hate peas and beans

· Lettuce loves carrots and radishes. Lettuce hates hot weather.

· Corn loves peas and beans.

These companions help each other grow by providing shade and/or nutrients the other is lacking. These are only a very few of the vegetables that can be planted together. Other companions include a variety of flowers and herbs. In general marigolds can be planted around the edges of the garden to deter Mexican bean beetles, nematoads and many other insects. Useful herbs that also repel insects include the following:

• Basil deters flies and mosquitos
• Mint deters white cabbage moths
• Rosemary deters cabbage moths, bean beetles and carrot flies
• Thyme deters cabbageworms

Again these are only a few of the options when trying to deter pests and insects. Another option is something called trap planting. This is done by planting a very smelly plant such as mustard near the garden. Insects are attracted to these plants instead of the garden. These trap plants should be cut and destroyed before the eggs insects lay on them hatch.

If you want to explore companion planting in depth I recommend getting, ‚”Carrots Love Tomatoes, the Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening” This book outlines specific plants that should be planted together and is a great first step to learning specifics.