Companion planting is the practice of growing mutually beneficial plants near each other. It reduces pests, improves soil, increases yields, and reduces the need for any intervention — the garden does the work.
Method
- Plant the "Three Sisters" together: corn, pole beans, and squash. Corn provides a trellis, beans fix nitrogen, squash shades soil.
- Plant basil with tomatoes — it repels aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms while improving tomato flavor.
- Interplant marigolds throughout the garden. Their root secretions deter nematodes and their scent confuses many pests.
- Plant nasturtiums as a trap crop for aphids — they draw aphids away from vegetables.
- Grow dill and fennel away from most vegetables (they inhibit growth) but near brassicas to attract beneficial wasps.
- Use borage near strawberries and tomatoes to repel hornworms and attract pollinators.
- Plant alliums (onions, garlic, chives) as borders — their scent confuses and deters many insects.
Tips & Notes
- Keep a garden journal. What works in your microclimate may differ from general advice.
- Flowers ARE vegetables in a companion garden. Never have a flowerless bed.
#companion planting#pest control#garden design#organic
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