Companion Growing: Tips and Examples of Plants That Thrive Together
Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefit. The technique has been used for centuries to improve plant growth and control pests naturally. In this blog, we will share some tips for successful companion growing and provide examples of plants that are best grown together.
Tip 1: Choose Complementary Plants
When selecting companion plants, it's important to choose those that complement each other. This means plants that have different nutrient needs and growth habits. For example, corn is a heavy feeder, so it pairs well with beans, which fix nitrogen in the soil. Similarly, tomatoes grow tall and need support, making them a great companion for basil, which grows low and compact.
Other examples of complementary plants include:
- Carrots and onions
- Cucumbers and radishes
- Lettuce and spinach
- Squash and marigolds
Tip 2: Consider Planting Time
Planting time is another important consideration for companion growing. Some plants grow better when planted together at the same time, while others thrive when staggered. For instance, planting carrots and radishes at the same time allows the radishes to break up the soil for the carrots, while planting beans and corn together requires staggering the planting so that the beans have time to grow before the corn shades them.
Tip 3: Rotate Crops
Rotating crops is crucial for companion growing because it helps prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil. For example, planting tomatoes in the same spot every year can lead to a buildup of soil-borne diseases like verticillium wilt. By rotating crops, you can break the cycle of pests and diseases and maintain healthy soil.
Examples of plants that rotate well together include:
- Tomatoes and peppers
- Cabbage and peas
- Corn and beans
Companion Plants That Thrive Together
Now that we've covered some tips for companion growing, let's take a look at some of the best companion plants to grow together:
- Tomatoes and Basil
Tomatoes and basil are a classic example of companion planting. Basil repels pests like mosquitoes and whiteflies while also enhancing the flavor of tomatoes.
- Carrots and Onions
Carrots and onions are also great companions. Onions repel carrot flies, while carrots attract beneficial insects that help control pests.
- Cucumbers and Radishes
Cucumbers and radishes make good companions because radishes help repel cucumber beetles, and the cucumbers provide shade for the radishes.
- Peppers and Marigolds
Peppers and marigolds are a great combination because marigolds repel nematodes and other pests that attack peppers.
- Beans and Corn
Beans and corn are often grown together because beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps corn grow better. In return, the corn provides support for the beans.
In conclusion, companion growing is an effective way to improve plant growth and control pests naturally. By choosing complementary plants, considering planting time, and rotating crops, you can create a thriving garden. With the examples of companion plants we've provided, you can start experimenting and find the perfect combinations for your garden.
For backyard gardening, you could maximize plant growth with a greenhouse. To view the catalogue of greenhouses we are carrying, please click here.