The Ultimate Guide To Companion Planting: What To Plant Together In Your Garden

Introduction

Companion planting is a gardening practice that involves planting different plants together in order to benefit each other. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as to deter pests, attract beneficial insects, improve pollination, or improve soil quality.

There are many different theories about how companion planting works, but some of the most common benefits include:

• Deterrent to pests: Some plants release chemicals that can repel pests, while others attract beneficial insects that prey on pests. For example, marigolds are often planted near tomatoes to repel nematodes, while nasturtiums attract aphid-eating ladybugs.
• Attraction of beneficial insects: Some plants attract beneficial insects, such as pollinators or predators of pests. For example, dill attracts bees and butterflies, which help to pollinate other plants.
• Improved pollination: Some plants are better pollinators than others, and planting them together can help to improve pollination rates. For example, beans and corn are both wind-pollinated plants, so planting them together can help to increase the number of beans that are produced.
• Improved soil quality: Some plants can improve the soil quality by fixing nitrogen or breaking down organic matter. For example, legumes, such as beans and peas, fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit other plants.

Main Content

There are many different companion planting combinations that can be used in the garden. Some of the most popular combinations include:

• Beans and corn: Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits corn. Corn provides shade for beans, which helps to protect them from pests.
• Carrots and radishes: Carrots and radishes have different root systems, so they do not compete for space. Radishes mature quickly, so they can be harvested before they start to shade the carrots.
• Cucumbers and beans: Cucumbers and beans benefit from each other's shade. Cucumbers do not like hot, dry weather, so the shade from the beans helps to keep them cool. Beans benefit from the moisture that cucumbers release.
• Lettuce and tomatoes: Lettuce and tomatoes have different water requirements. Lettuce needs more water than tomatoes, so the lettuce helps to keep the soil moist for the tomatoes. Tomatoes provide shade for the lettuce, which helps to protect it from pests.
• Marigolds and tomatoes: Marigolds repel nematodes, which can damage tomatoes. Marigolds also attract pollinators, which help to pollinate tomatoes.

These are just a few of the many different companion planting combinations that can be used in the garden. There are many resources available that can help you to find other companion planting combinations that are right for your garden.

Conclusion

Companion planting is a great way to improve the health and productivity of your garden. By planting different plants together, you can help to deter pests, attract beneficial insects, improve pollination, and improve soil quality. There are many different companion planting combinations that can be used, so you can find combinations that are right for your specific garden.

If you're looking for more information about what to plant together in your garden, I recommend visiting Garden Wiki. This website has a comprehensive guide on companion planting, which is the practice of planting certain plants together to benefit each other. For example, some plants attract beneficial insects, while others help to repel pests. By planting the right plants together, you can create a healthy and productive garden.

FAQ of garden what to plant together

• What are the benefits of companion planting?

Companion planting is the practice of planting certain types of plants together to benefit each other. There are many benefits to companion planting, including:

* Increased yields: Companion plants can help each other grow better and produce more food. For example, basil can help tomatoes grow larger and tastier fruits.
* Reduced pest and disease problems: Companion plants can help to repel pests and diseases, which can save you time and money on pest control. For example, marigolds can help to repel nematodes, which can damage tomatoes.
* Improved soil health: Companion plants can help to improve the overall health of the soil, which can lead to healthier plants. For example, legumes can fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit other plants.

• What are some good companion plants for tomatoes?

Some good companion plants for tomatoes include:

* Basil: Basil helps to deter tomato hornworms and other pests. It also enhances the flavor of tomatoes.
* Marigolds: Marigolds help to repel nematodes, which can damage tomatoes.
* Chives: Chives help to deter aphids and other pests.
* Lettuce: Lettuce helps to suppress weeds and improve the drainage around tomatoes.
* Spinach: Spinach helps to attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests.

• What are some plants that should not be planted together?

Some plants that should not be planted together include:

* Corn and tomatoes: Corn and tomatoes are both susceptible to the corn earworm, so planting them together can increase the risk of infestation.
* Cabbage and tomatoes: Cabbage and tomatoes are both members of the Brassica family, and planting them together can increase the risk of disease.
* Beans and peas: Beans and peas are both nitrogen-fixing plants, and planting them together can lead to nitrogen depletion in the soil.

• How many plants should I start with?

The number of plants you should start with depends on a number of factors, including the size of your garden, the type of plants you are growing, and your personal preferences. However, as a general rule, you should start with 3-4 plants per person. This will give you enough food to enjoy, but not so much that you get overwhelmed.

Image of garden what to plant together

1. Marigolds and tomatoes: These two plants attract different pests, so they can help to keep each other pest-free. Marigolds also help to repel nematodes, which can damage tomato roots.
2. Basil and tomatoes: Basil and tomatoes are a classic combination that tastes great together. Basil also helps to deter tomato hornworms, a common tomato pest.
3. Cucumbers and melons: These two plants enjoy similar growing conditions and can be planted together in the same bed. They also help to shade the soil, which can help to keep it moist.
4. Carrots and onions: Carrots and onions have different root systems, so they don't compete for water or nutrients. They also help to repel each other's pests.
5. Lettuce and spinach: These two leafy greens can be planted together in the same bed. They grow quickly and are relatively easy to care for.
6. Peas and beans: Peas and beans are legumes, which means they can fix nitrogen in the soil. This can help to improve the soil quality for other plants in the garden.
7. Sunflowers and marigolds: Sunflowers and marigolds are both tall plants that can help to attract pollinators to the garden. Sunflowers also provide food for birds in the winter.
8. Herbs and flowers: Herbs and flowers can be planted together to create a beautiful and fragrant garden. They also have different growing requirements, so they can help to fill in empty spaces in the garden.
9. Fruit trees and shrubs: Fruit trees and shrubs can be planted together to create a productive and beautiful garden. They can also provide shade and shelter for other plants in the garden.
10. Vines and trellises: Vines can be trained to grow on trellises, which can help to save space in the garden. They also provide shade and privacy.