Companion planting is a method used in gardening to maintain a natural balance by growing plants together that have mutual benefits for one another. Putting other types of plants in the same place can help to reduce pests and weeds, aid pollination, and prevent disease, having great benefits for our plants.
Companion plants may be strongly scented which confuses pests, some may have antibacterial or anti-fungal properties, while others attract beneficial insects such as ladybirds and lacewings.
Some of the most common examples of companion planting include growing nasturtium to deter aphids from beans, and planting alliums around carrots to ward off carrot root fly.
We may also choose to avoid planting certain plants together, such as tall plants with short plants, as these may block light and prevent optimal growth, as well as thirsty plants with drought-resistant plants as they have different water requirements.
Examples of plants that grow well together:
- Mint and brassicas (such as cabbage, broccoli, radish, and cauliflower)
- Marigolds and tomatoes
- Carrots and leeks (and lavender)
- Wormwood and beans
- Calendula and beans
- Sage and brassicas
Examples of plants that don’t grow well together:
- Garlic and onions with beans and peas
- Mint or onions with asparagus
- Cucumbers, squashes, radishes, sunflowers or tomatoes with potatoes
- Cabbages or other brassicas with strawberries
- Brassicas and potatoes with tomatoes
You can find lots of information on companion planting with a quick google search. For example, gardeners world explains some good companions here: https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/10-companion-plants-to-grow/
Have a go at companion planting in your garden and see if this helps boost your crop!
