Companion Planting

companion planting

5 perfect pairings

Companion planting is the practice of planting different types of plants very close to each other in order to enhance each other’s growth or to protect each other from pests. One traditional, time-honored example is the Native American “Three Sisters” garden, which aims to maximize growth & yield by planting corn, beans, and squash together, demonstrating how each contributes to the greater good by providing support (corn), enriching soil (beans), and suppressing weeds (squash). The indestructible marigold is an example of how a plant can serve as a protector. Deer avoid it, and beneficial ladybugs flock to it. There are various plant combinations you can grow for mutual benefit. Here are 5 of the most popular combos of edible plants and their besties:

Tomatoes & Basil

This wonderfully delicious pair enhances each other’s growth and flavor, while the basil goes above and beyond to deter flies and mosquitoes.

Cabbage & Hot Peppers

Spicy peppers are capable of repelling destructive cabbage moths, and they may also attract other pesky insects away from the cabbage.

Broccoli & Potatoes

Planting these together will improve flavor, plus broccoli plants can help provide shade to potato vines.

Lettuce & Chives

Not only do these two plants pair perfectly in a salad, but the chives also do the work of repelling problematic aphids.

Strawberries & Spinach

Interplant varieties in these families to increase the yields of both. Spinach foliage will also hide ripening strawberry fruit from birds.

companion planting

The Benefits of Marigolds

Marigolds make great companion plants for any of your edibles, both in the ground and in containers. Marigolds help veggies & herbs grow healthier while protecting them. Marigolds repel deer, rabbits, and rodents, as well as tomato hornworms, leafhoppers, beetles, nematodes, slugs, and other common vegetable garden pests. Plus, marigolds do a great job of attracting beneficial bees to the garden to pollinate the vegetable blossoms while attracting destructive whitefly and aphids away from the vegetable plants. Varieties with single flowers, visible pollen centers, and a strong scent are the most helpful (e.g. varieties in the Durango® series).

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Tagetes (Marigold)

bringing it all together

like a boss

Companion planting is a simple way to maximize the productivity of your garden! Growing the right plants together can help you enjoy increased yields with decreased pest activity.

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