The Benefits of
Companion Planting

1. Maximize garden space – a perfect example is the Native American method called the Three Sisters. The technique consists of corn, beans and squash planted close together in the same garden space. The corn is planted first to provide support for the beans, followed by squash which serves as a ground cover. Using this method, three vegetable varieties are able to flourish in a space that would have only housed one varietal using a traditional crop rows method.

2. Pest and Disease reistance – certain plants can attract beneficial predator insects as an ‘insectory’ or food source, some exude chemicals to repel insects and even herbivorous animals from attacking a plant, and others act as a sacrificial trap crop to lure pests away from the main crop (this is called trap cropping).

3. Attract beneficial instects – companion planting can provide beneficial insects a habitat to live in. Beneficials are insects that feed on common garden pests such as aphids and caterpillars. Beneficial insects can also be pollinators like native bees, butterflies, wasps, and so on. Plants with showy blooms, powerful fragrances, or other attractants can draw pollinating insects to plants in the same vicinity that also require pollination.

4. Weed control – referring back to the Three Sisters method, the squash is a ground covering vegetable which inhibits weeds from growing that would otherwise take nutrients from all the vegetables growing in the same garden space. Planting sprawling crops minimizes open areas where weeds typically take hold.

5. Soil preservation – some plants add nutrients to the soil, which in turn nourishes neighboring plants. For example, legume plants such as beans, peas and clover, are nitrogen-fixing plants which add nitrogen to the soil to help enrich it.

6.Vigorous growth and higher yeilds – companion planting aids in soil fertility which is crucial in sustaining plant growth. Higher soil fertility can enhance a crop’s yield.

7. Protection from the elements – Larger, hardier plants provide protection from damaging weather (sun, wind, heavy rains, etc.) for smaller, more fragile plants.

8. Increased biodiversity – companion planting helps bring a balanced eco-system into the garden allowing nature to do its job. Nature integrates a diversity of plants, insects, animals, and other organisms into every ecosystem so there is no waste. The death of one organism can create food for another, meaning revolving benefits all around. Companion planting is considered to be a holistic concept due to the many interrelated levels it cooperates with the ecology.

Companion
Planting Secrets

• GROW PLANTS THAT PREFER SIMILAR CONDITIONS TOGETHER Peppers and basil, for example, have similar care requirements and grow well when planted together. However, the Nightshade family and the Mustard family prefer different soil acidities and do best when planted separately.

• PLANT FAST GROWERS WITH SLOW GROWERS TO MAXIMIZE SPACE Radishes and baby lettuces mature quickly and will be ready to harvest when crops like squash or melons are just starting to grow large enough to take over their spaces. Radishes are also excellent at marking rows of seeds since they germinate more quickly than most other vegetables. Try sowing radishes to mark rows of carrots, beets, and spinach. 

• KEEP PLANTS PRONE TO SIMILAR DISEASES APART Examples: tomatoes and potatoes are affected by the same blight, which can spread quickly among them, so avoid planting together. Peppers and beans should not be planted near each other as they are both susceptible to anthracnose.

• GROW TALLER PLANTS TO PROVIDE SHADE FOR LEAFY GREENS for example planting lettuce under tomatoes or peppers is a great idea because these plants can provide shade for the lettuce which allows it to stay cool making it less likely to bolt.

• SEPARATE PLANTS THAT IMPEDE EACH OTHER’S GROWTH Also consider crop rotation. Certain plants do not do well when planted where other certain plants have been growing previously.
• PLANT TO IMPROVE THE SOIL FOR FUTURE CROPS Amaranth (also called pigweed) is known as a “dynamic accumulator,” meaning it pulls nutrients from deep within the soil through its long taproot up to its leaves. When the leaves drop and decay (or are composted), the nutrients become available to future plants. Amaranth’s taproot also helps to loosen the soil, providing better growing conditions for root vegetables that are planted in the spot later. Beans and peas are “nitrogen fixers,” meaning they leave nitrogen in the soil where they were grown or composted. After growing beans, plant nitrogen-lovers, including most leafy greens, leeks, garlic, and scallions.  

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