Companion Plants - Won’t You Be My Neighbor

​"Bad neighbors are a curse, good neighbors are a blessing."

​The same is true for plants.
Some plants work well together, while others hinder the growth of their companions.

There is an art and science to growing a variety of plants together. Each plant has specific requirements for growth: sun, soil, nutrients, and pest control.
The science comes to play when determining which plants compliment other’s growth and well-being.

​The art is the beauty of design within these parameters. (Vegetable gardens don’t have to be ugly)
This practice of growing different types of plants together for their mutual benefit (symbiotic relationship) is called Companion Gardening.

​A good example of this practice is the Three Sisters developed by the Native Americans. This trio consisted of Maize (corn), climbing beans, and winter squash. These three plants make great neighbors. The corn is tall making it a good support for the climbing beans. 

The low-growing squash chokes out weeds, shades the ground keeping moisture in the ground, and it has these marvelous prickly weeds that pesky pests hate. The fast-growing beans contribute nitrogen to the soil (nitrogen fixers) helping the companions of this trio remain healthy.

​As you see, there are many reasons why it is beneficial to plant certain plants together. Here are just a few:

1) Pest control
There are plants that repel pests. Borage repels tomato hornworm.

2) Attract good bugs
Yes, some insects are beneficial, and we want them in the garden. Summer savory attracts honeybees. Onions and nasturtiums attract beneficial insects that will feed on cucumber beetles.

3) Provide shade
There are plants that require more shade than others. Planting tender crops under the shadow of tall neighbors provides protection from the sun. A plant umbrella is handy.

4) Support
We all need support at times. Some plants just can’t stand on their own. It is nice to use plant neighbors to lend a hand.

5) Improve plant health
The chemistry of the soil can be changed by planting certain plants to help the needs of other plants without the use of chemicals.
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​6) Improve soil fertility
There are givers and there are takers. The soil needs to be replenished so plants that require much can flourish. Gardens are often lacking nitrogen. By planting nitrogen fixers with nitrogen users, soil is naturally replenished.
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​7) Weed suppression
Low growing and sprawling plants choke weeds. They make great companions for those tall, upright plants.

8) Enhance flavor
If vegetable weren’t tasty enough already, planting certain companions can improve flavor. Thyme planted near strawberries is said to enhance flavor.

​When planting tomatoes, consider the problems you may encounter. Munching pests such as tomato hornworms are deterred by borage, garlic, chives, and onions. Basil and marigold are good plants who like each other and help tomatoes grow. ​​Basil also can help enrich the flavor of ripe tomatoes.

Asparagus repels tomato nematodes. And Cilantro deters spider mites.
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​Members of the Brassica Family (cabbage, broccoli, kale) are prey to cabbage maggots.

Radishes and marigolds planted alongside cabbage help deter these root attacking pests. Adding chives to this combo sends slugs packing. Cabbage moth caterpillars take exception to borage, while calendula captures aphids by producing a sticky substance that attracts these little buggers. ​

Unfortunately, not all plants get along. Just because the plants look nice together, doesn’t mean they should be placed near each other. Fennel is one of those plants that just has trouble getting along with others. Be careful where you place this flavorful specimen.

Deciding which plants should go where gets a bit more complicated. Remember how it is when you introduce two of your friends. Sometimes they don’t hit it off and you are stuck in the middle with conflict all around. When looking at your companion plants, you need to see if your chosen few get along with each other as well.
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It can be overwhelming, but don’t be discouraged. Start where you are; learn as you go. If something doesn’t work, try something else. Learn from the mistakes of others. Gardening should be a joy. It is a way to commune with nature and enjoy the beauty of living, breathing, and interacting with God’s green earth.