Companion planting is the practice of placing certain plants next to each other in your garden for various benefits. While some plants don’t play nicely together and should be planted far apart, others thrive in proximity with specific companion plants.
If you’re interested in taking your vegetable garden to the next level, here is some information about the benefits and applications of companion planting you should know:
Benefits of companion planting
Depending on the combination of plants, there can be multiple benefits to companion planting. Some primary benefits are:
- Shelter: Larger plants can protect smaller, more delicate ones from wind or harsh sun. Similarly, ground cover plants protect exposed soil to keep out pests.
- Attracting beneficial insects: Flowers can attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators to your garden to spread pollen and improve the overall health of the local environment.
- Improving the soil: Many vegetable plants affect the condition of the soil. Companion plants might improve the soil by adding key nutrients, or help retain moisture through their root systems.
- Improving flavor: Some plants can even affect the growth and flavor of certain foods grown in the same garden. Herbs like basil, mint parsley and lemon balm are known to improve the flavor and strength of tomatoes when used as companion plants.
- Pest control: One of the most important functions of companion planting is to protect vulnerable vegetables and other plants from pests. Companion plants can do this by either attracting insects to themselves as decoys, or by repelling them from the garden entirely with their scent.
Avoiding companion planting conflicts
While there are many beneficial combinations of companion plants to consider for your garden, there are also some plants you should keep away from each other.
Plants that attract the same kind of pest can leave both vulnerable to infestation. For example, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and potatoes all have foliage hornworms love to eat. So, if you’re growing tomato plants, reconsider where you want them before planting near any of these other vegetable plants.
Another potential issue in companion planting is that some plants inhibit the growth of others by releasing certain chemical compounds into the soil. Fennel is one such plant, as are walnut and butternut trees.
It’s also important to follow planting guidelines for proper spacing. Making sure each plant has enough space to grow - both above ground and below - is paramount to a happy garden.
No matter what type of garden you have at home, knowing the basics of companion planting will benefit you and your plants.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Realty ONE Group Dockside. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
