In this article we’ll provide you with some of the ‘need to know’ details that you should follow in order to become an expert companion planting gardener. We’ll look at the plants that you should plant together, and those that you shouldn’t. There are also several benefits that come with companion planting, some of which we’ll carefully take you through. But first, what is companion planting?
What is companion planting?
Companion planting is a bit more than just the general notion that some specific plants can benefit others if they are planted close to each other. It has been defined as the planting of two or more crop species together in order to achieve benefits such as higher yields and pest control.
However, scientists look at the process with more exacting minds. They have proven that companion gardening embraces various strategies that increase the plant's biodiversity in all agricultural ecosystems – and in what we like to call a simple garden! In layman’s language, it is two plants that help each other to grow.Companion planting has a long history, but the methods of planting plants for the beneficial interaction are not always well documented in texts. In many situations, they are created from oral tradition, front porch musings and family recommendations. Despite these historical traditions and the science of horticultural farming, we often practice companion planting simply because it’s a practical planting method!
It allows you to grow herbs, veggies and exotic crops to their full potential. The process also helps to keep insects away, as well as helping you to maintain healthy soil. Eventually, you’ll note that the food you grow even tastes better. To kick-start your gardening adventure, here are some important reminders:
Why is companion planting significant?
- You should know that beans can grow with almost everything. You can plant them next to spinach and tomatoes for great results.
- To increase their resistance to diseases, you should plant your horseradish next to your potatoes.
- Summer cornfields are easily converted into fields of pumpkins in the autumn. In the past, the First Nations people of North America planted pumpkins together with pole and corn beans in a method called the ‘Three Sisters.' The corn offers a sufficient ‘pole’ for the growth of beans, while the beans trap nitrogen in the soil, which is then greatly beneficial for the pumpkins. The pumpkins create a dense ground cover to stop the spread of weeds and to also keep away harmful pests.
- Pumpkins also function best as a row type of crop when planted together with sunflowers.
- It’s a good idea to plant some healthy nasturtium next to your squash, as it helps in keeping away those lousy squash vine borers.
- Consider using sweet marjoram in your gardens and beds to make your herbs and vegetables sweeter!
There are many benefits to companion planting. For instance, tomatoes taste better when planted together with basil. Similarly, harvesting them to make a lovely salad is easy, because they are located next to each other.
What are some of the other additional benefits?
by First Tunnels | Read more:
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[ed. See also: Companion planting (Wikipedia)]
