If you’re looking for new ways to make your garden stand out and be productive at the same time, consider trying companion planting.
This method of planting helps plants thrive by providing them with helpful companions that increase yield, fight off pests, and even suppress weeds.
What is Companion Planting?
If you’re new to gardening, the term “companion planting” might be confusing. Companion planting is simply when two or more plants are grown together. The plants can be of the same species or different species.
The main goals of companion planting are to:
- improve yields
- deter pests
- attract beneficial insects
Companion planting has been practiced for centuries, and there are countless benefits to using it in your garden.
The practice of companion planting is an age-old tradition that farmers and gardeners have used for centuries.
The basic principle behind companion planting is simple: certain plants can benefit each other when they’re planted close together.
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For example, some plants release substances that help suppress weeds or attract beneficial insects. All the while, others can improve the flavor or yield of a crop.
Companion planting can be a great way to boost your garden’s productivity while also providing natural pest control. But, it’s important to do your research before you start companion planting, as not all plants get along well together.
Today, we’ll give you a beginner’s guide to companion planting, including some tips on choosing the right plants for your garden.
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Benefits of Companion Planting
The gardening practice of companion planting entails planting different species of plants together to achieve specific results.
Companion planting can help improve the health and yield of your plants, as well as deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
There are many benefits to companion planting, including:
- Improved Plant Health: When plants are grown together, they can share nutrients and help support each other. This technique results in healthier plants that can resist disease and pests.
- Increased Yields: Companion planting can also increase the yields of your plants by up to 30% because diverse plants can complement one another and make better use of space.
- Reduced Pest Pressure: Companion planting can help reduce the pressure from pests by attracting beneficial insects or repelling harmful ones. For example, Marigolds release a chemical that deters nematodes, while dill attracts ladybugs, which prey on aphids.
Common Techniques for Companion Planting
There are a few different ways that you can go about companion planting. One popular method is to plant nitrogen-fixing plants near other plants that need nitrogen – such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash.
Another technique is to choose plants that will attract beneficial insects to the area, which can help to keep pest populations in check.
Finally, some gardeners also like to group plants with similar water and sun requirements, as this can help to minimize competition for resources.
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Examples of Companion Planting
Many different combinations of plants can be used for companion planting.
Here are some examples of plants that make good companions:
- Marigolds and nasturtiums are excellent at repelling pests and can be planted with almost every plant there is.
- Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can improve the fertility of the soil. Beans and corn are a classic combo that has been used for centuries. Beans climb up the corn stalks and help to shade the ground and deter weeds. Corn provides a natural structure for the beans to climb and also helps to fertilize the beans. They also make a good companion for cucumbers, eggplants, and potatoes.
- Cabbage, beets, and beans: Beans provide nitrogen to the soil, which helps cabbage grow.
- Cabbage is a good companion for tomatoes, strawberries, and Brussels sprouts.
- Carrots are good companions for peas and beans.
- Carrots and peas: Peas help to keep the soil loose around carrots, making it easier for them to grow.
- Chives are a good companion for carrots, cabbage, and tomatoes.
- Tomatoes and Basil
- Basil: peppers, eggplant, and asparagus
- Peppers and Eggplants: Peppers and eggplants are another great combos to plant together. They repel the same pests and also help to improve the flavor of each other.
- Cucumbers and Radishes: Cucumbers and radishes are a great combination to plant together. Radishes help to deter cucumber beetles from attacking cucumbers. In return, cucumbers help to keep the radishes cool and moist.
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There are many benefits to companion planting, including pest control, weed control, soil enhancement, and increased yield. Additionally, companion planting can create a more aesthetically pleasing garden.
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It is important to do some research before you start companion planting in your garden. When done correctly, companion planting can save you time, money, and effort in the long run.
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