Companion Planting Guide
Companion planting is a technique where different types of plants are grown near one another for certain reasons. Some of the reasons include reducing pest control, improving soil fertility, preventing weeds, and attracting pollinators and beneficial insects. Companion planting is similar to polyculture. By practising companion planting you can grow different types of plants in a small area and keep unnecessary pests and insects away from your garden.
Companion planting has been practised since ancient times by indigenous people. A well-known example of this is the Three Sisters method that was used by Native Americans. Corn, Squash and Pole beans were planted together so that they would benefit from each other. Pole beans help to fix nitrogen in the soil and it uses corn as a support to climb. Squash acts as a cover crop and provides shade to the soil and thereby preventing moisture from leaving the soil.
Companion Planting List
| Crop | Companion Plant |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Basil, Marigold, Radish and Carrots |
| Radish | Cucumbers, Onions, Spinach and Carrots |
| Corn | Beans, Cucumbers, Potatoes and Melons |
| Peppers | Basil, Okra, Onions and Spinach |
| Potatoes | Corn, Cabbage, Beans and Radish |
| Cucumbers | Marigolds, Radish, Corn and Beans |
| Onions | Tomatoes, Corn, Cabbage, and Beetroot |
| Beetroot | Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower and Lettuce |
| Okra | Chamomile, Chives, Coriander, Dill, Thyme and Mint |
| Cabbage | Chamomile, Thyme, Dill, Rosemary, Peppermint and Oregano |
Growing flowers and herbs along with other vegetables can make your garden more diverse and attract more beneficial insects that prey on unwanted pests and insects. Marigolds can repel nematodes and rodents. Calendula and Cosmos attract more beneficial insects like bees, hoverflies and lacewings. Nastatrium attracts insects such as hoverflies that prey upon aphids. Nasturtium is also used as a trap crop to draw pests away from other crops.
Basil attracts bees. The pungent scent of mint can repel cabbage moths. Mint attracts beneficial wasps that feed on pests. The strong scent of garlic repels aphids. Sage helps to repel carrot flies and beetles.