What Plants to Plant Together

As a gardening enthusiast, you might be wondering what plants to plant together to maximize your garden space and achieve beautiful results. Here are some tips on pairing plants that complement each other's growth, prevent pest problems, and even enhance each other's flavors.

Companion Planting

Companion planting is the practice of growing different types of plants close to each other to benefit the growth of all the plants involved. For instance, carrots and lettuce grow well together because the lettuce shades the soil around the carrots, keeping the soil moist and cool. The carrots, in return, help provide some structure for the lettuce to grow, and the green carrot tops can repel carrot flies, which can damage both the carrot and other plants nearby.

Polyculture

Another approach to planting that helps to maximize garden space and promote natural harmony among plant types is polyculture. This involves planting a variety of plants together in the same area rather than separating them out into rows of individual plants. By planting a variety of different plants, you are creating a biodiverse environment, which can help to fend off pests naturally and improve overall soil health.

Planting by Growth Habits

When deciding what plants to plant together, it's also important to consider their growth habits. Plants that grow tall and require ample space to develop, like corn or sunflowers, can provide a structure for shorter plants like cucumbers or beans to grow on. This creates a symbiotic relationship where both plants benefit from the other's growth habit.

Plants That Repel Pests

Another benefit of planting certain plants together is their ability to repel pests. For instance, marigolds are commonly used as natural pest repellents because they release a chemical from their roots called alpha-terthienyl that can reduce root-knot nematodes, a pest that can damage plant roots. Nasturtiums are another example of a plant that can repel pests, as their strong scent can deter aphids and whiteflies.

Plants with Complementary Flavors

Finally, you may want to plant different types of herbs or vegetables that have complementary flavors. For example, basil and tomatoes can be grown together to enhance each other's flavor. The tomato plant will provide some much-needed shade for the basil, and the basil's aroma can help to repel tomato hornworm. Additionally, planting garlic and onions near carrots or tomatoes can help to repel pests that are attracted to these crops.

In conclusion, there are many different considerations to take into account when deciding what plants to plant together in your garden. From companion planting to polyculture to planting by growth habits, using these strategies can help you create a biodiverse and pest-resistant garden that yields an abundant harvest. Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of plants to see what works best in your unique garden space!