What to Plant Next to Each Other in Garden

When starting a garden, it's important to consider what to plant next to each other. Some plants can thrive when they're grown together, while others may not get along. In this article, we'll provide some tips on what to plant next to each other in a garden.

Companion Planting Basics

Companion planting is the practice of planting different crops next to each other to take advantage of the benefits they provide. For example, some plants can help repel pests, while others can fix nitrogen in the soil. It's important to choose plants that will complement each other and help create a healthy garden environment.

Vegetables That Grow Well Together

When it comes to planting vegetables, there are several pairs that grow well together. For example, planting beans next to corn can benefit both crops. Beans can fix nitrogen in the soil, which corn needs to grow. In turn, corn provides a support for beans to climb. Other good pairs include tomatoes and basil, carrots and onions, and cucumbers and dill.

Plants to Avoid Planting Together

Just as there are plants that grow well together, there are also plants that should be avoided when planting together. For example, planting tomatoes next to potatoes can cause problems, since they're both susceptible to soil-borne diseases such as blight. Additionally, planting vegetables from the same family too close together can also be a problem, since they may attract the same pests and diseases.

Flowers That Attract Beneficial Insects

In addition to vegetables, it's also important to consider planting flowers in your garden. Certain flowers can attract beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs. For example, planting marigolds can help repel pests, while also attracting bees. Other good flowers to plant include lavender, sunflowers, and coneflowers.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Each Other

Just as certain plants can attract beneficial insects, others can attract pests. For example, planting roses too close to tomato plants can attract aphids, which can cause problems for both plants. Additionally, planting mint next to other plants can also be problematic, since it can spread rapidly and overtake other plants.

General Planting Tips

When it comes to planting in your garden, there are some general tips to keep in mind. For example, it's important to plant crops in a location where they'll get enough sunlight. Additionally, it's important to ensure that plants are spaced far enough apart to allow for proper growth. Finally, it's important to maintain good soil health by adding organic matter to the soil, such as compost or well-rotted manure.

In conclusion, when starting a garden, it's important to consider what to plant next to each other. By taking advantage of companion planting and avoiding planting certain crops together, you can help create a healthy garden environment. Additionally, planting flowers that attract beneficial insects and following general planting tips can help ensure a successful harvest.