Interested in improving your garden’s health and increasing your yields?

Companion planting is a tried-and-tested method. Companion planting is an excellent way to create harmonious plant communities that benefit each other. It can protect your crops from pests and improve pollination of fruit and vegetable crops without resorting to pesticides. While scientific research on companion planting is limited, many gardeners find it to be highly effective. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best-known partnerships in flowers, herbs, and vegetables to help you improve your garden’s health. Take a look at our companion planting chart below to get started.

What is companion planting?

This gardening practice can provide numerous benefits to your garden, both in terms of the health of your plants and the productivity of your harvest. The term is often used to describe the practice of growing various food crops and flowers together in a harmonious existence.

One of the key advantages of companion planting is pest control. Certain plants have natural pest-repelling properties, and strategically planting them alongside more vulnerable plants can help deter harmful insects and other pests. For example, planting marigolds with your tomatoes can help protect your tomatoes from nematodes.

Companion planting can also improve the health of your soil. Different plants have different nutrient requirements and can impact the soil in various ways. Planting complementary crops together can help maintain a healthy soil ecosystem and improve soil fertility. For example, legumes like beans and peas fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit other plants that require nitrogen.

Additionally, companion planting can increase yields by optimizing space, reducing competition, and promoting pollination. For example, planting squash and corn together can benefit both plants by allowing the corn to provide support for the climbing squash while the squash shades the soil, reducing moisture loss and suppressing weed growth.

Companion planting also encourages biodiversity by creating a diverse ecosystem of plants, insects, and other creatures. This can improve the resilience of your garden, making it less susceptible to disease and other problems.

In summary, companion planting is an excellent gardening technique that provides a multitude of benefits for your plants and your harvest. Whether you’re looking to improve soil health, deter pests, increase yields, or encourage biodiversity, companion planting is definitely worth considering for your garden.

Companion planting – in the vegetable patch

As the weather warms up in May, it’s time to turn your attention to planting warm-season crops in your garden, especially if you’re looking to optimize your garden’s health and productivity.

Tomatoes and basil

If you’re planting tomatoes, consider pairing them with basil. Basil is known for its pest-repellent properties, making it a perfect companion for tomato plants. Plus, planting basil near your tomatoes can improve the flavor of your tomatoes as well.

Peppers and marigolds

Hoe your borders regularly to keep weed’s down – pay special attention to severing the top and growth from the roots just below the soil surface.

Cucumbers and nasturtiums

If you’re planting cucumbers, consider pairing them with nasturtiums. Nasturtiums are another great pest-repellent plant and can help keep cucumber beetles and aphids at bay. Plus, nasturtiums can attract beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies, which can help pollinate your garden and keep it healthy.

Beans and corn

For your beans and corn, try planting them together. Beans can climb up corn stalks, which can provide support for the beans to grow. Additionally, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit both plants and improve soil health.

Squash and radishes

If you’re planting squash, consider planting radishes nearby. Radishes can help deter squash bugs and other pests and can be harvested quickly before they start to interfere with the growth of your squash.

Companion planting – in the flower garden

Companion planting is not just for vegetables; it can be beneficial for ornamentals too. Here are some examples of companion planting for ornamental plants:

Marigolds

Nasturtiums are known to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests. Planting them near ornamentals can help create a healthier ecosystem in your garden.

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant and beautiful ornamental that also has insect-repelling properties. Planting lavender near susceptible ornamentals can help repel pests like moths, fleas, and mosquitoes.

Geraniums

Geraniums have a strong scent that can help deter Japanese beetles and other pests. Planting them near susceptible ornamentals can protect them from these pests.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are known to attract beneficial insects and help control pests. Planting them near ornamentals can help create a healthier ecosystem in your garden.

Remember that companion planting may require some experimentation to find what works best for your garden. However, these companion planting ideas can help you create a beautiful and healthier garden. Discover how you can create a summer garden that is both intentional and a bountiful lesson on summer planning, planting and harvesting from some of our favourite gardening and floristry instructors.

Studio Notes

Companion Planting in May