Almost every organic gardening guide suggests companion planting, and I’ve written about pairing plants to keep pests away and improve plant health. It sounds great, right? So, you decide what to plant in your garden this year and search for a “companion planting chart” online. You find several charts that all seem to say different things. With some effort, you come up with a plan and start planting your garden.
However, it turns out the tomatoes are right next to the potatoes, which shouldn’t happen according to the chart. Once the peas are harvested, there’s no room for beans because they’re too close to the garlic; the chart warns that’s a recipe for disaster! Suddenly gardening doesn’t seem so fun anymore.
So, what should an organic gardener do? Is companion planting really worth all the trouble? Many gardening enthusiasts advocate for companion planting, filling entire books on the topic, but some horticultural experts dismiss it as folklore. Most suggested plant pairings aren’t backed by scientific studies; instead, they are based on long-standing observations, like Farmer Joe noticing better crops when tomatoes and eggplants were grown alternately.
In the 1960s, studies attempted to identify which plants “liked” each other by examining the crystal formations after evaporating plant extracts. The mainstream scientific community rejected these studies as pseudo-science. Despite this, some leading horticultural organizations in the U.S. support companion planting, emphasizing its historical significance. Naturalists have known about plant properties for thousands of years. For instance, the Roman agriculturalist Varro noted that large walnut trees could make nearby soil sterile. Certain plants improve soil nitrogen levels, while others help retain water in dry areas.
Experts believe companion planting is effective because it mirrors nature’s balance. Unlike monoculture farming, diverse planting results in healthier gardens. This practice, known as “intercropping,” involves growing plants with different needs together to minimize competition. Unlike companion planting lore, intercropping is proven effective in home gardens. Originating in tropical climates, this method efficiently uses space and resources while reducing crop failure and resource consumption.
So, how can you apply these ideas to your garden? Consider these pairings:
– Corn pairs well with pole beans, cucumbers, dill, melons, peas, squash, and sunflowers. Leafy greens like Swiss chard thrive in the shade of corn.
– Cabbages enjoy the company of Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, and turnips.
– Beets do well alongside brassicas, legumes, garlic, lettuce, and onions.
– Carrots pair nicely with chives, leeks, onions, peas, radishes, rosemary, and sage.
– Zucchini attracts pollinators with oregano and zinnias, while fennel doesn’t pair well with anything, so plant it alone.
Using nets can protect against pests, and mixing veggies with herbs and flowers can deter harmful bugs while attracting good ones. Try adding plants like catnip, chamomile, coriander, and chervil.
Understanding the “why” behind companion planting simplifies the process. You can embrace the natural diversity approach without complex charts. Mix crops like carrots with onions or plant basil under tomatoes. Add flowers for pollinators and herbs to confuse pests. Use fast-growing veggies as mulch around slower plants and replenish bare spots promptly.
One traditional method is planting corn, beans, and squash together—a technique known as the “three sisters” in Indigenous American culture. Beans climb corn, and squash shades roots with its wide leaves.
With time and practice, you’ll learn about plant needs and how they can complement each other. Pair plants with opposite needs, like tall and climbing varieties, for mutual benefit. Keep related plants together to simplify care, and rotate crop “neighborhoods” each year to maintain soil health.
Avoid planting potatoes near tomatoes, even though they’re in the same family. If this topic interests you, check out the book “Great Garden Companions.” But don’t stress too much over rules; companion planting isn’t crucial but can support a healthy garden ecosystem.
Focus on learning about your plants’ characteristics. Observe, experiment, and document what works each year. Your gardening expertise will grow beyond what’s in any book. Soon, you’ll confidently practice companion planting! Do you use companion planting in your garden? Share your experiences and tips!
