Companion planting refers to planting different types of plants near each other to benefit one or both in some way, such as increased pollination or decreased pest pressure. Companion planting offers a range of benefits that can enhance garden health and productivity.
Be sure to see our favourite Companion Planting Chart in the Resources section of our website. It's easy to read and is a great reference for new and experienced gardeners.
THE BENEFITS OF COMPANION PLANTING
1. Pest Control:
- Certain plants naturally repel pests, protecting nearby crops. Other plants act like trap crops lowering pest pressure on your valued crops. For example, nasturiums attract aphids, reducing their pressure on your other plants.
2. Improved Pollination:
- Flowers like sunflowers or lavender attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which help improve pollination and increase fruit and vegetable yields.
3. Efficient Use of Space:
- Companion planting allows gardeners to maximize space by growing plants that complement each other in growth habits. For instance, tall plants can provide shade for smaller, shade-tolerant plants, like lettuce.
4. Soil Improvement:
- Certain plants, like legumes (peas, beans), fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for neighbouring plants. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and promotes soil health.
5. Weed Suppression:
- Dense planting with companion plants helps suppress weeds by shading and covering the soil.
6. Enhanced Growth and Flavour:
- Some plant pairings promote each other’s growth. For example, herbs like basil are believed to improve the flavour and growth of tomatoes when planted nearby.
7. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Balance:
- Companion planting increases biodiversity in the garden, which can lead to a more resilient ecosystem. A diverse planting system encourages beneficial insects and deters harmful pests, promoting a healthy balance.
Companion planting can create a more efficient, sustainable, and productive garden, with fewer problems and imbalances.
All that said, companion planting on a small scale may not have a large effect. If you are a beginner gardener and are feeling a bit overwhelmed, do not worry - this is something you can learn about and add to your gardening practices over time. There is no rush when it comes to companion planting.