Basil also deters the moths which lay tomato hornworms, and egg-laying by army worms. Basil and tomatoes as interplanted basil repels thrips, as mentioned above.Here are examples of some of the best companion planting combinations for your garden. Dill is also a food source for caterpillars and butterflies. (See more below.) Of course, any nectar-rich flowers such as zinnia, comfrey and ageratum will attract pollinators such as bees to the garden, helping to boost the pollination of flowering crop plants like tomatoes, beans, and squash.ĭill attracts beneficial ladybugs, which eat aphids. Nasturtium is heads and shoulders above them all, taking the brunt of pest attacks. While traditionally, companion planting referred to vegetable plant pairs, we’ve added more flowers to our chart many are excellent natural insect repellents.While observations in our own garden can be valuable, we decided that our reference guide should only highlight companion plant pairings backed up by scientific evidence and tried-and-true practices. There are misconceptions about companion planting on the internet, which we found concerning. Many examples of companion planting were based folklore or hearsay.Bottom-line: there is simply more evidence for “good” companions than “bad” ones, so we now focus more on why vegetables need friends! This isn’t necessarily wrong, but we’ve found that nearly all the associations are positive ones there are perhaps 2 or 3 “bad” combinations (e.g., black walnut trees, which secrete growth inhibitors through their roots). Traditionally, it was thought that vegetables had “friends” and “foes”-companion plants that either benefitted the vegetables’ growth or impeded it.We’ve collected it all and updated our companion planting chart below! Some background: Until recently, a lot of companion planting was based on little more than hearsay, but there’s an increasing body of scientifically grounded research that actually proves that growing specific plants together can reduce pests, boost growth, and even help wildlife. Evidence-Based Companion Planting Philosophy Vegetable garden using companion planting practices. Weed suppression: Planting sprawling crops like potatoes with tall, upright plants minimizes open areas, where weeds typically take hold.Similarly, plants with long taproots, like burdock, bring up nutrients from deep in the soil, enriching the topsoil to the benefit of shallow-rooted plants.

Improving soil fertility: Some crops, like beans, peas, and other legumes, help to make nitrogen more available in the soil.

Improved plant health: When one plant absorbs certain substances from the soil, it may change the soil biochemistry in favor of nearby plants.

Natural supports: Tall plants, like corn and sunflowers, can support lower-growing, sprawling crops such as cucumbers and peas.Shade regulation: Large plants provide shade for smaller plants needing sun protection.For example, borage attracts pollinating bees and tiny pest-eating wasps. Attracting beneficials: Some plants also attract beneficial insects.For example, garlic’s smell is unappealing to many pests. Deterring pests: Certain plants act as insect repellents or deter critters.

There are plenty more good reasons to plant certain crops together: See more examples and a full chart of proven companions below! The Three Sisters trio-maize, climbing beans, and winter squash-is an age-old example of companion planting. For example, nasturtiums grown close to kale, cabbage, broccoli, and any brassica crops will lure hungry caterpillars away from eating your crops! And many flowers are excellent companions in the vegetable garden.Here’s another example: Aphids severely crimp your crop! But aphids can’t stand garlic! With this in mind, plant garlic around crops most susceptible to attack. For example, grow potatoes between rows of garlic to serve as a pungent bodyguard.Basil repels certain insect pests such as thrips and also disorientates moths, which lay tomato hornworms. One well-proven example of companion planting is Tomato and Basil, natural companions in the kitchen and garden.

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