There is always an element of trial and error to see what works for you.
Read on for a chart with recommendedcompanion planting choicesand other tips for popular garden crops.
What Is Companion Planting?
The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight
Sometimes the benefit is one-sided, with one plant selflessly offering most of the partnership advantages to the other.
In other cases, the benefit is mutual, with each plant enhancing the other’s health or vigor.
Only a few “hard facts” are unanimously and universally agreed upon.
Blooming borage attracts honeybees and other pollinatorsPaul Starosta / Getty Images
Plants can attract beneficial insects and pollinators, deter pests, and act as insect repellants.
They can fend off predators and undesirable wildlife.
Raccoons, for instance, dislike the smell of cucumbers.
Fennel is not a good companion for any garden cropdagut / Getty Images
Interplanting different crops can help mark garden rows and distinguish fast-germinating plants like radishes from slower-germinating plants like lettuce.
Proper companion planting can even help suppress weeds.
Most plant spacing preferences are listed on seed packets and plant care guides.
However, not all plants are the same.
In this case, split the difference: Plant them 9 inches apart.
Pollinators favor zinnias, sweet alyssum, daisies, sunflowers, and cosmos.
Meanwhile,marigolds repel cabbage worms.
Cabbage worms mainly target cabbage, mustard greens, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and related vegetables.
Many plant care guides and seed packets will list bloom time.
Also, check watering and sun requirements.
It’s often best to put plants with similar care needs near each other.
Take the time to think about the colors the flowers will produce and the heights of the plants.
Some crops can inhibit the growth of other plants.
Companion Planting in the Vegetable Garden.University of Massachusetts Amhurst.
Using Crop Rotation in Vegetable Gardens.
Try Companion Planting.Oregon State University.
