Anyone who has ever shared a room with a sibling or roommate knows all too well that you all have to get along in order to be happy and healthy.
The same goes for garden plants!
In the garden, plants interact with each other, creating an environment for growth.
Every plant affects every other plant. Companion planting is based on the idea that some plants can benefit others if planted next to each other.
Over time, gardeners have noticed these relationships and scientists have studied them. Plants are not shy, they always grow actively, as quickly and as hard as possible to populate their species.
The side effect occurs naturally in nature. It may seem like survival of the fittest, but the truth is that some species prefer to grow alongside other species, balancing out their differences and providing the perfect environment to bring out their unique characteristics.
Plants don't like to compete for food, so shallow-rooted plants prefer to grow next to deep-rooted plants so that each receives nutrients from different levels.
Some small plants like a little protection from the elements than larger plants. Conversely, drought-loving plants will not do well when planted with plants that grow well with wet feet.
Of course, gardeners usually like to grow their produce in as much space as possible. They don't want weeds, pests or even ornamental plants to ever take valuable properties!
But flowers, for example, make good companion plants and add beauty too. They can attract predators to hunt pests and attract bees to your garden for fruit pollination.
The fragrant flowers and herbs help confuse hungry pests that may be preying on your crops. Their smell can distract pests or mask the smell of pest-favorite natural plants.
For example, zinnias attract beetles, so when planted near cabbage fly-susceptible cauliflower, the ladybugs control the pest population.
This spring, when you plant your garden, keep that in mind.
Dill and basil planted between tomatoes protect tomatoes from leafhoppers, and sage planted in a piece of cabbage reduces the damage caused by cabbage leafhopper.
Marigolds are worth their weight in gold when planted with nearly any garden plant, repelling beetles, nematodes and even pests.
Nasturtiums are so loved by aphids that harmful insects flock to them and not to other plants.
Carrots, dill, parsnips and parsnips attract garden helpers such as praying mantises, beetles and spiders that feed on insect pests. While carrots, dill and parsley look like bugs on their own, they don't necessarily like each other, so keep them separate in the garden.
Of course, as I just said, not everyone in the garden is compatible.
Although garlic and onions repel a number of pests and make great neighbors for most garden plants, the growth of beans and peas will stop growing in their presence.
Potatoes and beans don't grow well in the company of sunflowers. And while cabbage and cauliflower are close relatives, they don't mix.
Also keep in mind that many of the same plants or plants from the same family create monocultures in the garden, making your plants more susceptible to pest and disease infestation.
Diversifying your garden space by planting good companions helps fight pests and diseases naturally, sometimes without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides.
Observation is one of the keys to successfully landing buddies. Record your plant collections and results year after year and share this information with other gardening friends.
Communication is as important to gardeners as gardens.
Now, having said all that, don't stress yourself. Gardening should be fun. There have been many times where I have completely planted a garden and sat down in a lawn chair only to see some crappy equipment or a new combination I wanted to try and had forgotten about.
Does it make any difference? I do not know. Apparently he usually plants anyway.
Happy gardening!
Peter Sutter is a lifelong gardening enthusiast and member of the MU Extension Master Gardener Program. Gardening inquiries can be sent to [email protected]
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