Companion Planting

​My Great Grandmother’s garden notebook was filled with flower sketches, garden layouts, and notes in the margins as she noticed through trial and error the relationship between plants as they grew side by side.  Finding that different varieties thrive when planted together as they provide mutual benefits to each as they grow.
As we explore this approach most known as companion planting, we will discover an increase in soil nutrients, see better yields, chase away pests, strengthen resilience against disease and attract pollinators. Remember that as always, the region in which you garden can influence the effectiveness of companion planting.​

Photo by Wild Valley Farms

​As gardeners we know that the beauty and flavor of our gardens comes first from the nutrients that lie in our soil. If you are starting a new garden, we recommend having a sample evaluated for the biochemistry and microbial content of your soil. Knowing the nutrient level can make it easier to decide on the initial layout of your garden. But do not worry even if you do not get your soil assessed the plants will reveal signs of deficiency. For example, if your plants are deficient in Nitrogen the lower leaves will be shades of light green to yellow and show signs of stunted growth patterns. Calcium deficiency will cause rot in the blossoms of tomatoes and squash. Phosphorus deficiency will cause the plants stems to be slender and undersized. ​

​As we add companion planting into our layout, we can set our plants up to succeed knowing that corn, tomatoes, and rhubarb require more nitrogen. We can pair them with peas, beans, and clover which help fix the nitrogen levels in the soil.  ​​Another perfect partner for not only adding nutrients to your soil, but also absorbing water and decreasing nutrient run off, is using Wild Valley Farms Wool Pellets. This will help your garden grow stronger and more abundantly. ​

Wild Valley Farms Wool Pellets hold 20% their weight in water and increase soil porosity for optimal root growth.

Companion planting can decrease the amount of soil exposed to the elements which will provide protection and shade. This will increase soil moister content by lessoning water evaporation. For example, you can cover the soil under the tomatoes by planting lettuce and basil reducing the number of weeds and providing a nutrient dense mulch for the soil and preventing loss of water through evaporation.

Photo by Kenan Kitchen on Unsplash

Planting varied sizes of plants together can also provide physical support and increase yield. Placing plants that thrive in partial sun and shorter in growth height, like lettuces and greens, will do great under taller plants such as peppers and tomatoes. Strong bushes can protect young bush beans and other plants from wind damage.
When using companion planting for pest control there are three approaches. The first is planting to deter certain insects away from the area protecting the susceptible plants. The second is attracting and catching the insects and third is attracting friendly insects to the area to manage the issue for you. For example, aphids love gardens and if you want to deter aphids plant garlic and chives with your lettuce. Alyssum will attract hover flies and other beneficial insects that can assist in controlling your aphids from harming the greens in your garden.

Photo by Yoksel on Unsplash

One of our favorite herbs for companion planting for pest control is Calendula sometimes called pot marigold. It can allure pests including aphids and whiteflies to its stems and traps them with a sticky resin. The herbs collection of aphids along their stems will draw ladybugs to the area to help further control the aphids in your garden. The yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies to your garden increasing the pollination throughout your garden. Plant a Calendula by your cruciferous vegetables, cabbages, and see what happens.
​Garlic and chives are two of the top plants to help decrease the chance of disease. Although these plants help deter pests, they also have special characteristics that can protect ​from disease. 

HEALTHY GARDENING HOW TO'S & TIPS FOR YOUR GARDEN: COMPANION PLANTING for the 8 most popular plants in your garden

Most diseases are of a fungal origin, making garlic and its high sulfur content a natural fungicide. Chives can help protect your rose bushes from black spot and even decrease scab in apple trees.​
The presence of pollinators is vital for your garden. Creating an inviting environment for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies will add to the beauty and health of your whole garden. Providing plants like sunflowers, honeysuckle, and a butterfly bush will attract them to the area. A wide variety of crops including melons need pollinators to produce a healthy crop. By adding herbs like fennel and dill near your melons it will not only add to the flavor buy will increase your crop yield.
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As you experiment with companion planting and adjust the layout of your garden accordingly you will be amazed with the results. The relationship between two plants can easily form a successful ecosystem that supports each other and the complete garden. Whether your goal is to increase soil nutrients, see better yields, chase away pests, strengthen resilience against disease, or attract pollinators, companion planting can provide a balanced approach to your gardening needs.

Porch: Creating your own Edible Garden at home: Tips From the Experts

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