Many gardeners practice companion gardening in their vegetable gardens to help increase fruit production, ward off pests, and keep the soil healthy.
Before you plan your garden, take a look at these tips and plans for a companion garden layout. By pairing certain crops together in your garden, you could guarantee a larger harvest than ever before.
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion plantingis the practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefit.This isn't always based on scientific facts, but rather on garden lore and observations. In gardeners' experience, certain plants enhance the other's health or vigor, and understanding garden biodiversity helps you make better plant choices.
A classic example of companion planting is "the three sisters" or corn, beans, and squash: corn acts as a support system for climbing beans, beans add nitrogen to the soil andhelp stabilizethe tall corn during heavy winds, and the large squash leaves shade the ground helping retain soil moisture and prevent weeds.
13 Companion Plants to Know
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- Tomatoes: Basil and otherherbs, carrots, cucumbers, squash
- Potatoes: Beans, cole crops, corn, lettuce, spinach, radishes
- Cole Crops (Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower): Oregano, other cole crops, garlic, mint, nasturtium, onions, peas, thyme
- Beans and Peas: Cole crops, carrots, corn, cucumbers,eggplant, potatoes, radishes, squash, strawberries, tomatoes
- Beets: Cole crops, bush beans, garlic, lettuce, onions
- Carrots: Chives, leeks, onions, peas, radishes, rosemary, sage
- Summer Squash (including Zucchini): Beans, corn, peas, radishes
- Peppers: Basil, onions, okra
- Onions: Beets, carrots, cole crops, lettuce
- Lettuces: Corn, pumpkins, radishes, squash
- Eggplant: Beans, catnip, marigolds, peas, peppers
- Cucumber: Beans, beets, corn, onions, peas, radishes
- Corn: Beans, cucumbers, peas, melons, potatoes, squash
5 Companion Garden Plans
As you decide on a companion garden plan, location should be your first consideration. Vegetablesrequire full sunto produce healthy fruit and good drainage.
Consider the type of soil you have in your location. If it is poor, consider raised beds or containers. Determine the types and how many vegetables you want to grow for your family.
Once you decide on a plan, use graph paper todraw the plotto scale to be sure you have enough space for what you want to plant.
What Not to Plant Side-by-Side
- Beans and Onions
- Tomatoes and Potatoes
- Corn and Tomatoes
- Tomatoes and Cole Crops
- Cucumber and Squash
- Lettuce and Celery
- Tomatoes and Fennel
- Peppers and Cole Crops
- Potatoes and Summer Squash
- Asparagus and Onions
- Fennel and Eggplant
- Pumpkins and Summer Squash
- Peas and Garlic
Row Gardening
Row gardening is a standard for in-ground vegetable gardens large and small. The soil should be tilled and supplements like compost added at least three weeks before you plan to plant in the spring. Consult the list of best companion plants for each vegetable you want to grow.
The best time to prepare the ground and add supplements to the soil for a row garden is in the fall but it should be at least three weeks before you plan to plant in the spring.
For a small row garden, choose productive plants suchas bush beans, tomatoes, radishes, lettuce, turnips, onions, greens, carrots, and peppers to take advantage of the short rows.
Raised Bed Gardening
Araised garden bed sits on top of the ground and is filled with gardening soil. This gardening plan is best in areas with a short growing season because the soil warms quickly in the spring.
The beds are easy to weed and root vegetables are easy to harvest because the soil is never compacted by walking on it.
Square Foot Gardening
Asquare-foot gardenis a raised bed divided into squares so individual crops can be planted in a small space. This makes the spacing of companion crops (and those that should not be planted together) easy to coordinate.
Small In-Ground Gardening
Suitable for small yards, a 10 x 10-foot sunny spot, is a great start for companion gardening. In most areas, you can do early spring and fall plantings.
There is plenty of room for two caged tomato plants, two cucumber plants, three pepper plants, three eggplants, and 10 bush bean plants (all companion plants). Other plants can be grown the next season or in containers and placed away from the garden plot.
Vertical Gardening
Avertical companion gardenis perfect for small spaces. The best companion vegetables for a vertical garden are compact varieties like salad greens, dwarf peas or bush beans, and herbs.
FAQ
How should I arrange my vegetable garden?
The available space and light for your companion garden will determine the best arrangement. Follow the guidelines of plants that complement each other and those that can cause detriment. Be sure that taller plants do not provide too much shade during the day.
What vegetables should be planted next to each other?
Follow the guidelines of the companion planting chart and select vegetables for side-by-side planting that deter soil diseases, insects, and soil nutrient depletion.
What is the rule of three companion planting?
The rule of three or the three sisters planting method, commonly known as companion planting, is the practice of growing corn, beans, and squash together. The three vegetables benefit each other by providing soil enhancement, support, and weed control.
