What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is a smart gardening technique where certain plants are grown together to support each other’s growth. Some plants repel pests, while others enrich the soil or provide shade. By pairing them correctly, you can create a healthier and more productive garden without relying heavily on chemicals.
1. Tomatoes and Basil
This classic duo works both in the garden and in the kitchen. Basil helps repel pests like aphids and whiteflies, which often damage tomatoes. In return, tomatoes provide partial shade that helps basil thrive in hot weather. Many gardeners also believe basil enhances the flavour of tomatoes when grown side by side.
2. Carrots and Onions
Carrot flies are a common problem, but planting onions nearby can help mask the carrot scent and deter these pests. Carrots also benefit onions by breaking up the soil, creating better growing conditions for both crops. This combination is a natural pest-control strategy that saves effort and money.
3. Corn, Beans, and Squash (The “Three Sisters”)
This traditional Native American method is still popular today. Corn provides a tall structure for beans to climb, beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, and squash covers the ground to keep weeds away and retain soil moisture. Together, they form a balanced mini-ecosystem that requires little maintenance.
4. Lettuce and Radishes
Lettuce grows well in cooler, shaded conditions, and radishes mature quickly, helping loosen the soil around lettuce roots. Radishes also distract pests like leaf miners, keeping your lettuce healthier. This combination ensures a continuous harvest of fresh greens and crunchy roots.
5. Cucumbers and Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are not just pretty flowers — they act as a “trap crop” by attracting aphids and beetles away from cucumbers. They also repel cucumber beetles and improve pollination. Growing nasturtiums near cucumbers adds both beauty and protection to your garden.
Why Companion Planting Works
These combinations show how thoughtful planting can naturally improve your garden’s health and yield. By reducing pests, enriching the soil, and creating balance, companion planting offers a simple way to boost productivity while keeping your garden eco-friendly.