We consider companion planting to be a holistic concept due to the many intricate levels in which it works with the ecology. By using companion planting, many gardeners find that they can discourage harmful pests without losing the beneficial allies. There are many varieties of herbs, flowers, etc. that can be used for companion plants. Be open to experimenting and find what works for you. Some possibilities would be using certain plants as a border, backdrop or interplanting in your flower or vegetable beds where you have specific needs. Use plants that are native to your area so the insects you want to attract already know what to look for! Plants with open cup shaped flowers are the most popular with beneficial insects.
Tomato allies are many: asparagus, basil, bean, carrots, celery, chive, cucumber, garlic, head lettuce, marigold, mint, nasturtium, onion, parsley, pea, pepper, marigold, pot marigold and sow thistle. One drawback with tomatoes and carrots: tomato plants can stunt the growth of your carrots but the carrots will still be of good flavor. Basil repels flies and mosquitoes, improves growth and flavor. Bee balm, chives and mint improve health and flavor. Borage deters tomato worm, improves growth and flavor. Dill, until mature, improves growth and health, mature dill retards tomato growth.
Carrot pals are chives, leaf lettuce, leeks, marigolds, onions, parsley, radish, salisfy and tomatoes. Plant dill, fennel, kohlrabi and parsnips away from carrots. Sow leeks and carrots in the same row for protection against carrot fly. Then harvest the carrots and leave the leeks to mature for later. For onions and carrots plant them in separate rows next to each other to repel carrots flies. Flax produces an oil that may protect root vegetables like carrots from some pests.
The following vegetables and flowers also support or inhibit the growth of other plants and/or which pests they deter.
- Basil can be planted near most garden crops. It help improves the flavor and growth of garden crops, especially tomatoes and lettuce. Help repels mosquitoes.
- Bush Beans can be planted near beets, cabbage, carrots, catnip, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, marigolds, potatoes, savory or strawberries. Keep away from fennel, garlic, leeks, onions or shallots. Potatoes and marigolds help repel bean beetles. Catnip repels flea beetles.
- Pole Beans can be planted near corn, marigolds, potatoes or radishes. Keep away from beets, garlic, kohlrabi, leeks, onions or shallots.
- Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts can be planted near beets, buckwheat, calendula, carrots, chamomile, dill, hyssop, marigolds, mints, nasturtiums, onions, rosemary, sage, thyme or wormwood. Keep away from strawberries. Marigolds help repel cabbage moths. Nasturtiums repel aphids.
- Cabbage and Cauliflower can be planted near broccoli, brussels sprouts, celery, chard, spinach or tomatoes. Keep away from strawberries. Tomatoes and celery repel cabbage worms.
- Chives can be planted near berries, carrots, grapes, peas, roses or tomatoes. It help Improves flavor and growth of companions. Deters aphids and Japanese beetles.
- Corn can be planted near beans, cucumbers, early potatoes, melons, peas, pumpkins, soybeans or squash. Soybeans help deter chinch bugs.
- Cucumbers can be planted near beans, cabbage, corn, early potatoes, radishes or sunflowers. Keep away from late potatoes. Radishes help deter cucumber beetles. Cucumbers encourage blight in late potatoes.
- Epplant can be planted near green beans, peppers, potatoes or tomatoes. Green beans deter potato beetles.
- Garlic can be planted near cabbage, cane fruits, fruit trees, roses or tomatoes. Keep away from peas or beans. Help deters Japanese beetles and aphids.
It takes more than good soil, sun, and nutrients to ensure success in a garden. Plants have to grow well with one another. Like people, some plants are friends and some are foes! One of the keys to successful companion planting is observation. Record your plant combinations and the results from year to year, and share this information with other gardening friends. Companionship is just as important for gardeners as it is for gardens. Organic gardeners know that a diverse mix of plants makes for a healthy and beautiful garden. Many believe that certain plant combinations have extraordinary powers to help each other grow. Have fun, let your imagination soar.