Plants flourish when they have other plant friends helping them out – just like people! When planning a new plant rotation, you can create mini thriving communities by implementing companion planting.

 

What exactly is companion planting? Companion planting is simply growing two or more plants near each other for the benefit of one or both of them. So, the benefit can go one way or be mutual. For example, taller plants can shade low-growing vegetables, native flowering plants can help attract pollinators, some plants can confuse or repel pests (like aromatic herbs), and legumes (beans, peas, lentils) can bolster soil fertility. Essentially, more diversity means naturally healthier and happier fruits, veggies, and flowers.

 

Benefits of Companion Planting & Examples

  1. Deter pests: Some plants act as a natural insect repellent. We may love the smell of lavender, basil, and thyme, but many pests do not. Mosquitos, flies, and other pests will steer clear of these aromatic plants, keeping your fruits and veggies safe. Fun fact: Basil and tomatoes compliment each other just as well in the garden as they do in the kitchen!
  2. Boost soil health: Plants in the legume family – beans, peas, and lentils – are amazing nitrogen “fixers.” Essentially, legumes help make more nitrogen available to its neighbors, encouraging growth and overall soil health.
  3. Provide shelter: Having larger plants adjacent to low-growing ones helps provide a little extra shade, especially during the hotter months of the year, as well as protection from strong winds.
  4. Attract beneficial insects: Flowering plants are a great way of drawing in butterflies, ladybugs, honey bees, and other beneficial insects. These insects get nectar and shelter and in turn, help get rid of pesky pests like aphids around the garden. 
  5. Suppress weeds: Planting sprawling low-growing plants like beans or potatoes with taller plants (like corn!) helps increase ground cover, where weed growth would otherwise occur. Plus, these low-growing plants will help reduce water evaporating from the soil.
  6. Provide natural support: Sprawling plants like cucumber and peas love having a little extra support. Planting these near tall plants like corn and sunflowers gives them space to climb! But remember! Avoid planting beans and potatoes with sunflowers, since sunflowers’ natural chemicals can reduce their germination and growth

 

Overall, companion planting helps you build healthier soils and stronger plants while improving pest management and reducing pesticide use. With more friends, your plants will be able to help each other flourish!

 

What Shouldn’t be Planted together?

For the most part, the more diversity you have in your garden, the better. However, like humans, not all plants will be thrilled to have a certain neighbor. This is because all plants compete for space, water, soil nutrients, and sunlight. 

 

So, when getting started with companion planting, be sure to avoid pairing:

  • Plants with similar resource needs
  • Plants that are susceptible to the same diseases, such as blight
  • Anything with an aggressively growing plant, like fennel, which can inhibit the growth of your other fruits, veggies, herbs, and flowers

 

How Can I Start Companion Planting?

  1. Start with herbs and flowers. Plants like calendula, nasturtiums, basil, thyme, and rosemary have no known “foes” in the garden, making them some of the best and easiest companions. 
  2. Give your plants space! While companion plants help each other out, they will still ultimately compete for space and nutrients if grown too closely together. Plus, a crowded garden area increases pest and plant disease risks.
  3. Plan it out. The best approach to companion planting is to first decide the main vegetables, fruits, or flowers you want to grow. From there, you can sketch or write out where you plan to plant them along with potential companion plants. This will help you stay organized as you dig into planting!

 

Want more information? Our friends up north in Sonoma County have put together an excellent guide to companion planting. 

 

Have questions? Email us at lastormwater@lacity.org!