Think about a garden in which plants support each other. That’s why companion gardening is so special! Combining some crops in your vegetable bed can help them grow faster, keep out pests, and improve the health of your entire garden. Let’s find out what companion gardening means, the reasons for its success, and how to start taking part.
Understanding Companion Gardening
When companion gardening, you grow different crops next to one another so that each one helps the other. Certain plants keep bugs from your garden, others enrich the soil, and some attract beneficial insects. It’s similar to building a team out of plants. In addition, it’s gentle on the environment and uses natural resources.
How Companion Gardening Becomes Enjoyable
Less Pests as Nature Intended
Are you done fighting against pests? Using companion plants is a good idea. As an example, marigolds deter insects that want to feed on tomatoes. That means you spend less time working and your plants thrive.
Healthier Growth and More Delicious Food
A few plants actually help other plants taste better. Planting basil near tomatoes enhances the tomato’s taste. You’ll gain benefits in both your garden and your kitchen!
Save Up Room And Time With Companion Gardening
Using companion gardening makes the most of the space you have. Taller plants, such as corn, may shade the smaller ones around them. Container gardening lets you grow quickly, and you won’t need to weed as often.
What Steps To Take When Setting Up Companion Gardening
Step 1: Choose Your Plants
Always pick plants that are known to get along nicely. Plants like carrots, onions, beans, and corn grow best when paired together. They team up to help both their growth.
Step 2: Decide on The Layout
After that, sketch your garden. Don’t plant the companions so close that they overlap, but also space them apart a little bit. Make sure they aren’t always surrounded by excitement. A well-organized design stops the area from being unhealthily crowded.
Step 3: Get the Soil Ready
The final step is preparing your soil. Spread compost throughout your lawn to supply important nutrients. For plants to be healthy, their soil needs to be healthy. You’re all ready to put your plants into the garden!
Best Plants to Grow Together In Companion Gardening
Tomatoes and Basil
Basil helps to avoid pests like flies and mosquitoes from your tomatoes. And it results in tomatoes that taste sweeter. Grow them next to one another to get the best result.
Carrots and Onions
Keep carrot flies from your plants by using onions. The presence of carrots makes onions grow stronger in the same way. It’s a great result for both parties.
Corn, Beans, and Squash
They are nicknamed the “Three Sisters.” The pole beans used to climb are created by corn, beans introduce nitrogen into the ground, and squash’s leaves help block weeds. They all work together!
How to Make Companion Gardening Work
Rotate Your Crops
Always find new places to plant your vegetables each year. Turn the plants in the garden to help the soil stay healthy and avoid confusing the pests.
Keep An Eye Out For Pests
You might have pests even with company, so make sure to keep checking your plant. In case of a problem, either pick up the pests or use natural sprays such as soap and water.
Grow by Learning
Companion gardening is a process. Make a record of what has been helpful for you. Essentials for fall might be quite different from those for summer. In only a short while, you’ll know all the basics.
Create Your Companion Garden Today
Your plants will support and assist one another when you use companion gardening techniques. It only takes a little effort, will save you time, and benefit your garden. Select your first pair, design the layout, and enjoy the beautiful genes appearing. Get things moving right away and see your garden thrive and shine!