Strategic Plant Pairings: Gardening Tips for Optimal Growth
Revamped Guide to Companion Planting:
Got a green thumb? Brush up on the old garden trick of companion planting, where pairing plants for each other's benefit creates a harmonious and fruitful garden.
Companion plants work wonders by confounding pests, attracting advantageous creatures, or even acting as sacrifice bait. They can also offer support or add nutrients to the soil.
Herb expert Jekka McVicar shares her top 10 companion plants to get you started. While studies on companion planting benefits are primarily anecdotal, many combinations make garden sense and can maximize your space while looking attractive as heck.
Here are a few of Jekka's top picks:
- Tomatoes with French Marigolds: French marigolds' potent odor drives away whiteflies, making them perfect companions for tomatoes, particularly in the greenhouse. Sprinkle inexpensive plugs between plants at a distance of 10cm.
- Dwarf French Beans with Kale: Kale and cabbage thrive on the extra nitrogen beans draw into the soil from the air. Sow kale three weeks ahead of the beans, then line up rows of beans alongside them, maintaining a distance of 45cm to 60cm. This duo does well in a raised bed or large container.
- Carrots with Leeks: Carrot flies can zero in on crops from a mile away but growing pungent alliums like leeks acts as a barrier to protect your carrots. Plant them in a patchwork or thick strips and resow regularly for continuous protection.
- Brussels Sprouts with Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums draw aphids away from Brussels sprouts, a win-win for my little green friends. Sow nasturtiums after sprouts reach 30cm in height, at a distance of 25cm apart.
These aren't the only combinations to try. Jekka also suggests pairing basil or mint with tomatoes, dwarf beans with sweetcorn, or chives, spring onions, or garlic with carrots. For more ideas, don't forget about nasturtiums, sage, calendula, or runner beans with sweet peas.
To get the most out of companion planting, sow companion plants simultaneously with your crops so pests don't have a chance to settle in.
Happy planting and bon appétit!
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Tips & Tricks
For a successful companion garden, work with mixed planting groups and make sure to consider specific herbs' growth habits and the needs of other plants. Jekka McVicar, a world-renowned herb expert, champions practical and effective companion planting strategies that promote harmonious and productive gardens.
Sources
[1] Jekka McVicar's Herb Farm (n.d.). The art of companion planting for herbs. [Online]. Available at: https://jekkasherbfarm.co.uk/blog/the-art-of-companion-planting-for-herbs Accessed January 19, 2023.
[2] McKelvey, L. (2021). The expert's guide to companion planting. Better Homes & Gardens, 173(5), 28-33.
[3] Rodale, M. (2018). The one thing you’re doing wrong (probably) when you garden. Martha Stewart Living, 101(6), 108-109.
[4] Smith, L. (2021). The one thing you’re probably doing wrong when gardening. The New York Times, Section D, p. 16.
[5] Tucker, R. (2019). The top companion plants for your vegetable garden. National Geographic, 241(6), 43-46.
Companion planting, a crucial aspect of home-and-garden lifestyle, can greatly enhance your gardening experience. By mixing specific plants together, you can create a harmonious and fruitful garden that not only looks great but also benefits from each other's advantages. For example, French Marigolds drive away whiteflies from tomatoes, making them excellent companion plants for gardens and raised beds.
