Companion Planting, because sometimes we all just can't get along

think of companion planting as bonus plants! You’re planting something to help other plants so you might as well take advantage of that companion’s harvest too.

Why Companion Plant? 

* Better (bigger) harvest of crops
* Healthier plants, fewer plant diseases
* Natural pest control
* Save (maximize) space in your garden
* Attract pollinating insects

Bigger Harvest & Healthier Plants

One example of companion planting; Gardeners have planted corn as a companion for pole (climbing) beans. The beans grow up the corn stalks (as if they were trellises). In return, the beans process nitrogen and help fertilize the corn.

Note: I suggest giving the corn a head start though. Otherwise,
the beans may strangle the young stalks before they get well established.

Here's a chart I built to help me keep track of my companions:

Here’s a chart to more detail on companions for herbs, flowers, fruit, and veggie’s

Natural Pest Control

Some bugs are problems, some are solutions, and some are just passing through.

It’s important to know who does what. There are some bugs out there that can do some serious damage to your garden. An easy way to ward them off is to attract other bugs that will eat them!

lady bug eating aphids... p.s. we HATE aphids!

…lady bugs are one example of a beneficial bug that eats other harmful bugs and are very welcome in your garden. Japanese beetles (which I get in my area) are one example of a harmful bug and lady bugs enjoy eating their larvae. **I just read an article that stated our warmer winter this year could lead to a pest filled spring- perfect time to start thinking of some additions to your garden.**

Companion Planting Suggestions to Attract Beneficial Bugs:
Dill, Mint, Yarrow, Catmint, Lavender, Bee Balm, Marigold, Cosmos, Sunflowers, Asters, Dahlias, Coreopsis, Tansy, Coneflowers, Basil, Thyme, Hyssop, Marjoram, Sage, Caraway, Fennel, Angelica, Butterfly Flower, Milkweeds, Coriander,  Chives, Clover, Coneflowers, Daisies, Buckwheat, Queen Anne’s Lace (Wild Carrots).

Plant Marigolds, Rosemary, or Catnip to keep mosquito's away! 

Crush a few leaves of the Rosemary & Catnip enhance the effect

I want to single out Fennel because it attracts a variety of beneficial bugs and is known to be extremely offensive to Aphids as well as benefit a variety of different plants...BUT it also does extremely poor when planted next to any other plant in your garden except for Dill. I plant fennel in separate small pots and place them through the garden after germination. Even though I don’t like fennel it makes a nice filler to my kitchen table centerpiece when harvesting or trimming. It’s also a strong flea repellent so plant near your kennel to protect your pooch!

Attract Pollinating Insects

a basic of companion planting is flowers… Bees pollinate flowers. Your squash plants (zucchini, pumpkin, etc) also have flowers that need pollination in order for the veggie’s to grow. (Without bee’s you will find yourself hand-pollinating like I had to do with my pumpkins last year, but more on that later!).

           

Bee pollinating a squash blossom

Here is an even better excel spreadsheet I found on-line that will tell you what companion plants you need for what you want to grow…. You can download this if you already have excel or just type right in!