What is Companion Planting?

Every plant lives in a community and, like you and I, a plant has neighbours it likes and those it does not. A plant requiring lots of nitrogen will not do well beside another plant also in need of abundant nitrogen, it becomes a competition for a limited resource. If a nitrogen loving plant has a neighbour who does not require a lot of nitrogen then they are both happy.

Some plants take what they need and place back other minerals, if the neighbour is looking for those minerals, they are both happy. Plants also have pest issues. While a bug may love to munch on one plant there are others that repel the bug through smell, taste or chemicals it exudes, so, planting the repelling plant by the plant the bugs are targeting bugs provides it with protection. This is known as companion planting.

To avoid spraying pesticides and herbicides on the food we serve ourselves and our family we can plant herbs to deter the problem from the very beginning.

Taking care of our gardens through companion planting not only gives a healthier more abundant plant, but also an increase in our own health by choosing chemical free. The fresh healthy companion herbs are a delightful addition to use in the preparation of our much looked forward to meals from the garden. Using natural deterrents also increases the health and activity of the soil for next year’s garden. It is a symbiotic relationship, one in which we are not an observer but a participant.

Marigolds, pot and French, those with strong scents, are beneficial throughout the garden. Marigolds exude a chemical that repels nematodes (microscopic threadlike worms that attack root systems) in the soil for up to three years.

Companion planting can also be planting beans and corn together. The corn becomes the trellis for the bean plant as it climbs up for support.

There are many support systems to allow us to grow healthier happier vegetable plants without resorting to chemicals. By knowing which herbs to grow amongst our vegetables we grow a healthier garden patch and have a wonderful variety to fill our kitchen with scents and flavours.

This variety also gives us a beautiful garden to enjoy, a border of white flowered sweet basil or the lavender flower and deep purple/red leaves of the peppery tasting Red Opal Basil around your tomato patch. Vegetable gardens can be planted like flower gardens for a beautiful restful vista in your backyard while you anticipate an abundant harvest.

If you have any specific question for companion planting your questions are welcome by email through the contact us page. Some issues may require research but I will reply as soon as I have the information for you.

Grow your garden, grow your mind.

Healthy Food = Healthy People.

Susan