When planning a vegetable garden, there are plants that work well together and plants that do not. The plants that work together are considered companion planting. I will explain How to Companion Plant In Your Garden with vegetables, herbs, and fruit.
Companion planting is the art of purposely planting certain species next to each other in an effort to enhance their growth. I’m sharing with you Companion Planting Basics for Your Vegetable Garden, sharing my favorite plants and their companions.
I’m going to start with tomatoes because they are my favorite vegetable to grown. I love how versatile they are. Great on their own, in salads, turned into salsa, and canned.
Tomato Companion Plants
The plants recommended for companion planting with tomatoes are asparagus, basil, bean, marigold, carrots, celery, chives, cucumbers, garlic, lemon balm, lettuce, onion, parsley, peas, and sage. So, you have a lot to choose from when it comes to companion planting with tomatoes.
The two things I planted with my tomatoes this year were basil and marigolds (in the same raised bed). I love the smell of basil and I know that I will use it. Basil also repels insects and disease and also adds flavor to the tomatoes. Marigolds add a touch of color to my garden and are known to repel certain insects.
Summer Squash, Zucchini, & Pumpkin Companion Plants
Squash is simple to grow in my garden, which puts it on the top of my list of favorites to grow. I love all the new recipes with zucchini noodles (zoodles) and luckily my family enjoys zoodles!
Three Sisters Garden is a popular way of companion planting with squash. This practice was adapted from Native Americans who planted beans, squash, and corn together. The beans provide nitrogen for the squash and corn, while the corn provides a stalk for the beans to climb, and the squash provides cover for invading weeds. Squash is prickly and will also deter rodents from the garden.
Other companions of squash are marigolds, which provide a “trap crop” for flea beetles and aphids. peppermint, dill, oregano, lemon balm, and parsley are herbs known to ward off pests and insects. I would not recommend planting peppermint directly in your garden, because it will take over. If you want to use peppermint, put it in a pot so it will not spread.
Avoid planting squash with potatoes and pumpkins, they will use up nutrients in the soil that your squash need.
Cucumber Companion Plants
Cucumbers are similar to squash when it comes to companion planting. Corn and beans make great companion plants for cucumbers. The plants provide nitrogen for the cucumber plants. Radishes, beets, carrots, and onions are also good companion plants for cucumbers. Marigold and Oregano will help repel insects. Sunflowers are another flower that makes a good companion to cucumber plants.
Avoid planting potatoes near cucumbers, as with squash. Also, avoid sage and melons.
Potatoes Companion Plants
Since I mention potatoes above, not being good companion plants for cucumbers or squash, I will talk about them next. Potatoes are deep-rooted vegetables so you want plants that will not interfere. Radishes, lettuce, spinach, and scallions are good companion plants for potatoes.
Cabbage, corn, and beans are said to enhance the flavor of potatoes. Beans will also provide nitrogen to potatoes.
Other great companion plants for potatoes are cabbage, catnip, corriander, corn, lettuce, readishes, spainach, and Marigold.
Okra Companion Plants
Okra is a favorite at our house too! We love it fried and pickled. You can check out my Crispy Fried Okra Recipe, which I’m pretty sure you will love.
Lettuce is a great companion plant for okra because the tall okra will help shield the lettuce. You can plant it between the rows or in between each okra plant. They will also attract aphids, leaving your okra alone.
Other good companion plants for okra are peas, radishes, peppers, beans, and tomatoes. Sunflowers are a good companion plant because they bring in the pollinating bees.
Watermelon Companion Plants/Canteloupe Companion Plants
Companion plants for watermelon and canteloupe include lettuce, radishes, and corn. Corn will help provide a bit of shade to protect the watermelon leaves.
Avoid other melon plants and cucumbers when planting watermelon and Canteloupe because they will make it difficult for them to mature and may attract disease.
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Companion Plant Conclusion
I hope that my Post, How to Companion Plant In Your Garden, was helpful to you. If you are searching for more companion planting ideas, check out this site on the OSU extension Site.
I have plenty of other tips to help you grow your garden. Check out the posts below.
How to Start a Garden for Beginners
10 Plants You Will Love That Repel Insects