companion planting

 

For centuries gardeners have noticed that certain vegetables thrive in the company of certain plants while doing poorly when planted with others. There is scientific evidence that secretions given off by the roots, leaves, or flowers of some plants may be the cause of the symbiotic relationships. An example would be that the roots of the black walnut tree giving off a chemical that inhibits the growth of tomatoes. Another example would be onions inhibiting the growth of beans, peas, and several other vegetables. While some plants may have a negative effect on others, the opposite is true as well. Tomatoes and basil do well together as do cabbages and cucumbers. Some plants can even attract insects that are beneficial to other plants.

It is also well know that certain plants repel pests that are attracted to other plants. Marigold roots repel the tiny worm like nematodes, a huge plus when trying to grow tomatoes, and parsley has been known to repels carrot flies. Other plants seem to successfully lure pests away from their neighbors like eggplants luring the Colorado potato beetle away from potato plants. I've compiled a list of some plants that are beneficial to one another in some way. While my list isn't expensive, I hope you find it helpful.

Companion Planting

Vegetable or Herbs	Does Well	Does Poorly
Asparagus	parsley, tomatoes
basil	peppers, oregano, asparagus	sage
Beans (bush)	beets, carrots, cucumbers, strawberries,	fennel, garlic, onions
Beans (pole)	marigolds, radishes	garlic, onions
cabbage	celery, corn, dill, onions	fennel, pole beans, tomatoes, strawberries, grapes, pole beans
Cantaloupe	corn, sunflowers	potatoes
carrots	lettuce, parsley, tomatoes	dill
corn	beans, cucumbers, peas, potatoes, squash
cucumbers	beans, cabbage, corn, peas	potatoes
dill	lettuce, onions, cucumbers	carrots, tomatoes
eggplant	beans	potatoes
lettuce	carrots, cucumbers, onions, radishes
onions	beets, cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes	peas, asparagus
peas	beans, carrots, corn, cucumbers, radishes	garlic, onions
potatoes	beans, cabbage, corn, peas	sunflowers
pumpkins	corn	potatoes
radishes	beets, carrots, spinach
squash	radishes
tomatoes	asparagus, basil, garlic, marigold, parsley	cabbage, fennel, potatoes