Companion Planting
Companion planting is growing different crops within close proximity of each other whereby, the plants have the ability to complement each other. Companion planting maximises planting space, promotes beneficial insects, increases crop production, enhances nutrient uptake, promotes pollination, and serves as a weed and pest control measure.
Table 1: Examples of companion crops for a vegetable garden
|
Crop |
Companion |
Comments |
|
Tomatoes |
Spinach |
Tomatoes are heat-loving crops whilst spinach prefers cooler climates. Plant spinach in-between tomatoes ensuring that spinach is harvested before tomatoes over-shade or crowd the spinach. |
|
Marigolds |
Most vegetables |
Border crop for the garden |
|
Garlic |
Most vegetables |
Wonder plant |
Marigolds:
Marigolds have a high tolerance for heat and drought however, prefer well-drained soils. They make great border plants around vegetable gardens, thus concealing the scent of vegetables and deterring insects. Some of their benefits in a garden include:
- Adding colour to the landscape and attracting pollinators,
- Pest repellent properties that deter unwanted bugs,
- Substances that suppress nematodes (microscopic worms) which attack plant roots.
Garlic:
Garlic makes one of the best companion crops for vegetable gardens for several reasons:
- They serve as a natural pest and fungus deterrent for their compatible neighbours,
- Improve the quality and health of other plants,
- Uses minimal space,
- Great companion for tomatoes and spinach as well as a perfect flower companion for marigolds.
- Deters a range of pests such as fungus gnats, moths, spider mites, beetles, aphids, ants, and snails.
