Best Companion Plants For A Healthy Productive Garden

Title: Best Companion Plants for a Healthy Productive Garden

Introduction:

Companion planting is a gardening practice that involves planting certain types of plants together to benefit each other. By planting compatible plants together, you can improve the health, productivity, and pest resistance of your garden.

There are many different benefits to companion planting. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Attracting pollinators: Many companion plants attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. These pollinators are essential for the pollination of fruits and vegetables, which can lead to a higher yield.
• Reducing pests and diseases: Some companion plants can help to repel pests and diseases. For example, marigolds can help to repel aphids, and nasturtiums can help to deter whiteflies.
• Improving soil health: Some companion plants can help to improve the soil health of your garden. For example, legumes, such as beans and peas, can fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit other plants in the garden.

Main Content:

There are many different companion plants that you can choose from. Here are some of the most popular companion plants:

• Marigolds: Marigolds are one of the most popular companion plants. They help to repel a variety of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. Marigolds also attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
• Basil: Basil is a great companion plant for tomatoes. It helps to repel aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Basil also enhances the flavor of tomatoes.
• Chives: Chives are a good companion plant for carrots, tomatoes, and strawberries. They help to repel carrot flies, aphids, and slugs. Chives also improve the flavor of carrots and strawberries.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are a good companion plant for cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. They help to deter pests, such as aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Nasturtiums also attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
• Borage: Borage is a good companion plant for tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. It helps to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. Borage also improves the flavor of tomatoes and cucumbers.
• Allium family: Alliums, such as garlic, onions, and leeks, are good companion plants for many vegetables. They help to repel pests, such as aphids, carrot flies, and cabbage worms. Alliums also improve the flavor of other vegetables.

Conclusion:

Companion planting is a great way to improve the health, productivity, and pest resistance of your garden. By planting compatible plants together, you can create a more balanced and productive ecosystem.

If you are new to companion planting, there are many resources available to help you get started. There are books, websites, and even apps that can help you find compatible plants and learn more about the benefits of companion planting.

With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and productive garden that is full of healthy plants.

For more information about companion planting, visit Garden Wiki.

FAQ of list of companion plants

• What are companion plants?

Companion plants are two or more plants that are grown together to benefit each other. They can help each other in a number of ways, such as:

* Attracting beneficial insects. Some plants attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pests. For example, planting marigolds near tomatoes can help to attract these beneficial insects and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
* Distracting pests. Some plants have strong scents or flavors that can distract pests from other plants. For example, planting mint near cabbage can help to deter cabbage moths.
* Providing support. Some plants, such as beans, need support to grow. Planting them near tall plants, such as corn, can provide them with the support they need.
* Decreasing competition. Some plants compete for the same resources, such as water and nutrients. Planting them together can help to decrease competition and improve the growth of both plants.

• How do I choose companion plants?

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing companion plants. These include:

* The plants' needs. Make sure that the plants you choose have similar needs for sunlight, water, and nutrients.
* The plants' pests and diseases. Some plants are susceptible to the same pests and diseases. Planting them together can help to attract beneficial insects that prey on these pests.
* The plants' growth habits. Some plants grow tall, while others grow short. Planting them together can help to create a balanced garden.

• What are some good companion plants?

Here are some good companion plants:

* Beans and corn. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits corn. Corn provides support for beans.
* Carrots and tomatoes. Carrots repel nematodes, which can damage tomatoes. Tomatoes attract predatory insects that help to control pests that attack carrots.
* Cucumbers and melons. Cucumbers and melons attract pollinators, which help both plants to produce fruit.
* Herbs and vegetables. Many herbs, such as basil, mint, and rosemary, attract beneficial insects and can help to deter pests. They can also be used to flavor vegetables.

• How do I plant companion plants?

When planting companion plants, it is important to consider their growth habits. Tall plants should be planted behind shorter plants, so that they do not shade them out. It is also important to plant companion plants that have similar water and nutrient needs.

• What are some benefits of companion planting?

There are many benefits to companion planting, including:

* Increased yields. Companion planting can help to increase yields by attracting beneficial insects, deterring pests, and decreasing competition for resources.
* Improved health. Companion planting can help to improve the health of plants by providing them with support, attracting beneficial insects, and deterring pests.
* Reduced need for pesticides. Companion planting can help to reduce the need for pesticides by attracting beneficial insects and deterring pests.
* Increased biodiversity. Companion planting can help to increase biodiversity in the garden by attracting a variety of beneficial insects and other wildlife.

Image of list of companion plants

• Carrots and leeks. Carrots and leeks are a classic companion plant combination. The leek's strong scent helps to deter carrot root fly, while the carrot's foliage helps to shade the leek's roots from the sun.
• Lavender with carrots and leeks. Lavender is another good companion plant for carrots and leeks. It helps to repel pests and attract pollinators.
• Wormwood and beans. Wormwood is a natural insecticide that can help to protect beans from pests.
• Calendula and beans. Calendula is a companion plant that helps to attract pollinators and repel pests.
• Sage and brassicas. Sage helps to deter cabbage moths and other pests from brassicas.
• Borage and strawberries. Borage attracts pollinators and helps to deter slugs and snails from strawberries.
• Thyme and roses. Thyme helps to repel aphids and other pests from roses.
• Calendula and courgettes. Calendula helps to deter pests from courgettes, and its flowers can be used to make a natural insecticidal spray.
• Nasturtiums and tomatoes. Nasturtiums help to deter whiteflies and other pests from tomatoes.