Companion Planting

Companion planting became popular in the 1970s as part of the organic gardening movement. It is a gardening process based on the idea certain plants grown in close proximity to one another will produce certain benefits.
These benefits include:

• Flavor enhancement- some plants, especially herbs, can subtly enhance the flavor of edible plants.
• Level interaction- plants can provide ground cover or work as a trellis for another plant.
• Nitrogen fixation- some plants that fix nitrogen into the soil can improve it for other plants.
• Pest deterrent- certain plants can repel insects and other pests.
• Positive hosting- some plants attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs.
• Protective shelter- one plant may provide a windbreak or shade for another plant.
• Trap cropping- plants can attract insects away from other plants.
• Attractiveness- a combination of plants makes for a varied, more attractive garden.

Through companion planting, a balanced ecosystem can be achieved. By allowing nature to do its job, symbiosis is created in a garden, encouraging plants and animals to work together naturally. There are many methods and combinations of companion planting known to work well, but the best way to find out what works best in your garden is to experiment with companion planting. What works well in one garden may not work in another.

Refer to the list below to get some ideas for companion planting combinations which have worked well in other gardens.

Alfalfa- Improves just about any soil, breaks up hard clay soil.
Anise- Repels aphids while improving strength of plants growing near it.
Basil- Improves flavor of tomatoes and repel flies and mosquitoes.
Bay Leaf- Companion planted with beans, it deters moths and can be used as a natural insecticide.
Catnip- Deters flea beetles and cats love it.
Chamomile- Companion planted with onions and cabbage, it improves the vegetables' flavor.
Chives- Improves flavor and growth of carrots and tomatoes.
Clover- Known as green manure, it attracts beneficial bugs.
Garlic- Companion planted near roses, it repels aphids.
Horseradish- Companion planted in a potato patch, it will keep potato bugs away.
Lavender-Repels fleas and moths, it also nourishes nectar-feeding and beneficial insects.
Lemon Balm- Has citronella compounds. Crushing its leaves and rubbing it on skin will create a mosquito repellent.
Marjoram- Improves the flavor of all vegetables.
Onions- It's also a companion plant for bell peppers and strawberries, helping the plants ward off diseases.
Soybeans- Fixes nitrogen into the soil, improving it for other plants.
Sunflowers- A companion plant to deter aphids, the seeds can provide food for birds.
Tansy- Plant with fruit trees, roses and raspberries to deter Japanese beetles. Warning: it is toxic to many animals, so be careful where you plant it!
Tarragon- Plant it throughout the garden because pests do not like it. It enhances the growth and flavor of vegetables.
White Geraniums-Draws Japanese beetles to feast on its foliage, which in turn kills them.
Wormwood- Companion plant as a border to keep animals out of the garden.