Container-growing, or gardening in s small space, requires different techniques in order to maximize space and optimize your harvest. One to consider? Companion-planting
Why use the companion-planting technique
Companion-planting is the technique of planting different plants in proximity to one another for their mutual benefit. Certain plants act as natural repellents, while others attract insects that are useful in the garden. Then, there are certain plants that are quite unsuited to cohabitation, since they compete for the same nutrients in the soil.
- Attract Pollinators: Blooming beauties like chives, lavender, and nasturtiums draw in bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These busy insects are essential for ensuring a bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables!
- Repel Pests Naturally: Certain plants, like peppermint, basil, and marigolds, release powerful scents that repel common garden foes such as aphids, whiteflies, and Colorado potato beetles.
- Promote Growth: Legumes like peas, beans, and lentils have a superpower: they fix nitrogen in the soil! This essential nutrient helps other plants thrive and reach their full potential.
- Fight Disease: Garlic, onions, and chives aren't just tasty additions to your kitchen! They also boast antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help prevent certain vegetable garden diseases.
Which plants to associate in the garden
Examples of beneficial associations:
- Strawberries and basil: Basil repels aphids and slugs, which are harmful to strawberries.
- Tomatoes and basil: Basil promotes tomato growth and repels whiteflies.
- Carrots and onions: Onions repel the carrot fly, a pest that is harmful to carrots.
- Potatoes and green beans: Green beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits potatoes.
Plants to keep apart:
Some plants do not like each other and can even harm each other. It is therefore important to keep them apart in your vegetable garden. ♀️
- Cabbage and strawberries: Cabbage attracts whiteworms, which can damage strawberry roots.
- Potatoes and tomatoes: These two plants can weaken each other and be more susceptible to disease.
- Corn and beans: Corn can smother beans due to its rapid growth.
Once you have chosen the fruits, vegetables and herbs you want to grow in your vegetable garden, the table below will help you find their perfect companions!
Clic on the image to view a PDF file.
