An introduction to companion planting
Companion planting is a gardening principle whereby you grow different types of plants together that complement each other. It’s a simple yet effective way of growing which can maximise your harvests and reduce your reliance on other pest controls. It has been used for thousands of years successfully and is suitable for a wide range of spaces. For those looking at more sustainable gardening methods, or growing your own fruit and veg for the first time, this is a perfect place to start
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the practice of growing complementary plans together that will benefit one another. This may be in the form of attracting pollinators, improving flavour or acting as a pest control plant to keep the pests away from your prized crops. This can lead to a multitude of benefits, including improved plant health and increased yields, as well as being a great organic pest control.
Can companion plants be used for container gardening?
Yes, as long as the container is a suitable size to grow the plants you plan to companion plant. Carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers and roses can all be grown in containers with their plant pals, whilst pumpkins and squashes can be, they need a lot of food so a large container would be needed. The three sisters method requires a lot of space as to successfully grow corn, you need to plant them in blocks of at least six but ideally 12 and over and, therefore wouldn’t be suitable for container growing.
Companion planting chart
The ‘Three Sisters’ method
A perfect example of companion planting is the Three Sisters method. This involves growing sweetcorn, beans and pumpkins all in one space. In this case, the largest benefit is the large amount of food you can grow in a small space. The sweetcorn grows up and acts as a support for the beans, whilst the pumpkins grow out across the compost, shading the ground and reducing it’s need for water whilst making the most of the space between the corn and beans. What’s more, the beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, feeding your veg patch.
Plants that do not grow well together
Not all plants grow in harmony, and there are a few combinations that you should actively avoid. This includes potatoes and tomatoes, carrots and dill, cabbage and tomatoes, corn and tomatoes as well as onions and peas. Fennel is also a plant best grown on its own. The primary reason for these not growing well together is that they will compete for the same nutrients, and/or attract similar pests. Certain plants also release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants, this is called allelopathy.
Tips for Success
- Start with simple pairings such as nasturtiums and pumpkins which can be easily sown from seed.
- Use a journal to track successes and failures year-to-year as there are plenty of other factors that affect how well your crops grow.
- Rotate crops annually to avoid pest buildup and nutrient deficiencies.
If you’re ready to try companion planting for yourself, why not head to our Devon garden centres in Barnstaple and Ashford? We have a wide range of seeds and plants to help you get started, plus, our experts are on hand around the stores to answer any further questions you may have.