Companion Planting Archives (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of companion planting? ›

Potato – Bush beans, celery, corn, garlic, marigolds, onions, and peas all do well planted near potatoes. Avoid planting potatoes near asparagus, Brassicas, carrots, cucumber, kohlrabi, melons, parsnips, rutabaga, squash, sunflower, and turnips.

How close should you plant these companion plants? To make it simple, take an average spacing between the two varieties. If one variety should be spaced 12 in. apart and the other calls for 6 in., space them 9 in.

In general, plants with known positive relationships should be planted within two or three rows of each other. Plants that have negative or detrimental relationships, should be planted at least two to three rows apart.

Potatoes can also spread diseases such as late blight, which can also affect zucchinis. Cucumbers and pumpkins should not be planted next to zucchinis as they belong to the same family (Cucurbitaceae) and therefore attract similar pests and diseases.

Brassicas: Almanacs and home gardeners recommend avoiding planting brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale, collards, cauliflower) near peppers because they require different soil acidity levels and can deter pepper plant growth.

If your garden has an issue with spider mites or nematodes, consider planting chrysanthemums to drive them away. Chrysanthemums are a top choice among flowers that deter pests because they are both colorful and easy to grow. They work best when planted near tomato plants, but avoid planting chrysanthemums near lettuce.

If you want to grow other vegetables together with peppers, then carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) or onions (Allium cepa) are good choices. Lettuces, especially varieties that grow well in semi-shade, are also great companion plants for peppers.

What is the best thing to plant with potatoes? ›

Potatoes are a great choice for planting near plants in the cabbage (brassicas) family—including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, and kohlrabi—because these plants have shallow root systems that won't compete for the space or nutrients that potatoes need.

Best Potato Companion Plants

Lettuce, spinach, scallions, and radishes are shallow-rooted veggies that are good choices for occupying the spaces between potato plants.

Onions make great companion plants for many fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, including beets, spinach, alliums, brassicas, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, strawberries, potatoes, lettuce, parsnips, carrots, chamomile, parsley, dill, savory, marigolds, and roses.

Can you Companion Plant in Containers? In a word: yes. And it can be done in a few different ways! You may choose to plant your herbs in the same container, or you may decide to grow your herbs in separate pots and locate them nearby each other.

Moreover, companion planting plays an important role in improving soil available nutrients, enhancing soil enzyme activities, enriching the diversity of microbial species, and reducing the occurrence of soilborne diseases [5-7].

Soil Degradation And Fertility Loss

Agricultural monoculture upsets the natural balance of soils. Too many of the same plant species in one field area rob the soil of its nutrients, resulting in decreasing varieties of bacteria and microorganisms that are needed to maintain fertility of the soil.

While transplanting can be beneficial for the health and appearance of your garden, it's important to do your due diligence before jumping in. Unearthing and replanting incorrectly can do more harm than good. Transplant shock can cause root failure, wilted or rolling leaves, and more.