Companion planting is an age - old practice that require strategically plant unlike type of crops near each other to maximise their growing and overall productivity . There are sure formula and guidelines to follow when it come in to companion planting , which I will delve into in detail .

1 . Compatibility is key : Not all plant get along well with each other , so it is important to pick out familiar plants that have positive relationship . For exemplar , some plants unloose chemicals that can beat back blighter or inhibit the growth of nearby plants , while others pull in good insect or improve soil fertility . By selecting compatible plants , you may make a harmonious and mutually beneficial environment in your garden .

2 . group by growth use : It is advisable to mathematical group plant with similar increment habit together . This helps to assure that they do not vie for resource such as sunlight , water , and nutrients . For instance , tall plants should be planted where they wo n’t shade unretentive ones and straggle plants should be give ample blank space to spread without crowding their neighbors .

3 . sequence planting : fellow planting can be used to maximize the purpose of space and extend the produce season . By planting crops with different maturity date stamp together , you could reap a continuous supply of new garden truck . For illustration , you’re able to plant tight - growing lettuce or radishes alongside slower - rise tomato or Madagascar pepper . As the quick crops are harvest , the larger plants have more blank to get .

4 . constitute for pest control : Certain plants have born abilities to repel pests or attract beneficial louse that can help control pests . This is known as trap cropping or insectary planting . For good example , planting marigolds or nasturtiums near harvest like tomatoes or cucumbers can deter aphids and other harmful dirt ball . On the other hand , planting prime such as sunflowers or daisies can attract pollinator like bees and butterflies , which are of the essence for fruit set .

5 . Companion found for alimentary balance : Some plants have the power to improve filth fertility rate by situate N or accumulating sure food . Legumes , such as edible bean or pea , are known for their nitrogen - fixing ability . By interplanting legume with atomic number 7 - thirsty plant like leafy William Green or brassicas , you could of course raise the soil fertility , concentrate the penury for synthetic fertilizer .

6 . craw revolution : Rotating harvest is another significant aspect of companion planting . It involves changing the location of crops each year to foreclose the buildup of pest and disease in the grunge . For example , obviate planting the same family of plants in the same surface area year after year , as this can lead to the depletion of specific nutrients and increased susceptibility to pest and diseases .

7 . utilize intercropping and polyculture : Intercropping refers to growing different crop in the same domain at the same time , while polyculture involves growing multiple crops together in a interracial planting scheme . These proficiency can help maximise quad , deter pests , and improve overall plant wellness . For representative , plant onions among cultivated carrot can help repel Daucus carota sativa fly front , while also direct advantage of perpendicular space by growing climbing beans on a treillage alongside lower - maturate crops .

In my own experience , I have found companion planting to be a extremely efficient scheme in my garden . For example , I have successfully grow basil alongside tomatoes , which not only heighten the flavour of the love apple but also facilitate to force back pests like aphids . to boot , I have interplanted corn with beans and crush , known as the “ Three Sisters ” method used by Native Americans , which creates a symbiotic relationship between the crops , providing documentation , N fixing , and weed stifling .

Companion planting is a valuable technique that can heighten crop yield through strategical plant placement . By considering compatibility , growth habits , plague control , alimental residuum , crop rotation , and intercropping , you could make a various and thriving garden ecosystem . try out with different companion plant life combinations and observing the consequence will ultimately help you get word what works best in your own garden .

Caroline Bates