Companion Planting: Your Guide to Organic Vegetable Gardening

Companion planting is essential for anyone who desires to grow vegetables organically. This method not only reduces infestations but also attracts crucial pollinating insects to your vegetable patch. By incorporating companion plants, you enhance the health and productivity of your garden.

Why Use Companion Plants?

Utilizing companion plants in your vegetable beds ensures a balanced ecosystem that promotes growth. A good rule of thumb is to include one row of herbs and companion flowers in every vegetable bed. This diversity not only maximizes space but also enhances the effectiveness of natural pest control.

Bed 1: garlic, beetroot, pak choi, chives & celeriac

Bed 2: Kale, parsley, celery, chamomile, dill

Bed 3: Nasturtiums, radish, broccoli, sage, rosemary, and oregano

Bed 4: Onions, lettuce/cabbage, carrots, and dill

Bed 5: Peas, sweetcorn, leeks, squash, nasturtium, and oregano

Bed 6: tomatoes and cucumbers, marigold, basil, parsley, and chamomile

](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/847ae8_c13a0c9eb1114da8821049d5b2edf449~mv2.png "Sample Companion Planting Guide")

In the diagram above, you will find various ideas for what plants grow well together. Each combination serves a purpose in promoting healthy growth and deterring pests.

Planning Your Vegetable Layout

When considering where to plant your vegetables, it’s best to focus on what is most prone to pests. By creating a barrier with companion plants, you can help shield your more vulnerable crops.

Brassicas, including broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and cabbage, are particularly susceptible to pests. Carrots, tomatoes, and lettuce also fall into this category. A useful practice is to consider a mesh to protect these from further infestations.

Pest-Deterrent Plants

Leeks, onions, garlic, and strong-smelling herbs serve as excellent pest deterrents. Lining these plants around the edges of your vegetable beds creates a natural barrier.

Cosmos, for example, thrives alongside cabbage, onions, beans, cucumbers, broccoli, kale, and brussels sprouts. This compatibility can lead to a more bountiful harvest.

Wildflowers - Poppy and Larkspur

In addition to vegetables, wildflowers such as poppy, cosmos, larkspur, chamomile, sunflowers, and snapdragon can be grown together to create a vibrant wildflower bed. These flowers not only beautify your garden but also attract beneficial pollinators.

Utilizing Vertical Space

If you have limited space, consider planting vegetables that grow in different directions. Pairing shallow-rooted crops with deep-rooted ones can maximize your garden. For instance, grow carrots with lettuce, leeks with sweetcorn, radishes with broccoli, or beetroot with pak choi. These combinations can complement each other well.

What Not to Plant Together?

While many plants grow harmoniously, some should be avoided in close proximity. Here are critical pairings to steer clear of during your planting:

• Onions should not be planted with beans, peas, asparagus, or sage.

• Fennel tends to be incompatible with most other plants.

• Corn, tomatoes, and potatoes struggle when planted together.

• Courgettes, squashes, and cucumbers can adversely affect each other's growth.

• Broccoli does not thrive alongside asparagus.

• Carrots should not be planted near parsnips and radishes.

• Brussels sprouts are best kept away from mustard leaves.

  
  

Conclusion

I hope you find this companion planting guide helpful! Experimenting with plant combinations can lead to a thriving and diverse garden. Embrace the art of companion planting and watch your vegetable patch flourish.

For extensive resources and additional tips, consider exploring our companion planting guide. Happy gardening!