Companion Planting

Companion planting places plants together that benefit each other through pest control, pollination, nutrient sharing, or physical support.

Good Neighbors (green border)

These plants actively help each other. Examples: Tomato + Basil (basil repels whiteflies), Carrot + Onion (onion repels carrot fly), Corn + Beans + Squash (the 'Three Sisters' – beans fix nitrogen, squash shades soil, corn provides climbing support).

Bad Neighbors (red border)

These plants compete for nutrients, attract each other's pests, or release chemicals that inhibit growth. Examples: Fennel inhibits almost everything, Tomato + Potato share blight susceptibility, Onion + Beans inhibit each other's growth.

Practical Tips

Plant aromatic herbs (basil, thyme, sage) near vegetables to confuse pests with their scent.

Use marigolds and nasturtiums as border plants – they attract beneficial insects and trap aphids.

Alternate rows of heavy feeders with nitrogen fixers (beans, peas) to naturally replenish soil.

Place tall plants (corn, tomatoes) on the north side so they don't shade shorter plants.

The Three Sisters

Corn (support)

Beans (N-fixer)

Squash (ground cover)