Companion Planting: Benefits of Growing Vegetables, Herbs & Flowers Together

chareneehamilton
Apr 22, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Mar 18

Can this technique that's over 200 years old work in the soil of today?

A group of planters arranged on a table, they are different sizes and colors, showing the diversity of plants.

Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique that improves plant health, boosts crop yield, and naturally repels pests. By pairing the right plants together, gardeners can create a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem that requires fewer pesticides and fertilizers.

In this guide, we’ll explore what companion planting is, its top benefits, and how you can start using it in your garden today.

What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is the practice of growing specific plants together to improve their growth, protect them from pests, and enhance soil health. This technique has been used for centuries by indigenous farmers and organic gardeners to create balanced, resilient gardens.

Instead of relying on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, companion planting harnesses the natural relationships between plants to promote growth and sustainability.

5 Major Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting offers a wide range of benefits, from natural pest control to increased crop yield. Below are five key reasons to incorporate this method into your gardening routine.

Natural Pest Control

Plants That Repel Pests 🌱

Marigolds – Repel nematodes and aphids.
Lavender – Keeps away mosquitoes and moths.
Basil – Deters flies and mosquitoes when planted near tomatoes.

Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects 🐞

Dill & Parsley – Attract ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on aphids.
Sunflowers – Draw in pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Improved Soil Nutrients & Fertility

Different plants have different nutrient needs, and some can help replenish the soil naturally.

Nitrogen Fixing Plants (Legumes)

Legumes, such as beans and peas, have nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that enriches the soil. This process benefits nearby plants like corn, spinach, and lettuce, which thrive in nitrogen-rich soil.

How Companion Plants Share Nutrients

Some plants act as "nutrient accumulators," pulling up deep minerals and making them available for nearby plants. For example:

Deep-rooted plants like carrots and radishes help break up compacted soil, improving drainage for shallow-rooted crops.

Increased Crop Yield

Pairing plants strategically can increase productivity and improve garden efficiency.

Microclimates That Boost Growth

Tall plants like corn or sunflowers provide shade for delicate crops like lettuce and spinach, protecting them from harsh sun and wind.
Vining plants like cucumbers or beans can grow vertically alongside sturdy stalks like corn, maximizing garden space.

4. Weed Suppression

Companion planting can naturally reduce weed growth by shading the soil and outcompeting weeds for nutrients.

Ground Cover Plants That Reduce Weeds

Clover & Creeping Thyme – Grow between garden rows, preventing weed germination.
Squash & Pumpkins – Their large leaves block sunlight, suppressing weed growth.

By using ground cover plants, gardeners can spend less time weeding and more time enjoying their garden.

5. Biodiversity & Ecosystem Support

A diverse garden supports a healthier ecosystem, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects while improving soil resilience.

How a Diverse Garden Attracts Pollinators & Protects Soil

Mixed plantings reduce the spread of diseases and pests.
Diverse gardens attract bees, butterflies, and birds, leading to higher pollination rates and better fruit production.

How to Start Companion Planting in Your Garden

Ready to try companion planting? Here’s how to get started:

Best Companion Plant Pairings

Tomatoes & Basil – Basil enhances tomato flavor and repels insects.
Carrots & Onions – Onions deter carrot flies, while carrots aerate the soil.
Cabbage & Dill – Dill attracts predatory wasps that control cabbage worms.

Companion Planting Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Avoid planting onions near beans – Onions can stunt bean growth.🚫 Don’t overcrowd plants – Give them space to thrive and receive proper sunlight.🚫 Be mindful of plant water needs – Some plants require more moisture than others.

Why Every Gardener Should Try Companion Planting

Companion planting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve plant health, boost yield, and reduce reliance on chemicals.

By choosing plants that support and protect each other, gardeners can create a more productive, sustainable, and eco-friendly garden. If you're new to vegetable gardening, here's a good reference on how to start an indoor garden.