Companion Planting

Companion Planting in a Square Foot Garden or Raised Bed

Choose companion plants based on their needs and watering requirements. Companion planting maximizes small spaces and shares resources efficiently.

A list of good plants to start with include:

• Peppers (both chili peppers and sweet peppers)
• Tomatoes (bush or vine type, any size including cherry or larger types)
• Herbs (the world is your oyster here)
• Flowers (either for attracting pollinators, and/or deterring pests)
• Potatoes (there is a slight difference here between sweet potato and “Irish” but either will work)

 

Pairings look amazing and are often consumed together

• Tomatoes of any variety with basil planted at the base help repel pests and act as a ground cover to retain moisture.
• Peppers (or tomatoes) and marigolds. Marigolds not only attract pollinators but also assist in repelling pests like spider mites, some beetles, and even nematodes.
• Cucumbers and nasturtiums are also a good combination as nasturtiums lure aphids away.
• A favorite is planting onions with lettuce (or any leafy green). The strong odor of onions helps confuse insects, making it harder for them to find the lettuce. It also helps keep rabbits away. Onions (of nearly any type) make amazing companion crops. Plant with carrots, as well!
• Plant potatoes with shallow rooted vegetable (cabbage, onions, leafy greens) or herbs.
• Avoid planting potatoes near tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and fennel as these compete for resources and that can lead to disease and stressed plants.
• Growing potatoes in buckets (which are about .75 sqft) is super easy and the bucket makes harvesting a snap. Just dump them out on a tarp when you’re ready to harvest and sift through the soil to pick the goodies.

Triple Planting

• Plant potatoes w/ legumes (beans/peas) and thyme. Legumes fix nitrogen and thyme repels pests
• The Three Sisters planting method is a traditional technique of planting corn, beans, and squash. Corn provides a trellis for beans, beans fix nitrogen to fertilize, and squash shades the soil.