A Beginner’s Guide to Companion Planting
Whether you grow in the garden borders, a raised bed, or an allotment plot, the ecosystem is complex and companion planting can make a huge difference. In essence its a way of getting plants to support each other to deter pests, enrich the soil or even just make a space more productive. It’s something that I have tried with great success in the past and there is no better sight than the blooms of nasturtiums and no aphids on your crops!
What is companion planting?
Simply put, companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together for mutual benefit. One of the duo might repel pests while the other attracts pollinators or boosts the health of the soil. It’s been practiced for centuries by communities all over the world and there are plenty of reasons why.
Why should I companion plant?
For me there are four main reasons why I would recommend companion planting:
1) Natural pest control - living in the UK even the most beginner of gardeners will be familiar with slugs, cabbage white butterflies and aphids and the damage they can do from seedling to larger plants. Pairing crops with protective companion plants can help to deter these pesky pests and save a lot of disappointment. This leads onto the next point…
2) Sustainability / keeping things organic - avoiding pesticides and letting the plants work their magic is a very eco-friendly way to grow.
3) Encouraging pollinators - our native bees, overflies and lacewings thrive when we interplant flowers with our veggies which in theory will lead to a better harvest. Marigolds, calendula, and borage are easy to grow pollinator magnets that bring life and colour to any space.
4) Maximising your space - I know I am lucky to have an allotment but many people aren’t and are growing in small spaces such as courtyards or balconies. Companion planting can help you get more out of a small space by packing in beautiful blooms as well as something delicious to eat.
Companion planting through the seasons
Spring
This season is all about cooler season crops and hardy greens. The best pairs for Spring are: Carrots and Onions Plant early carrots and spring onions together to ward off carrot fly - the smell of the onions overpowers the smell of the carrots which is what usually attracts them.
Lettuce and Radishes Radishes grow quickly, loosening up the soil for slower-growing lettuces.
Peas and Spinach Peas climb upwards, while spinach shades the soil, keeping it moist.
Cabbages and Nasturtiums As you transplant brassicas (the family that cabbages are part of), nasturtiums lure pests away.
Strawberries and Borage Borage attracts pollinators early, boosting strawberry flowers and therefore fruits.
Summer
AKA peak growing season. The best pairs for Summer are:
Tomatoes and Basil In a greenhouse or sunny patio, basil deters whitefly and boosts flavour.
Sweetcorn and Beans Beans climb corn, while fixing nitrogen for hungry corn roots. This is a slimmed down version of the popular ‘Three Sisters’ where people also introduce squash into the mix.
Cucumbers and Nasturtiums Nasturtiums deter aphids and act as a “trap crop” for pests.
Courgettes and Calendula Calendula draws in pollinators and hoverflies that control aphids.
Autumn
Crops are slowing down but this is the time that companion planting can help with soil health and prepare your beds for winter. The best pairs for Winter are:
Leeks and Carrots Similar to the Springtime carrot and onions, this time leeks mask carrots.
Kale and Garlic Garlic repels cabbage pests while kale thrives in cooler temperatures. To be honest I always make sure that I also net my cabbage / kale just in case.
Beetroot and Lettuce Beetroot pulls up nutrients, while the lettuce makes use of the shaded soil.
Brussels Sprouts and Marigolds Marigolds deter whitefly, which can still stick around into autumn.
Broad Beans and Spinach Broad beans sown in autumn fix nitrogen, setting the soil up for spring greens.
Companion planting is all about balance. By letting your plants work as partners, you’ll find fewer pests, healthier soil, and a (hopefully) bountiful harvest.
