Everyone needs a companion, even your tomatoes. No, I am not suggesting spending quality time with your plants. Companion Planting is combining two or more plants in the same area so one or all benefit from the other. These benefits include: shade, ground cover to reduce erosion, improving the soil quality, and pest management by repelling unwanted bugs and attracting beneficial insects.
A classic example of companion planting is the three sisters used by ancient American Indians. The three sisters are corn, pole beans, and squash. The corn plant needs large amounts of nitrogen. The pole beans climb the corn and are a legume. Legumes convert nitrogen from the atmosphere into useable nitrogen in the soil through root nodules and a certain soil bacterium named rhizobium. The corn and beans benefit from each other. The squash shades the ground helping to retain moisture, reduce erosion and suppress weeds. The squash is a benefit to both the corn and beans. The people understood the benefits of compatible plants and gardening in a small space. And this was in the days before the internet!
Plants requiring bees for pollination can benefit from other plants such as buckwheat and clover which attract bees. Buckwheat and clover also suppress weeds. African and French Marigolds planted near tomatoes help repel nematodes in the soil which feed on tomato roots. Nematodes are too small to see without microscopy and are often described as “eel like.” Tilling the marigolds into the soil at the end of the season will continue the benefit of the marigold deterring nematodes. Herbs such as dill and parsley attract beneficial insects. Ornamentals such as sunflowers, coneflowers and daises also attract beneficial insects. They are referred to as beneficial insects because they prey on the pest insects.
Gardens with a combination of the correct ornamentals, herbs, and vegetable plants are not only more diverse but healthier. Remember that successful gardening takes, research, planning and effort. Who does not want the fruits of their labor to be the best it can be?
Larry’s timely tip: Warmer temperatures and reduced rainfall require gardeners to conserve soil moisture. Increase the mowing height of your cool season lawn grasses to help shade the soil surface. Ensure the mulch in your ornamental beds is at least three inches deep over your plant’s roots.
