The Art of Companion Planting: Grow Getters’ Guide to Happy Plants
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The other day, I was chatting with a friend who just started experimenting with aeroponics. She excitedly told me she was just starting here strawberries and tomatoes together—two of her favorites! But… it didn’t go well. Turns out, these two don’t make the best roommates!
As we’re all planning our gardens for the year, it’s the perfect time to talk about companion planting—a simple yet powerful way to create harmony in your garden. Whether you’re growing flowers, veggies, or both, planting the right things together can boost growth, keep pests away, and even improve flavor.
Let’s dive into the do’s and don’ts of companion planting!
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is basically gardening with strategy. Some plants love growing together because they:
✔ Protect each other from pests (think of it as natural pest control!)
✔ Improve soil health and nutrients
✔ Enhance each other’s flavors
✔ Provide shade or climbing support
And then there are bad plant pairings—ones that compete for space, steal nutrients, or attract the wrong bugs. Like my friend’s strawberries and tomatoes!
The Best Plant Pairings (Garden BFFs!)
🌿 Tomatoes + Basil = The Ultimate Power Couple
Not only does basil keep pests like aphids and hornworms away from tomatoes, but it also makes them taste even better! Bonus: You’ve got the perfect pairing for pasta night.
🌻 Sunflowers + Cucumbers = A Natural Climbing System
Cucumbers love to climb, and sunflowers are happy to help. The tall, sturdy stalks act as a natural trellis while also attracting pollinators.
🥕 Carrots + Onions = No More Pesky Bugs
Carrots loosen the soil for onions to grow deeper, and onions keep carrot-loving pests at bay. Teamwork makes the dream work!
🍓 Strawberries + Borage = Bigger, Juicier Berries
While strawberries and tomatoes weren’t a good match, strawberries love growing near borage, a blue-flowered herb that attracts bees and protects against disease.
🌱 Lettuce + Marigolds = Pest-Free & Pretty
Marigolds deter aphids, beetles, and even rabbits, keeping your lettuce safe and thriving.
The Worst Plant Combos (Keep These Apart!)
🚫 Tomatoes + Potatoes – They attract the same pests and diseases, which can wipe out both plants.
🚫 Beans + Onions – Onions can stunt bean growth, so it’s best to keep them in separate areas.
🚫 Strawberries + Tomatoes – As my friend learned the hard way, tomatoes can overpower strawberries and create a breeding ground for fungal diseases.
🚫 Peppers + Fennel – Fennel is a bit of a loner and tends to stunt the growth of nearby plants.
Companion Planting for Flowers & Veggies
If you’re growing flowers alongside veggies (which you totally should!), companion planting works there too. Flowers like marigolds, nasturtiums, and lavender help keep pests away while attracting pollinators. Plus, they make your garden extra beautiful!
Ready to Plan Your Perfect Garden?
As we map out our gardens for the year, let’s set ourselves up for success with smart planting choices. Whether you’re working with raised beds, flower plots, or hydroponics, choosing the right plant combos makes all the difference.
Have you had any surprising successes or disasters with companion planting? Let’s swap stories—I’d love to hear what’s worked (or flopped) in your garden!
