11 Plant Combos

 11 Plant Compos you need to grow side by side

Step back over time to embrace some of the horticultural wisdom that your grandparents practiced: the idea of ​​sub-planting or planting mixtures of specific plants for their mutual benefit. "The theory behind companion planting is that some plants can help each other take in nutrients, improve pest management, or attract pollinators," said Tom Maloney, a horticultural educator for the Ben State Extension. "Some research has been done on how to attract beneficial insects such as lacewings to the garden to fight pests, so we know this may be useful. We are still researching other aspects of supplementary planting." When you plan your sub-garden, consider adding flowers that attract hummingbirds or flowers that attract butterflies to your yard to invite some other friends. Create a space that will appeal to the younger members of your family by adding the best plants for kids or the exotic fairy garden. Add some beautiful and practical layouts with garden fence ideas. Do not forget to make room for some of the best flowers that bloom in summer. But to try these general knowledge supplements in your garden, whether it is a small plot or a raised bed, set aside an area. Then sit back and reap the benefits.

Nasturtium + Cucumber

"For me, sub-planting is about bringing pollen and beneficial insects into your garden to enhance biodiversity," says Amy Strauss, blogger at TenthAcreFarm.com and author of The Suburban Micro-Farm. Strauss raises the cuckoo up to a cross-knocked tap and allows the nasturtium to grow in a colorful tumble below with a unique scent that repels insects.

Melon or squash + flowering herbs

These are all vegetables that need to produce pollen, so invite pest visitors to your garden by planting flowering herbs such as dill, fennel, and parsley near melons and squash. "Without the pollination of these vegetables you will not get any yield," says Maloney.

Alyssum is an annual that can easily grow from seed between rows of vegetables. "This is a major attraction for floating flies, which are beneficial insects that control aphids," Strauss said. Plant a border of beautiful Swiss shorts interspersed with these delicate low-growing flowers.

Corn + polar beans + squash or pumpkin

This Native American example of sub-planting is often referred to as the “three sisters”. Corn gives the beans space to climb. Beans convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. The spreading leaves of the pumpkin or squash reduce weeds and form a living mulch that retains moisture.

Calendula + broccoli

These flowers expel sticky material on their stems, which attract aphids and hold them right there, Strauss says. She finds aphids coming out of the broccoli, especially as she plants broccoli near her brass crops. In addition, it brings Ladybox, which is beneficial for eating aphids.

Lettuce + tomato or eggplant

“Combining plants with different growth habits together is referred to as‘ intercropping ’and we have some data to show that it is effective,” says Maloney. In this case, the tomatoes and eggplant will grow taller and will eventually shade the winter crops like lettuce, which will not like the heat. This trick can extend your spinach season a bit.

Radish + Carrot

These two plants do not compete for resources because they take nutrients from different parts of the soil. Radishes mature quickly and do not grow as deep as carrots, they have long roots and take longer to mature, says Maloney.

Tomato + basil or coriander

Some gardeners believe that basil improves the taste of tomatoes, but it is planted primarily because its strong aroma repels pests. Additionally, if you allow some of your basil or coriander to bloom, Strauss says it brings in pollen.

Aphids avoid stinking plants like onions or garlic, so try this near your lettuce. Or add Alice nearby to bring in beneficial insects, Strauss says.

Roses + geranium or onion

Plants with a strong aroma or taste are said to stimulate beetles and aphids Is charged. While there is no guarantee that this will work, it is worth trying to prevent roses from being eaten by these annoying little insects, which can multiply overnight.

Chamomile + Cabbage

Chamomile brings beneficial insects to brass like cabbage. In the fall, prune it, throw it on the bed, leave the roots intact and fertilize the soil, Strauss advises. "There's not always a lot of scientific evidence behind some of these couples, but try and see what works," Strauss said. After all, garden testing is half the fun!