Companion Planting

Companion planting is the practice of growing together plants which have been shown to have beneficial effects on one another. These benefits may include: assisting with pest control, encouraging pollination, attracting beneficial creatures, or simply maximizing the available space.

Some beneficial plants can camouflage nearby plants from pest insects either by their shape or by the scents they release. Other beneficial plants can help 'fix' the soil, for example deep rooted plants can help to aerate the soil, whilst members of the Legume family are 'nitrogen fixers' with roots which enable them to convert nitrogen from the atmosphere into a form used by other plants.

Another way plants can be beneficial to their neighbours is by emitting chemicals from their roots which can act as growth stimulants for other plants. Conversely, some plants can also act negatively to prevent the germination of seeds, so this also needs to be taken into consideration.

The following guide from Palmers is by no means exhaustive but is a pretty handy guide. For a more comprehensive table head on over to https://www.palmers.co.nz/portfolio-posts/companion-planting/

Discourage ants and aphids

Plant penny royal and tansy throughout the garden. Ants farm aphids, by carrying them from plant to plant as they are very fond of the sweet substance which aphids secrete. The pungent smell of penny royal and tansy will also deter ants from coming into the house. Plant large clumps near entrances. Coriander will help keep aphids away from your garden.

Encourage apple trees

Apple trees are more productive and disease resistant if a good number of chives are grown under them.

Encourage apricot trees

Apricot trees benefit from planting basil and tansy nearby.

Encourage asparagus

Asparagus grows particularly well if it is surrounded by parsley.

Handy herb

Basil is one of the most valuable herbs in the garden. Ornamental basil, sweet basil and bush basil are all beneficial. Bees love it and therefore it brings fertility to the whole garden. It also deters aphids, fruit fly and the common house fly.

Encourage cabbages

Cabbages grow better when mint, thyme, sage, rosemary and dill are planted around them. Never grow rue near cabbages.

Encourage your vegetable garden

Borage is rich in organic potassium, calcium and natural minerals. It should always be grown near cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, and strawberries.

Encourage celery and carrots

Celery likes to have dill planted nearby. Carrots like chives, sage and coriander planted between their rows.

Discourage birds, mice and slugs

When growing plants from seed, mix dried herbs of any variety to discourage birds, mice and slugs from eating them while they are germinating.

Discourage mosquitoes

Pots of garlic, which can be easily moved around, will repel mosquitoes. Great for when you are entertaining outdoors.

Encourage bees to your garden

Planting lemon balm and lavender will attract bees and improve the growth of all vegetables, especially tomatoes.

Discourage fleas

Discourage fleas by planting fennel near troublesome areas.

Encourage healthy plants

Lovage, marjoram and tarragon planted freely through vegetable and flower gardens will improve the health of all nearby plants.

Discourage insects

Nasturtium helps repel wooly aphid and many other garden insects.

Discourage slugs and snails

Rosemary and rue repel slugs and snails so plant them by your more tender plants.

Encourage roses

Garlic and chives planted near roses help repel aphids and other insects whilst enhancing the fragrance of the rose flowers.

Discourage white fly

Marigolds planted throughout the garden will help discourage whitefly.