Companion planting is a time-tested gardening technique that involves growing certain plants together to enhance growth, deter pests, and improve yields. While some companion plant pairings are well-known, such as tomatoes and basil, there are many unusual companions that can also benefit your garden. Here are some unexpected plant partnerships that will help you grow a rich harvest.
1. Radishes and Cucumbers
Why They Work:
Radishes are a great companion for cucumbers because they repel pests like cucumber beetles, which can wreak havoc on young cucumber plants. Additionally, radishes help break up the soil, improving aeration and water absorption for the cucumber roots.
Benefits:
- Pest Control: Radishes deter cucumber beetles.
- Soil Improvement: Radish roots loosen compacted soil, promoting healthier cucumber growth.
Planting Tips:
- Plant radishes between cucumber rows or around the base of cucumber trellises for maximum benefit.
- Harvest radishes before cucumbers spread too widely, as they mature quickly.
2. Nasturtiums and Squash
Why They Work:
Nasturtiums are a vibrant flowering plant that attracts beneficial insects and repels squash bugs and aphids, common pests for squash plants. They also attract pollinators, increasing the yield of squash and other nearby plants.
Benefits:
- Pest Repellent: Nasturtiums naturally repel squash bugs and aphids.
- Pollinator Magnet: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
Planting Tips:
- Plant nasturtiums around the perimeter of your squash patch or intersperse them between squash plants.
- Choose dwarf varieties for smaller gardens or climbing varieties to add vertical interest.
3. Carrots and Tomatoes
Why They Work:
Carrots and tomatoes are a surprising duo that work well together in the garden. Carrots help loosen the soil, which benefits the shallow roots of tomato plants. Meanwhile, tomato foliage provides shade and maintains soil moisture for the carrots.
Benefits:
- Soil Aeration: Carrot roots improve soil structure, benefiting tomato plants.
- Moisture Retention: Tomato foliage provides shade, helping carrots retain moisture.
Planting Tips:
- Plant carrots directly beneath tomato plants or between tomato rows.
- Allow extra space for tomato roots to spread without crowding the carrots.
4. Sunflowers and Corn
Why They Work:
Sunflowers and corn form a mutually beneficial partnership. Sunflowers attract pollinators that help fertilize corn, while also providing a natural trellis for climbing beans, another companion for corn in the traditional “Three Sisters” planting method.
Benefits:
- Pollination Support: Sunflowers attract bees and other pollinators to corn.
- Natural Trellis: Sunflower stalks support climbing beans, enhancing the Three Sisters planting technique.
Planting Tips:
- Plant sunflowers at the north end of the corn patch to avoid shading the corn.
- Use tall sunflower varieties to maximize their benefits as a trellis.
5. Borage and Strawberries
Why They Work:
Borage is a flowering herb that pairs well with strawberries. Its bright blue flowers attract pollinators, while its leaves are thought to improve the flavor and growth of strawberries. Borage also deters pests like tomato hornworms.
Benefits:
- Pollinator Attraction: Borage flowers bring bees to the garden.
- Flavor Enhancement: Borage is believed to improve the taste of strawberries.
Planting Tips:
- Interplant borage with strawberries in rows or containers.
- Allow borage to reseed itself for a continuous companion in your strawberry patch.
These unusual plant companions can enhance your garden’s productivity while reducing the need for chemical interventions. By understanding the natural relationships between different plant species, you can create a thriving garden ecosystem that supports abundant harvests. Experimenting with these unexpected pairings may reveal new ways to boost your garden’s success while adding beauty and diversity to your outdoor space.
