Companion Planting
Just like people, plants can be stronger together. Plants interact just as we do; some are fast friends, while others do not get along well. By finding the plants that benefit each other, you can practice the method of companion planting. Companion planting is the technique of finding two species that work together, with each plant bringing something to the table. Some plants help amend the soil, others might attract or deter insects, and some aid in the growth of their companion through shade or support. This blog will give resources to help you find what pairings exist and what ideas might work for you!
Better Together: The New Science of “Companion Planting by UC Master Gardeners looks into the holistic way to grow crops, and goes over what companion planting can be used for. The book Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden by Jessica Walleser is referenced throughout the article to explain different companion planting ideas.
Companion Planting & Biological Pesticides: Concepts & Resources is an ATTRA resource that does a great job of giving an overview of all the potential benefits companion planting has. This includes a guide for traditional companion planting pairings, an article on the scientific foundations of companion planting with examples of trap cropping, a guide for using plants for botanical pesticides, and some other great resources. This is a great way to learn what companion planting can look like and the methods that are used.
Companion Planting by MOFGA explains how different combinations can achieve the same goal of higher quality crops and a higher yield through different methods of planting. This article goes over different ideas to try, but overall believes the goals and experiments of the grower define the best methods of companion planting.
The Farmer’s Almanac Companion Planting Guide allows you to research a crop and gives a list of what plants it does best with. Some companion plants come with their own benefits, such as helping with soil fertility, while others have a neutral effect on the crop. If you are new to companion planting, this is a great first stop to see what potential groupings are out there.
Companion Planting VS. Interplanting: Differences, Examples, and Strategies For Both is a video comparing the practice of companion planting and intercropping. By identifying your goals of planting plants together, you can figure out what methods would be best. Some of the companion planting ideas highlighted are attracting beneficial insects, growing sacrificial plants for pests, and disease mitigation.
Simple & Complete Guide To Companion Planting Use Your Plants To Control Pests & Optimize Growth! is a video exploring companion planting for permaculture practices. Through examples, this video gives a foundation on how to create pairings that mimic ecosystems. Each setup is unique, and throughout the video, the creator demonstrates how each element works together.
There are many matches to be made in companion planting. Through observation, as well as trial and error, you will be able to find the pairing that works best for you and your farm. If you have other companion planting-related resources, please share them to expand our guide and network! Make sure to check out more of our organic production blogs to gain insight into practices to incorporate on your farm.
To Learn More:
Companion Planting Chart and Guide for Vegetable Gardens by the Spruce
This resource was funded in partnership with the Transition to Organic Partnership Program