Companion Planting
Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefit. This technique has been used in traditional agriculture for thousands of years and is a key component of sustainable gardening.
Benefits
- Natural Pest Control - eliminate or reduce needs for chemical pesticides, reduce labor time
- Improved Pollination
- Enhanced Plant Growth
- Better Space Utilization
- Soil Health Improvement
Traditional Companion Planting Systems
Examples from different agricultural traditions:
- America - Three Sisters: Corn, Beans, and Squash
- Rice Paddy Systems - Rice with azolla, fish, and ducks
- Mediterranean Gardens - Olive trees, grape vines, and herbs. The Bloom hub in Sicily is developing a morginga agroforestry approach to increase climate and economic resilience.
- South Asian Systems - Turmeric with lemon grass, ginger, banana, and beans
Implementation Tips
When planning companion planting in your garden:
- Consider plant heights and growth patterns
- Account for nutrient needs
- Plan for seasonal succession
- Include flowers for beneficial insects
- Observe and document results