![]() ![]() Traditionally, it was thought that vegetables had “friends” and “foes”-companion plants that either benefitted the vegetables’ growth or impeded it. ![]() We’ve collected it all and updated our companion planting chart below! Some background: Until recently, a lot of companion planting was based on little more than hearsay, but there’s an increasing body of scientifically grounded research that actually proves that growing specific plants together can reduce pests, boost growth, and even help wildlife. Evidence-Based Companion Planting Philosophy Vegetable garden using companion planting practices. Weed suppression: Planting sprawling crops like potatoes with tall, upright plants minimizes open areas, where weeds typically take hold.Similarly, plants with long taproots, like burdock, bring up nutrients from deep in the soil, enriching the topsoil to the benefit of shallow-rooted plants. Improving soil fertility: Some crops, like beans, peas, and other legumes, help to make nitrogen more available in the soil.Improved plant health: When one plant absorbs certain substances from the soil, it may change the soil biochemistry in favor of nearby plants.Natural supports: Tall plants, like corn and sunflowers, can support lower-growing, sprawling crops such as cucumbers and peas.Shade regulation: Large plants provide shade for smaller plants needing sun protection.For example, borage attracts pollinating bees and tiny pest-eating wasps. Attracting beneficials: Some plants also attract beneficial insects.For example, garlic’s smell is unappealing to many pests. Deterring pests: Certain plants act as insect repellents or deter critters.There are plenty more good reasons to plant certain crops together: See more examples and a full chart of proven companions below! The Three Sisters trio-maize, climbing beans, and winter squash-is an age-old example of companion planting. ![]() Nasturtium flowers grown close to kale, cabbage, broccoli, and any brassica crops will lure hungry caterpillars away from eating your crops.Aphids severely crimp your crop! But aphids can’t stand garlic! With this in mind, garlic planted as a barrier keeps crops less vulnerable to pest attack. For example, grow potatoes between rows of garlic to serve as a pungent bodyguard.Basil repels certain insect pests such as thrips and also disorientates moths, which lay tomato hornworms. Tomato and Basil are natural companions in the kitchen and garden.You can also try drawing a picture or inserting photos you have taken to help keep a better record in your journal. What time of day you watered your garden.Where you purchased your seeds/plants from.What bees and birds visited your garden. ![]() You never know when someone might ask you a question and want some tips on where they should start with their own garden! Here are a few things you may want to include in your garden journal: What better way to keep track of your gardening endeavors than with a journal? A garden journal is a great way for you to write down what you do, and how it goes or doesn’t work out for various reasons in your garden. But some planners/journals incorporate both aspects. While garden journals are usually for recording what happens after you plant. Many garden planners are for planning out your garden, before you plant. The difference between a garden journal and a garden planner tends to be when they’re used in the gardening process. Please see our Disclosure Page for more information. So download one of these 20 Handy Free Printable Garden Journals today and get started!ĭisclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to Amazon and/or Etsy, which means that I may earn a small commission from some of the links in this post. Plus, it’s a great way to look back on what you’ve accomplished over the years. Are you a gardener who likes to keep track of your progress? If so, you’ll love keeping a garden journal! Garden journals make it much easier to keep track of all the aspects of gardening. ![]()
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