Plant and Garden Reference Information

Companion Planting

One method of utilizing garden space more effectively is companion planting. This refers to planting different plant varieties in close proximity to one another for some benefit to one or both plants. This process was developed by Native Americans who combined the growing of corn, beans, and squash in the same locations which help to compliment each other’s growth processes. In this “Three Sisters” process the beans use the corn as a trellis and help nitrogen fixation for the corn stalks. Squash spreads across the ground covering much of the area to prevent the growth of weeds that could be harmful to the other two.

There are a number of benefits to companion planting including space use, pest control, and nutrient availability. Some plants benefit others with the delivery of additional flavoring or nutrients to their companion plants. These plants may help to add a fragrance or flavor to an herb or fix nitrogen in the soil. Other companion plants may be used to allow more plants to be grown in the same space, shelter plants from excessive light or wind, or provide a backup crop if the primary one fails. Companion planting can also aid in pest control by attracting beneficial organisms, repelling harmful ones, or preventing the rapid spread of pests by interrupting their travel through the crops.

Though companion planting provides most of the benefit in agriculture this concept can also be applied to home gardening. This application can be applied for space utilization, aesthetics, herb gardening, or any other relevant benefit.