Companion Planting: A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

43
Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants Copyright © 2008 Urban Assets Pty. Ltd., All Rights Reserved 1 Companion Planting A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants by Julie Villani

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Companion Planting: A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

Transcript of Companion Planting: A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

Page 1: Companion Planting: A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

Copyright © 2008 Urban Assets Pty. Ltd., All Rights Reserved

1

Companion

Planting

– A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

by Julie Villani

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

Copyright © 2008 Urban Assets Pty. Ltd., All Rights Reserved

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Legal Information

You do not have resell rights or giveaway rights to this e-Book. Only

customers that have purchased this material are authorized to view it.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

No part of this report may be reproduced or transmitted in any form

whatsoever, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or

by any informational storage or retrieval system other than for the purchasers

personal use without the expressed written, dated and signed permission from

the author.

LIMITS OF LIABILITY

The author and publisher of this book have used their best efforts in preparing

this material. The author and publisher make no representation or warranties

with respect to the accuracy, applicability, or completeness of the contents of

this program.

The author and publisher shall in no event be held liable for any loss or

damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or

other damages. The author reserves the right to make changes and assumes

no responsibility or liability whatsoever on behalf of any purchaser or reader of

these materials.

This book is dedicated to all the ancestral lovers

of gardening who have contributed to the

collective knowledge that is

Companion Planting

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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Contents

Cover Page 1

Legal Information Page 2

Introduction Page 4

Fruits Page 6

Herbs Page 10

Vegetables Page 26

Layout guide Page 37

Layout examples Page 38

Other combinations Page 39

How much do I plant? Page 41

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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Introduction Welcome to your complete guide to growing Companion Plants. This guide

is set out into three user-friendly sections so that you can quickly and easily

find what you are looking for.

The main sections are Fruits, Herbs and Vegetables. At the end of this e-

book you will find a layout guide and examples along with a summary of good

plant combinations and how much to plant.

Companion planting has been practiced by generations of gardeners

throughout the ages. Over this time gardeners noticed that some plants

performed well next to certain plants and poorly close to others. Most

gardeners not only love to share information, but for centuries it was a matter

of survival, so their knowledge has been handed down through gardening folk

lore and tradition.

Allelopathy (companion planting) is all about determining which plants grow

best together, and just as importantly, those which don’t like each other.

Experimentation and accidental combinations have shown that certain plants

deter specific pests and weeds on the land close to them. Mixed plantings

help keep pests and predators in balance. The greater the variety of herbs

used amongst food crops, the less problems with insects.

If you take a look around your own garden you might see companion

planting happening without you even knowing it. The knowledge we have

today has come mostly through accidents – astute gardeners recognised that

several plants grew exceptionally well together; or that certain plants disliked

being with their neighbours, with disappointing results.

Good record keeping and the sharing of information is how today’s insights

into companion planting have developed.

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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What makes a plant a good companion?

Some plants are good companions because one is a tall and robust

plant which protects a shade-loving, fragile plant.

Some plants have long roots which break up the soil for their

companions, giving them more room for their roots to spread and grow.

Some plants provide particular nutrients in the soil that a companion

needs.

Some plants repel insects that attack their companions.

Some plants even self-sacrifice by attracting insects to themselves and

away from their companions.

Others simply grow well together and we don’t really know why.

Now that many

gardeners are moving

away from chemical

fertilizers, herbicides

and pesticides we can

again embrace the

organic solutions and

wisdom of our

gardening ancestors to

create healthy, balanced

nutritious food gardens.

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Fruits APPLE (Malus pumila): Planting nasturtiums under apple trees will help to

repel aphids. Planting clumps of chives or onions close to the trunk can

deter apple scab. Growing grass under your apple tree may suppress the

tree’s growth. Apple trees are not self-pollinating. They must have a

compatible tree of a different variety planted nearby. Choose a variety

which flowers at the same time to ensure good cross-pollination.

Good Companions: Nasturtium; Onion Bad Companions: Potatoes

BLACKBERRY (Rubus fruticosus): Blackberry is a very vigorous and

aggressive plant. In some states of Australia it has become such a problem

that it is a declared noxious weed.

Good Companions: Tansy Bad Companions: Raspberries

CITRUS (Citrus): Citrus trees are shallow-rooted evergreen trees. They do

not like to compete with other plants, particularly grasses.

Good Companions: Coffee; Pepper Bad Companions: Grass

FIG (Ficus carica): Give a lot of consideration when planting figs as some

grow to great heights and most have vigorous, invasive root systems.

Good Companions: none known Bad Companions: Rue

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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FRUIT TREES: Plant garlic and onions near stone fruit trees as they

contain powerful anti-bacterial agents which will help destroy diseases that

damage stone fruits.

Other good companion plants for most fruit trees are chives, nasturtiums

and horseradish (keep horseradish contained).

Good Companions: Chives; Garlic; Horseradish; Nasturtiums; Onions

GRAPES (Vitus vinifera):

Planting Hyssop near grape vines will increase the grape yields.

Good Companions: Alfalfa; Geraniums; Hyssop; Mulberry: Oregano Bad Companions: Cabbage; Radish

MELONS (Cucumis melo): This genus includes most of the melons (except

watermelon, which is Citrullus), scrambling vines with large, lobed leaves.

Do not rotate with squash or cucumber as they all belong to the same

family. Do not grow melons near potatoes.

Good Companions: Corn; Peanut; Sunflower Bad Companions: Potato

MULBERRY (Morus nigra): Grape vines trained to grow on mulberry trees

seem to produce bumper crops of grapes, free from disease. This makes

the task of picking them a little more difficult though.

Good Companions: Grapes Bad Companions: none known

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PEACHES (Prunus persica): Garlic planted next to the trunk of your peach

tree will protect it from borers. Feed your tree with nitrogen rich compost if

it has peach leaf curl.

Tansy planted around the tree will help repel fruit fly. Never plant a young

peach tree where an old one has grown as the soil under peach trees is

toxic to peach saplings.

Good Companions: Asparagus; Corn; Garlic; Grape; Onion; Strawberries; Tansy Bad Companions: Young peach trees

PEAR (Pyrus communis):

Good Companions: Currant Bad Companions: none known

QUINCES (Cydonia oblonga): Planting garlic around your quince trees will

improve the flavour of the fruit.

Good Companions: Garlic Bad Companions: none known

RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus): Raspberries and blackberries should not be

grown together. Potatoes may succumb to blight if grown near raspberries.

Good Companions: Tansy Bad Companions: Blackberry; Potatoes

STRAWBERRY (Fragaria): Strawberries love to grown together with

borage, bush beans, lettuce and spinach. They dislike members of the

Brassica (cabbage) family.

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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If you want your strawberries to take on the flavour of wild

strawberries, try using a mulch of pine needles.

Good Companions: Borage; Bush beans; Lettuce; Nectarine; Peach; Pyrethrum; Spinach Bad Companions: Broccoli; Brussels sprouts; Cabbage; Cauliflower; Gladioli

TOMATOES (Lycopersicon lycopersicum): Tomatoes like to grow in the

same space year after year. Tomatoes and asparagus are mutually

beneficial.

Tomatoes also like growing near basil, carrots, celery, chives, marigolds,

nasturtiums, onions and parsley. Nettles growing nearby will prevent mould

on tomatoes.

Kohlrabi and fennel both inhibit the growth of tomatoes. Tomatoes produce

a root extraction that inhibits the growth of apricot trees.

Good Companions: Asparagus; Basil; Cabbage; Carrot; Celery; Marigold; Nasturtium; Nettles; Onion; Parsley; Peas; Sage Bad Companions: Apricot trees; Fennel; Kohlrabi; Potato

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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Herbs ANISE (Pinpinella anisum): Liquorice flavoured herb; a good host for

beneficial wasps which prey on aphids and it is also said to repel aphids.

Anise deters pests from brassicas by camouflaging their odour. It improves

the vigour of any plants growing near it. Use in ointments to protect against

bug stings and bites.

Good Companions: Beans; Brassicas; Coriander Bad Companions: Carrot Uses: Culinary; Household; Medicinal

BASIL (Ocimum basilicum): Plant with tomatoes to improve growth and

flavour of both. Basil can be helpful in repelling thrips. It is said to repel

flies and mosquitoes. Do not plant near rue as they inhibit each other’s

growth.

Good Companions: Apricots; Asparagus; Beans; Cabbage; Parsley; Tomatoes Bad Companions: Rue Uses: Culinary; Household; Medicinal

BAY LEAF (Laurus nobilis): A fresh bay leaf in each storage container of

beans, rice or grains will deter weevils and moths. The tree itself is rarely

attacked by pests or disease, so plants situated nearby will gain some

protection from it.

Good Companions: none known Bad Companions: none known Uses: Craft; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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BORAGE (Borago officinalis): Companion plant for tomatoes, squash and

strawberries. Borage deters tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. It is

one of the best bee and wasp attracting plants.

Adds trace minerals to the soil and a good addition the compost pile.

Borage may benefit any plant it is growing next to by increasing resistance

to pests and disease.

After you have planted this annual once it will self-seed.

Good Companions: Kohlrabi; Squash; Strawberries; Tomatoes Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Medicinal

CARAWAY (Carum carvi): Good for loosening compacted soil with its

deep roots, so it’s good to grow near shallow-rooted plants. It can be tricky

to establish. The flowers attract a number of beneficial insects.

Good Companions: Peas Bad Companions: Fennel Uses: Craft; Culinary; Medicinal

CATNIP/CATMINT (Nepeta cataria): Deters flea beetles, aphids, chewing

beetles, darkling beetles, Japanese beetles, squash bugs, ants and

weevils.

Cats really love to sniff and rub against this herb. It also attracts bees and

wasps.

Good Companions: Potato, Squash – most vegetables Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Medicinal

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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CHAMOMILE (Chamaemelum nobile): Grown as an annual. Improves the

flavour of cabbages, cucumbers and onions.

It accumulates calcium, potassium and sulphur, later returning them to the

soil. Increases essential oil production in nearby herbs.

It is host to hoverflies and beneficial wasps. Leave some flowers unpicked

and German chamomile will reseed itself. Roman chamomile is a low

growing perennial that will tolerate almost any soil conditions. Both like full

sun.

Growing chamomile of any type is considered a tonic for anything you grow

in the garden.

Good Companions: Cabbage; Cucumber; Mint; Onion Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Craft; Household; Medicinal

CHERVIL (Anthriscus cerefolium): Carrots and chervil both grow well and

taste good together. Companion to radishes for improved growth and

hotter flavour. Keeps aphids off lettuce.

Chervil also grows well with dill as it needs the shade provided by the taller

plant. It attracts hoverflies and beneficial wasps.

Good Companions: Carrots; Dill; Radishes Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Medicinal

CHIVES (Allium schoenoprasum): Considerably improves growth and

flavour of carrots and tomatoes.

Chives may drive away Japanese beetles and carrot rust fly. Planted

among apple trees it may help prevent scab.

A tea of chives may be sprayed on cucumbers to prevent downy mildew.

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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Good Companions: Apple trees; Carrots; Grapes; Parsley; Roses; Tomatoes Bad Companions: Beans; Peas Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary

COMFREY (Symphytum X uplandicum): Accumulates calcium,

phosphorous and potassium. Likes damp spots to grow in. Deep roots help

break up heavy soils.

Comfrey leaves are high in nitrogen, so is an excellent activator in your

compost. Comfrey is a traditional medicinal plant. Good trap crop for slugs.

Good Companions: Most vegetable crops Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

CORIANDER (Coriandrum sativum): Repels aphids, spider mites, chewing

beetle and potato beetle. A tea from this can be used as a spray for spider

mites.

A great partner for anise – grown together both seeds will germinate faster.

The leaves and seeds are used extensively in Asian cooking.

It is a very attractive plant with pretty white flowers. It hinders fennel seed

formation.

Good Companions: Anise; Cabbage; Carrots; Potato; Bad Companions: Fennel Uses: Culinary; Household; Medicinal

DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale): The dandelion plant exhales ethylene

gas which restricts the growth of plants near by. It also brings about the

early maturing in the fruiting and flowering of nearby plants, which can be

advantageous.

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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Dandelions also have the added benefit of having very long roots, bringing

near to the surface minerals – particularly calcium. Grow them near fruit

trees and they will ripen your fruit both quickly and naturally.

Good Companions: Fruit trees Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

DILL (Anethum graveolens): Improves growth and flavour of cabbage.

Best friend for lettuce. Attracts hoverflies and predatory wasps. Repels

aphids, squash bug and spider mites to some degree (scatter some good

size dill leaves on plants that are suspect to squash bugs, ie. squash

plants).

Dill goes well with onions and cucumbers. Dill does attract the tomato horn

worm so it would be useful to plant it somewhere away from your tomato

plants. Do not plant near carrots. If planted near fennel they may cross

fertilize.

Good Companions: Cabbage; Cucumbers; Lettuce; Onion Bad Companions: Carrot; Fennel; Tomato Uses: Craft; Culinary; Medicinal

FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare): Fennel needs to be grown far from beans,

caraway, kohlrabi, tomato and wormwood. Rub the crushed leaves on your

pets and their bedding to repel fleas. It may cross-fertilize with dill.

Good Companions: Most vegetables Bad Companions: Beans; Caraway; Dill; Kohlrabi; Tomatoes; Wormwood Uses: Cosmetic; Craft; Culinary; Medicinal

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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FEVERFEW (Chrysanthemum parthenium): Feverfew is a pretty perennial

herb that is rarely attacked by insects. Give other plants in the garden the

benefit of its insect-repelling properties.

Good Companions: Most other plants Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Household; Medicinal

GARLIC (Allium sativum): Plant near roses to repel aphids. Accumulates

sulphur: a naturally occurring fungicide which will help with disease

prevention in the garden.

Has value in offending codling moths, Japanese beetles, root maggots,

snails, and carrot root fly. It is also effective against borers if grown around

fruit trees. It will help to protect peach trees from leaf curl and apple trees

from apple scab.

Concentrated garlic sprays have been observed to repel and kill whiteflies,

aphids and fungus gnats among others with as little as a 6-8%

concentration! It is safe for use on orchids too.

Good Companions: Carrots; Fruit trees; Roses; Tomato Bad Companions: Bean; Cabbage; Pea; Strawberries Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Medicinal

HOREHOUND (Marrubium Vulgare): Attracts bees and butterflies.

Good Companions: none known Bad Companions: none known Uses: Medicinal

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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HORSERADISH (Armoracia rusticana): Plant in containers (use a

bottomless pot to keep it contained) near potatoes to keep away Colorado

potato bugs.

Dig up the horseradish plants each season to prevent spreading. There are

some very effective insect sprays that can be made with the root. Also

repels Blister beetles. Horseradish tea fights monilia in fruit trees.

Good Companions: Fruit Trees; Potato Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Medicinal

HYSSOP (Hyssopus officinalis): Companion plant to cabbage as it deters

cabbage moths and flea beetles. It helps increase the yield of grapes when

grown near a vine.

Do not plant near radishes.

Hyssop tea, made by covering the young dried leaves with water, bringing

to the boil and diluting with four parts water, will help control plant diseases

caused by bacteria.

Good Companions: Grape; Cabbage; plants in general Bad Companions: Radish Uses: Culinary; Household; Medicinal

LAMIUM or DEAD NETTLE (Lamium album): This will repel potato bugs.

It also improves growth and flavour.

Good Companions: Potatoes; Cereals Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Medicinal

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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LAVENDER (Lavandular): Repels fleas and moths. Prolific flowering

lavender nourishes many nectar feeding and beneficial insects.

Use dried sprigs of lavender to repel moths. Start plants in winter from

cuttings, setting out in spring.

Good Companions: none known Bad Companions: none known Uses: Craft; Cosmetic; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

LEMON or BEE BALM (Melissa officinalis): Plant with tomatoes to

improve growth and flavour. It is great bee fodder. Pretty perennial that

tends to get powdery mildew.

Sprinkle throughout the garden in an herbal powder mixture to deter many

bugs. Lemon balm has citronella compounds that make this work: crush

and rub the leaves on your skin to keep mosquitoes away.

Good Companions: Tomato Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

LEMON VERBENA (Aloysia triphylla): Deters midges and other flying

insects.

Good Companions: none known Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

LOVAGE (Levisticum officinale): Improves flavour and health of most

vegetable crops when planted nearby. Good habitat for ground beetles.

Can become a large plant – use one planted as a backdrop. It is similar in

flavour to celery.

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Good Companions: Beans; most vegetable crops Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Medicinal

MARIGOLD

• French Marigold (Tagetes patula): has roots that exude a

substance which spreads in their immediate vicinity, attracting

nematodes and preventing them from breeding. For nematode control

plant densely.

There have been some studies done that prove this nematode killing

effect lasts for several years. These marigolds also help to deter

whiteflies when planted around tomatoes and can be used in

greenhouses for the same purpose. It is also host to the beneficial

hoverflies.

• Mexican Marigold (Tagetes minuta): is the most powerful of the

insect repelling marigolds and may also overwhelm weed roots such as

bind weed. It is said to repel the Mexican bean beetle and rabbits. Be

careful as it can have an herbicidal effect on some plants like beans

and cabbage.

Good Companions: Potato; Tomatoes Bad Companions: Beans; Cabbage Uses: Cosmetic; Craft; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

MARJORAM (Origanum majorana): As a companion plant Marjoram is an

all-rounder – it improves the flavour of vegetables and herbs. It benefits

any plant it is grown near and is an effective insect repellent. Sweet

marjoram is most commonly grown.

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Good Companions: Plants in general; vegetable crops Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Craft; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

MINT (Mentha): Mint is an excellent repellent. It deters white cabbage

moths, ants, rodents, flea beetles, fleas, aphids and improves the health of

cabbage and tomatoes.

Use cuttings as a mulch around members of the Brassica (cabbage)

family. It attracts hoverflies and predatory wasps. Earthworms are quite

attracted to mint plantings.

Be careful where you plant it as mint is an incredibly invasive perennial.

We have found that placing mint (fresh or dried) where mice are a problem

is very effective in keeping them at bay.

In cupboards or wardrobes, dried mint will keep moths away.

Good Companions: Cabbage; Tomatoes Bad Companions: Parsley Uses: Cosmetic; Craft; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

NASTURTIUMS (Tropaeolum majus): Plant as a barrier around tomatoes,

radishes, cabbage, cucumbers, and under fruit trees. Deters woolly aphids,

whiteflies, squash bug, cucumber beetles and other pests of the cucurbit

family.

Great trap crop for aphids (in particular the black aphids) which it does

attract, especially the yellow flowering varieties. It tolerates poor soil with

low moisture and no fertilizer. The leaves, flowers and seeds are all edible

and wonderful in salads!

Good Companions: Apple trees; Broccoli; Cabbage; Cucumber; Melon; Potatoes; Radish; Squash Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum): Plant among and sprinkle on tomatoes,

and asparagus. Use as a tea to ward off asparagus beetles.

Attracts hoverflies. Let some go to seed to attract the tiny parasitic wasps.

Parsley increases the fragrance of roses when planted

around their base.

Good Companions: Asparagus; Carrots; Chives; Roses; Tomato Bad Companions: Mint Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

PENNYROYAL (Mentha pulegium): Repels fleas and ants. Many people

are now using pennyroyal as an alternative to lawn.

The leaves when crushed and rubbed onto your skin will repel chiggers,

flies, gnats, mosquitoes and ticks. Fresh or dried leaves can be rubbed into

your dog or cat’s fur as a flea repellent.

Good Companions: Broccoli; Brussels sprouts; Cabbage Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Household; Medicinal

WARNING: Pennyroyal should not be consumed at any time during pregnancy. It can also be toxic to anyone if used to excess

POT MARIGOLD (Calendula officinalis): Given a lot of credit as a pest

deterrent. Deters asparagus beetle and tomato hornworms.

Plant freely throughout the garden. Calendula must be a scented variety

for them to work as a companion plant.

Good Companions: Asparagus; Tomato; plants in general Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Craft; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis): Companion plant to cabbage,

beans, carrots and sage. Deters cabbage moths, bean beetles, and carrot

flies. It helps repel mosquitoes.

Use cuttings to place by the crowns of carrots for carrot flies.

Good Companions: Bean; Cabbage; Carrots; Sage Bad Companions: Potato; Rue Uses: Cosmetic; Craft; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

RUE (Ruta graveolens): Deters Japanese beetles in roses and raspberries.

To make it even more effective with Japanese beetles: crush a few leaves

to release the smell. It is an excellent fly repellent.

Some say you should not plant it near cabbage, basil or sage. A pretty

perennial with bluish-grey leaves. Rue can cause skin irritation.

Good Companions: Rose Bad Companions: Basil; Cabbage; Rosemary; Sage Uses: Household; Medicinal

SAGE (Salvia officinalis): Use as a companion plant with broccoli,

cauliflower, rosemary, cabbage, and carrots to deter cabbage moths,

beetles, black flea beetles and carrot flies. Do not plant near cucumbers or

rue.

Allowing sage to flower will also attract many beneficial insects and the

flowers are pretty. There are some very striking varieties of sage with

variegated foliage that can be used for their ornamental value as well as

good companion plants.

Good Companions: Broccoli; Cabbage; Carrot; Cauliflower; Marjoram; Rosemary; Strawberry; Tomato Bad Companions: Cucumber; Rue Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

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Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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SOUTHERNWOOD (Artemisia abrotanum): Plant with cabbage, and

amongst the garden. Deters cabbage worms. Plant southernwood near

fruit trees to repel fruit fly.

Wonderful lemony scent when bruised or brushed in passing. Roots easily

from cuttings. Does not like fertilizer.

It is a perennial that can get quite bushy. You can cut it back every spring –

it will come back in no time. A delightful plant that is virtually pest free.

Good Companions: Cabbage; Carrot; Fruit trees Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

STINGING NETTLES (Urtica dioica): The flowers attract bees and many

beneficial insects. Invigorating for plants and improves their disease

resistance.

Nettles also strengthen the growth of tomatoes and increase the essential

oil content in valerian, marjoram, sage and peppermint.

Cut up any nettles you ‘weed’ and cover with water. Let it sit for 3 weeks to

make an excellent liquid fertilizer. Use it to promote plant growth and give

plants more resistant to lack of water and other unhealthy conditions.

The leaves and stems of nettles rot to an ideal humus – so put them on the

compost heap or cut them up and lay them on the soil. Hairs on the nettles'

leaves contain formic acid which "stings" you.

Good Companions: Tomato; herbs for essential oils Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Medicinal

SUMMER SAVORY (Satureja): Plant with beans and onions to improve

growth and flavour. Discourages cabbage moths and deters bean beetles.

Honey bees love it.

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Good Companions: Beans; Onions Bad Companions: none known Uses: Culinary; Medicinal

TANSY (Tanecetum vulgare): Plant with fruit trees (to repel borers), roses

and raspberries keeping in mind that it can be invasive and is not the most

attractive of plants.

Deters flying insects, Japanese beetles, striped cucumber beetles, squash

bugs, ants and mice. Tie up and hang a bunch of tansy leaves indoors as a

fly repellent. Use clippings as a mulch.

Don't be afraid to cut the plant up as tansy will bounce back from almost

any abuse! It is also a helpful addition to the compost pile with its high

potassium content.

Good Companions: Blackberry; Fruit trees; Grapes; Raspberries; Roses Bad Companions: none known Uses: Craft; Culinary; Medicinal

WARNING: You do not want to plant Tansy anywhere that livestock can feed on it as it is toxic to many animals. Do not let it go to seed either as it may germinate in livestock fields.

TARRAGON (Artemisia dracunculus): Plant throughout the garden; it is an

all-purpose garden helper – not many pests like this one. Recommended

to enhance the growth and flavour of vegetables.

Good Companions: Plants in general Bad Companions: none known Uses: Culinary

THYME (Thymus): Attract bees and deters the cabbage worm. Thyme is

easy to grow from seeds or cuttings. Older woody plants should be divided

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24

in spring. It seems to have a beneficial effect on all plants it is situated

near.

Good Companions: Cabbage; plants in general Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

VALERIAN (Valeriana officinalis): Earthworms love valerian, so this is an

excellent reason to grow it. It stimulates the phosphorous activity in the soil

and helps most vegetables growing nearby.

Good Companions: most vegetable crops Bad Companions: none known Uses: Medicinal

WORMWOOD (Artemisia): Keeps animals out of the garden- including

mice and other rodents - when planted as a border. An excellent deterrent

to most insects.

A tea made from wormwood will repel cabbage moths, slugs, snails, black

flea beetles and fleas effectively.

It inhibits the growth of plants growing nearby with poisonous secretions,

so is best to be grown alone – with the exception of currant bushes

susceptible to rust disease which wormwood prevents.

Good Companions: Currant bushes Bad Companions: most plants Uses: Household; Medicinal

Note: As wormwood actually produces a botanical poison do not use it directly on food crops. Also, earthworms vacate the soil where it is grown, so it must not be used in compost.

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YARROW (Achillea): Yarrow has insect repelling qualities and is an

excellent natural fertilizer. A handful of yarrow leaves added to the

compost heap really speeds things up.

It also attracts predatory wasps and ladybugs. It may increase the

essential oil content and aromatic qualities of herbs when planted among

them.

Planted as a border, yarrow will help most vegetables.

Good Companions: Plants in general; Vegetable and Herb crops Bad Companions: none known Uses: Cosmetic; Craft; Culinary; Household; Medicinal

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Vegetables ALFALFA (Medicago sativa): It is a legume with very deep roots. Most of

us know it as alfalfa sprouts, but it makes a quite valuable plant in the

garden as it fixes the soil with nitrogen, accumulates iron, magnesium,

phosphorous and potassium.

It can withstand drought with its long taproot and can improve just about

any soil. Alfalfa has the ability to break up hard clay soil and can even send

its roots through rocks! Alfalfa is practically pest and disease free.

It is excellent as a compost activator.

Good Companions: shallow rooting plants; Fruit trees; Grape vines Bad Companions: all members of the onion family

ASPARAGUS (Asparagus officinalis): Plant tomatoes near asparagus to

prevent weeds from overgrowing the asparagus bed. Asparagus and

tomatoes have a reciprocal effect on each other – they both thrive when

planted together.

Both basil and parsley also do very well when planted near asparagus, and

tomatoes for that matter.

Good Companions: Basil; Parsley; Tomato Bad Companions: Onions

BEANS (Phaseolus vulgaris; Vicia faba): All beans enrich the soil with

nitrogen fixed from the air. In general they are good company for carrots,

brassicas, beets, and cucumbers.

Great for heavy nitrogen users like corn and grain plants. French Haricot

beans, sweet corn and melons are a good combo.

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Keep beans away from all members of the Allium family (onions, garlic,

leeks, chives, shallots).

Good Companions: Cabbage; Carrots; Cauliflower; Corn; Cucumbers; Potatoes (with Broad Beans); Squash; Strawberries (with Bush Beans); Tomatoes Bad Companions: Onions; Fennel

BEETROOT (Beta vulgaris): Good for adding minerals to the soil. The

leaves are composed of 25% magnesium. Grow beetroot near kohlrabi,

onions and dwarf beans, but not with runner beans.

Good Companions: Cabbage; Dwarf Beans; Kohlrabi; Lettuce; Onions; Silverbeet Bad Companions: Runner beans

BROCCOLI (Brassica oleracea): Broccoli will benefit by being planted

close to aromatic plants such as dill, celery, chamomile, sage, peppermint

and rosemary. Don’t plant it near tomatoes or strawberries.

Good Companions: Beans; Dill; Celery; Chamomile; Onion; Oregano; Peppermint; Potato; Rosemary; Sage Bad Companions: Lettuce; Strawberry; Tomato

BRUSSELS SPROUTS (Brassica oleracea): Brussels sprouts grow well

near sage, hyssop, thyme, wormwood, rosemary and potatoes. They

dislike strawberries.

Good Companions: Beans; Celery; Sage; Hyssop; Thyme; Wormwood; Rosemary; Potatoes; Pennyroyal Bad Companions: Strawberries

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BUCKWHEAT (Fagopyrum esculentum): Accumulates calcium and can be

grown as an excellent cover crop.

It has an extensive and vigorous root system. Good for acid soils. Attracts

hoverflies in droves, which are predators of greenflies and blackflies.

Good Companions: none known Bad Companions: none known

CABBAGE (Brassica oleracea): The white cabbage moth can be

controlled by planting near aromatics such as sage, mint, thyme, hyssop or

wormwood.

Like most brassicas, cabbage dislikes growing near

strawberries and tomatoes, but grows well with beetroot.

Early potatoes and late cabbage work well together.

Potatoes and cabbages help to break up the soil with their deep roots and

help keep the soil free from weeds.

Good Companions: Bean; Beetroot; Celery; Chamomile; Dill; Hyssop; Mint; Nasturtium; Onion; Oregano; Potato; Sage; Rosemary Bad Companions: Grape; Strawberry; Tomato

CAPSICUM (Capsicum): Basil and capsicum require similar

growing conditions and grow well together. Capsicum can

be used as a general insect repellent.

Good Companions: Basil Bad Companions: none known

CARROTS (Daucus carota): Onions, leeks, rosemary, sage or wormwood

planted near carrots will repel the carrot fly whose larva often attack the

roots of young carrots.

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They also grow well with lettuce, tomatoes, chives and peas. Do not grow

near dill.

Good Companions: Chives; Leeks; Lettuce; Onions; Peas; Rosemary; Sage; Tomatoes; Wormwood Bad Companions: Dill

CAULIFLOWER (Brassica oleracea): The white cabbage moth will be

greatly deterred from cauliflowers and cabbages if celery is growing close

by.

Growing strawberries or tomatoes near cauliflowers will inhibit each other’s

growth.

Good Companions: Beans; Beetroot; Celery; Chamomile; Dill; Hyssop; Mint; Nasturtium; Onion; Oregano; Potato; Radish; Rosemary; Sage; Tansy Bad Companions: Strawberries; Tomatoes

CELERIAC (Apium graveolens): Celeriac is closely related to celery, with a

similar taste, but it is the swollen base that is eaten.

It needs rich, friable soil with plenty of potassium. Leeks are a good

companion for celeriac, planted in alternating rows.

Good Companions: Bean; Cabbage; Leek; Onion; Tomato Bad Companions: none known

CELERY (Apium graveolens): Leeks and tomatoes grow

well with celery. Cabbage will also benefit if grown together

with celery.

Good Companions: Bean; Cabbage; Leek; Onion; Tomato Bad Companions: none known

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CLOVER (Trifolium): Good nitrogen fixer, with good top growth for a green

manure plant. Deters cabbage root flies.

Attracts ground beetles and parasites of woolly apple aphids.

Good Companions: none known Bad Companions: none known

CORN (Zea mays): Many plants benefit from growing close to corn.

Melons, squash, pumpkins and cucumber benefit from the shade it

provides.

Beans and peas grown in the same plot as corn will replenish the soil with

nitrogen that the corn has used. Potatoes also grow well near corn. Dill

helps to produce healthy corn.

Good Companions: Artichokes; Cucumber; Dill; Lupins; Melons; Potatoes; Pumpkin; Squash Bad Companions: none known

CUCUMBER (Cucumis sativus): Cucumbers grow best with some shade,

so plant them with tall plants like corn or sunflowers. Cucumbers and

beans planted together will produce healthy plants.

Cucumbers also like to grow with peas, kohlrabi and lettuce. Radishes

protect cucumber from the cucumber beetle.

Good Companions: Bean; Broccoli; Celery; Chinese cabbage; Kohlrabi; Lettuce; Peas; Radish; Tomato Bad Companions: Rue; Sage

EGGPLANT / AUBERGINE (Solanum melongena): To repel caterpillars,

sprinkle eggplant with cayenne pepper in the morning while it is still wet

with dew.

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Growing beans with eggplant will help keep beetles away. A chilli and

garlic spray makes the leaves less palatable to the flea

beetle, but must be applied regularly.

Good Companions: Beans; Peas; Tarragon; Thyme Bad Companions: none known

JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES (Helianthus tuberosus): They are good

companions to corn. Unfortunately the edible tubers contain very little food

value.

Good Companions: Corn Bad Companions: none known

KOHLRABI (Brassica oleracea, Gonylodes Group cultivar): A member of

the cabbage family, this root vegetable resembles beetroot. It can be eaten

raw or cooked.

It grows well with beetroot and onions. However, it has a harmful effect on

tomatoes and beans have a harmful effect on it.

Good Companions: Beetroot; Onions Bad Companions: Beans; Capsicum; Tomatoes

LEEKS (Allium porrum): Use leeks near carrots, celeriac, celery and

onions which will improve their growth. Goat and pig manure, both high in

potassium, will increase the yield of both leeks and celery.

Leeks also repel carrot flies.

Good Companions: Carrot; Celeriac; Celery Bad Companions: Broad beans; Broccoli

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LETTUCE (Lactuca sativa): Lettuce grows well with cucumbers,

strawberries and carrots. Growing them near radish makes them

succulent.

Growing lettuce, cabbage and beetroot together will help them all thrive.

To protect your lettuce from bugs, grow a few French Marigolds in the

patch.

Good Companions: Beetroot; Cabbage; Carrots; Clover; Cucumber; Marigolds; Peas; Radish; Strawberries Bad Companions: none known

LUPINS (Lupinus angustifolius): Lupins are a deep rooting plant that adds

nitrogen and phosphates to the soil. Lupins are mostly grown as a green

manure crop – dig into the soil just as the flower buds form.

They are helpful to the growth of many vegetable crops, particularly corn.

Good Companions: Corn; most vegetable crops Bad Companions: none known

ONIONS (Allium cepa): Grow onions near any member of the cabbage

family, beetroot, lettuce, tomatoes, summer savory and strawberries.

Carrots deter insects from onions and onions deter insects from carrots so

grow them together as much as possible.

The perfume from roses is stronger with onions growing close by.

Onions will also keep apple-scab from apple trees. Never grow onions near

peas or beans.

Good Companions: Apple trees; Beetroot; Broccoli; Cabbage; Carrot; Lettuce; Potato; Roses; Strawberry; Summer savory; Tomato Bad Companions: Beans; Peas

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PEAS (Pisum sativum): Since peas are legumes they fix nitrogen to the

soil. Plant next to corn (a heavy feeder) and they will provide extra

nitrogen.

Most plants will benefit from being grown in soil that peas have just

vacated. Always dig spent pea vines into the soil or put them on your

compost heap.

Never grow peas near any member of the onion family – Alliums.

Good Companions: Carrot; Corn; Cucumber; Eggplant; Lettuce; Radish; Spinach; Tomato; Turnip Bad Companions: Chives; Garlic; Leeks; Onion; Shallots

PEPPERS, HOT (Capsicaum): Chili peppers have root exudates that

prevent root rot and other Fusarium diseases.

Plant anywhere you have these problems. Teas made

from hot peppers can be useful as insect sprays.

Good Companions: none known Bad Companions: none known

POTATOES (Solanum tuberosum): Plant potatoes near beans, corn,

cabbage and peas and all will grow well. Marigolds will benefit your potato

crop, as will a few horseradish plants (take care not to let them escape into

your garden).

Eggplant is a useful trap crop as it will lure the Colorado beetle from your

potatoes. Potatoes do not do well growing near tomatoes, squash,

cucumbers, pumpkin or raspberries.

The growth of potatoes can be stunted growing near sunflowers.

Growing potatoes around apple trees makes them more susceptible to

Phytophthora blight (the fungus that caused the Irish potato famine).

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Good Companions: Beans; Cabbage; Corn; Lettuce; Onion; Petunia; Marigold; Radish; Bad Companions: Apple trees; Cucumber; Pumpkin; Tomato; Squash; Sunflowers; Raspberry

PUMPKIN (Curcurbita moschate): Corn and pumpkin grow well together.

However, potatoes and pumpkin have an inhibiting effect on

each other.

Good Companions: Beans; Corn; Mint; Nasturtium; Radish Bad Companions: Potatoes

RADISH (Raphanus sativus): Radishes are in general very helpful to other

plants. Plant radishes with your cucumber, melon and squash plants – they

help keep the cucumber beetle away.

Chervil and nasturtiums are said to give radishes a hotter, more pungent

flavour. They grow well with peas and kohlrabi.

Good Companions: Beans; Cabbage; Cauliflower; Chervil; Cucumber; Kohlrabi; Lettuce; Nasturtium; Peas; Squash; Tomato Bad Companions: Grape; Hyssop

RHUBARB (Rheum x cultorum): Only the stalks of this plant can be eaten

as the leaves contain oxalic acid which is poisonous. The leaves can be

made into a spray to deter aphids.

Good Companions: none known Bad Companions: none known

SILVERBEET (Beta vulgaris): This includes the coloured chards.

Silverbeet grows well with onions and beetroot. Silverbeet is quite a heavy

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feeder, requiring additional nitrogen, so is best planted where a nitrogen

fixer (legumes) has just vacated.

Good Companions: Beetroot; Onions Bad Companions: none known

SOYBEANS (Glycine max): They add nitrogen to the soil making them a

good companion to corn. They deter corn earworms and corn borers.

They repel Japanese beetles. They are also a host plant to the predatory

trichogramma wasp.

Good Companions: Corn Bad Companions: none known

SPRING ONIONS / SHALLOTS (Allium cepa): These onions grow well

near most garden vegetables, but inhibit the growth of beans

and peas.

Good Companions: most vegetable crops Bad Companions: Beans; Peas

SPINACH (Spinacia oleracea): Spinach and Strawberries both benefit from

growing together.

Spinach develops a long tap root, so is useful in breaking up heavy soils.

Good Companions: Cabbage; Celery; Onion; Peas; Strawberries Bad Companions: none known

TOMATOES (Lycopersicon lycopersicum): Tomatoes like to grow in the

same space year after year. Tomatoes and asparagus are mutually

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beneficial. Tomatoes also like growing near basil, carrots, celery, chives,

marigolds, nasturtiums, onions and parsley.

Nettles growing nearby will prevent mould on tomatoes. Kohlrabi and

fennel both inhibit the growth of tomatoes.

Tomatoes produce a root extraction that inhibits the growth of apricot trees.

Good Companions: Asparagus; Basil; Cabbage; Carrot; Celery; Marigold; Nasturtium; Nettles; Onion; Parsley; Peas; Sage Bad Companions: Apricot trees; Fennel; Kohlrabi; Potato

TURNIPS (Brassica rapa): Turnips and peas each perform

better when grown together.

Good Companions: Nasturtium; Peas Bad Companions: none known

ZUCCHINI / COURGETTES (Curcubita pepo): Zucchini grows best when

planted near nasturtiums. They keep away aphids and look stunning

together.

Grow sunflowers with zucchinis – they attract bees that also visit zucchini

flowers, pollinating them.

Zucchinis will starve lettuce and cabbage of nutrients and water, so best to

plant them away from your zucchinis.

Good Companions: Beans; Corn; Mint; Nasturtium; Radish; Sunflowers Bad Companions: Cabbage; Lettuce; Potatoes

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Companion Planting Layout Guide

A rows – plant 2metres apart. In early spring you can plant with a frost-

resistant green manure crop such as field beans or mustard in preparation

for the growing season. From late spring until the end of the growing

season, plant with tall or spreading crops.

B rows – plant 2metres apart. These rows should yield two full crops in both

the first and second halves of the growing season.

C rows – plant 1 meter apart (twice as many rows as A or B rows). This row is

for species with a short vegetation time and compact growth.

A………………………….

50cm

C------------------------------

50cm

B++++++++++++++++++

50cm

C------------------------------

50cm

A………………………….

50cm

C------------------------------

50cm

B++++++++++++++++++

50cm

C------------------------------

50cm

[---

----

----

----

----

----

----

-]

2

m

[

----

----

----

----

----

----

---]

2

m

[--

----

----

---]

[---

----

----

-][-

----

----

---]

1m

1

m

1

m

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Layout examples for good Companion Planting The combinations below are used in-conjunction with the diagram above.

They have been chosen and placed in relation to each other to get the best

advantage for protection from pests and diseases.

You can repeat them or alternate them in rows, but don’t separate or divide

them up.

Example 1

C:- Carrots

B:- Onions

C:- Carrots

A:- Tomatoes, Mustard or field Beans

C:- Parsnip

Example 3

A:- Early peas, followed by Corn Salad,

Pre-sown field Beans or Mustard

C:- Beetroot & Lettuce

B:- Red Cabbage & Celeriac

C:- Beetroot & Lettuce

A:- Peas or late Cabbage

C:- Beetroot & Lettuce

B:- Cauliflower & Celeriac

C:- Early Lettuce

Example 5 A:- Tomatoes, Broad Beans

C:- Carrots & Parsley

B:- Young Onions (for winter)

C:- Parsnips

A:- Zucchini

C:- Carrots or Parsnips

B:- Onions grown from seed

Example 2 B:- Celery & Cauliflower or other

early greens

C:- Lettuce with Radish

A:- Cucumbers, Mustard or field

Beans

C:- Lettuce with Radish

B:- Celery & Cauliflower or other

early greens

C:- Carrots & Lettuce

Example 4 A:- Runner Beans

C:- Cabbage, Lettuce & Radish

B:- Early Cabbage or Marigold

C:- Cabbage, Lettuce, other salads

including Endives & Kohlrabi

Example 6 A:- Early Potatoes, followed by Corn

Salad

C:- Early Lettuce & Spinach

B:- after potatoes have been earthed

up – Brussels Sprouts & other

Brassicas for autumn & winter use

C:- Endive

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Some other good combinations!

Apples Chives, Garlic, Nasturtiums, Onions. Wallflowers

Apricots Basil, Southernwood, Tansy

Basil Asparagus, Apricots, Tomatoes, Parsley

Beans Cabbage, Carrots, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Peas, Parsley, Cauliflower,

Spinach

Beetroot Cabbage, Dwarf Beans, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onions, Silverbeet

Borage Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cucumbers,

Squash, Strawberries, Tomatoes

Cabbage Beans, Beetroot, Celery, Chamomile, Dill, Mint, Onions, Oregano,

Nasturtiums, Potatoes, Rosemary, Sage, Southernwood, Thyme

Carrots Chives, Lettuce, Onions, Radish, Sage

Cauliflower Celery, Beans, Nasturtiums, Tansy

Celeriac Beans, Brassicas, Marjoram, Peas, Tomatoes

Celery Cabbage, Cauliflower, Dill, Leeks, Tomatoes

Chives Apples, Carrots, Parsley, Tomatoes

Coriander Cabbage, Carrots, Chervil, Dill

Corn Cucumbers, Melons, Potatoes, Squash, Tansy, Tomatoes

Cucumbers Beans, Celery, Corn, Lettuce, Nasturtiums, (early)Potatoes, Savoy

Cabbage, Sunflowers

Dill Cabbage, Carrot, Coriander, Fennel, Tomatoes

Eggplant Beans, Marjoram, Potatoes

Fruit Trees Chives, Feverfew, French Marigold, Garlic, Horseradish, Lemon

Balm, Nasturtium, Tansy

Garlic Apples, Peaches, Roses

Geraniums Grapevines

Grapevines Basil, Geraniums, Hyssop, Mulberries

Guava Citrus

Horseradish Fruit Trees, Potatoes

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Kohlrabi Beets, Cucumber, French Marigold, Lovage, Marjoram

Lavender Cabbage, Garlic, Roses, Silverbeet

Leeks Carrots, Celery

Lettuce Beetroot, Cabbage, Carrots, Marigolds, Onions, Radish, Strawberry

Marigolds Beans, Lettuce, Potatoes, Roses, Tomatoes

Mint Cabbage, Chamomile

Nasturtium Apple, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower,

Cucumbers, Radish, Turnips, Zucchini

Onions Beetroot, Carrots, Chamomile, Lettuce, Silverbeet

Oregano Cabbage

Parsley Asparagus, Chives, Roses, Tomatoes

Parsnip Beans, Garlic, Peppers, Potatoes, Radishes

Peaches Basil, Garlic, Southernwood, Tansy

Peas Carrots, Potatoes, Radish, Turnips

Potatoes Beans, Cabbage, Corn, Eggplant, Foxgloves, Horseradish,

Marigolds, Nasturtium, Peas

Pumpkins Corn, Lovage, Marjoram

Radish Chervil, Lettuce, Nasturtium, Peas

Raspberry French Marigolds, Rue, Tansy

Rosemary Beans, Cabbage, Carrots, Garlic, Parsnip, Sage

Roses Garlic, Marigolds, Onions, Parsley

Sage Beans, Cabbage, Carrots, Strawberries

Silverbeet Beetroot, Lavender, Onions

Spinach Broad Beans, Fruit Trees, Strawberries

Squash Borage, Corn, Sunflowers

Strawberries Borage, Lettuce, Pyrethrum, Sage, Spinach

Sunflowers Apricot, Bush Beans, Cucumbers, Squash

Tansy Cabbage, Grapes, Peaches, Raspberries, Roses

Thyme Cabbage, Roses

Tomatoes Asparagus, Basil, Carrots, Celery, Chives, Foxgloves, Garlic,

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Marigolds, Parsley

Turnips Nasturtium, Peas

Yarrow Apple, Apricot, Grapevine, Mulberry, Tansy

Zucchini Corn, Lovage, Nasturtium, Sunflowers

How much do I plant?

This section is intended as a guide as our food needs are so varied,

depending on how many there are in your family, how many meals you eat

at home, how much you like to eat, how many visitors you get. Then

there’s your families personal taste preferences to consider.

There’s not much point in growing 10 eggplant vines if only one person

likes it. But if you like to make your own batch of tomato sauce to see you

throughout the year, you’ll want to grow extra tomatoes, onions and garlic

to provide your own delicious ingredients.

The following plant numbers are roughly based on the needs of a family of

two adults and two children (assuming your children eat vegetables!), so

add or take to suit your own requirements.

Some seasons you’ll end up with an excess of some things. I’ve never

found it to be a problem when there are so many great recipes for pickles,

preserves or sauces – not to mention my friends and family who are thrilled

when I turn up a box of goodies for them!

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Beans We usually grow several types – climbing and bush varieties.

A seed packet in spring, then another in summer when the

last lot is flowering. Grow more if you want to dry some for

winter.

Beetroot 12 – 20 plants early spring, the same late spring, and again

mid-summer

Broad Beans Plant blocks of about 2 square meters late autumn / early

winter. Grow more if you want to dry some

Broccoli Twenty or so plants in mid-summer

Brussels Sprouts Twelve plants mid-summer

Cabbage 12 cabbages and red cabbage in spring, plus 20 – 30 small

cabbages late summer

Capsicum (peppers) One dozen plants in spring

Carrots Plant about a square meter per month, during spring

Cauliflower 20 – 30 plants in late summer

Celery Around 15 plants, 30 plants if you want a lot for salads

Chilli 2 or 3 plants every other year

Corn 30 – 50 plants (in blocks) in spring, then more throughout

summer

Cucumbers 6 plants in spring, then another 6 plants mid-summer

Eggplant 2 – 6 bushes

Leeks 50 – 100 plants, depending on what you use them for

Lettuce If you eat a lot of salad 6 plants every week most of the year,

except mid-winter. Plant extra late in summer for winter

lettuces or grow cut & come again lettuce

Melons 6 plants or more! You can grow them among your flowers

Onions About 400 seedlings + spring onions + chives + garlic

Parsley A dozen flat leaf & a dozen curly leaf plants – feed well

Parsnips Parsnip seed only germinates if it is really fresh, so you may

have to sow a lot of seed your first time. But then if you let

one go to seed and self-sow you’ll always have enough

Page 43: Companion Planting: A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

Companion Planting – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Plants

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43

Peas At least 3 packets in autumn and 3 in spring – more if you

want to freeze some

Potatoes You’ll need about 200 kg a year. Plant a large sack of seed

potatoes. You’ll find you miss gathering some and they will

produce some of your next years crop

Pumpkins 10 or 12 vines, include several bush varieties

Radish Sow a packet of seeds every other month throughout the year

Silverbeet/Spinach 10 – 20 plants, a combination of Silverbeet, spinach & chard

Tomatoes 12 plants (double if you make sauce), 2 grafted plants, a

cherry tomato, an egg tomato & a climbing yellow or

heirloom variety

Zucchini 2 - 4 plants in spring, 2 mid-summer

Again I must emphasise that good record keeping is essential in all aspects of

organic gardening, and this is particularly true for companion planting. Some

plants produce different result when grown in different areas and conditions.

The best way to get the most from your companion planting efforts is to keep

a keen eye on your garden, making notes on what works well for you and

what doesn’t.

I wish you all the best in your organic garden.

Warmly,

Julie Villani www.1stoporganicgardening.com www.1stoporganicgardening.com/blog