What Plants Grow Well Together Chart?

What Plants Grow Well Together Chart: A Guide to Companion Planting

If you’re looking to create a thriving garden, understanding the concept of companion planting is crucial. Companion planting involves strategically placing specific plant species together to reap the benefits of their symbiotic relationships. By combining compatible plants, you can enhance growth, deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and maximize the overall health of your garden. This comprehensive chart will equip you with the knowledge to create harmonious plant pairings that will flourish together.

Companion Planting Basics

Before delving into the specific plant pairings, let’s explore the fundamental principles behind companion planting.

1. Symbiotic Relationships:

Different plant species can interact with each other in various ways, resulting in mutually beneficial relationships:

• Nitrogen Fixers: Leguminous plants, such as beans, peas, and alfalfa, have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. This nitrogen can then be absorbed by neighboring plants, promoting their growth.
• Pest Deterrents: Certain plants emit volatile compounds that repel or confuse pests. For example, marigolds and garlic are known for their pest-repelling properties.
• Beneficial Insect Attractors: Flowering herbs, such as lavender and dill, attract beneficial insects, like bees and butterflies, which aid in pollination and pest control.

2. Guilds:

Companion planting involves creating plant guilds, which are groups of plants that support each other’s needs. A well-structured guild consists of a variety of plant types, including:

• Nitrogen Fixers: Leguminous plants provide nitrogen to the soil.
• Tall Growers: Provide shade and support for climbing plants or groundcovers.
• Groundcovers: Cover bare soil, suppress weeds, and retain moisture.
• Companion Plants: Beneficial herbs, flowers, or vegetables that enhance growth or deter pests.

Plant Pairing Chart

Now, let’s delve into the extensive plant pairing chart, which provides a comprehensive list of compatible and incompatible plant combinations.

| Plant 1 | Plant 2 | Beneficial Relationship |
|—|—|—|
| Basil | Tomatoes | Repels tomato hornworms, attracts beneficial insects |
| Beans (pole) | Corn | Beans fix nitrogen, corn provides support |
| Beets | Lettuce | Beets deter aphids from lettuce |
| Broccoli | Spinach | Spinach fixes nitrogen for broccoli |
| Carrots | Onions | Carrots repel onion flies, onions repel carrot flies |
| Chamomile | Vegetables | Calms insects and aids in germination |
| Chives | Carrots | Chives repel carrot flies |
| Dill | Cabbage | Attracts beneficial insects that deter cabbage pests |
| Garlic | Roses | Repels aphids and other insects |
| Lavender | Vegetables | Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators |
| Marigolds | Tomatoes | Repels tomato hornworms, nematodes, and whiteflies |
| Mint | Cabbage | Repels cabbage moths and other pests |
| Nasturtiums | Tomatoes | Attracts aphids, protecting tomatoes |
| Oregano | Tomatoes | Repels tomato hornworms and tomato fruitworms |
| Peas | Carrots | Peas fix nitrogen for carrots |
| Radishes | Lettuce | Radishes break up compacted soil, improving lettuce growth |
| Rosemary | Cabbage | Repels cabbage moths and other pests |
| Sage | Tomatoes | Improves tomato flavor and repels cabbage moths |
| Spinach | Onions | Spinach fixes nitrogen for onions |
| Squash | Beans | Squash provides shade for beans, beans fix nitrogen for squash |
| Tomatoes | Asparagus | Tomatoes repel asparagus beetles |

Incompatible Plant Combinations

In addition to compatible pairings, it’s equally important to be aware of plant combinations that are incompatible and should be avoided:

• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale): Avoid planting with strawberries, tomatoes, or peppers.
• Cucurbits (cucumbers, melons, squash): Avoid planting with potatoes, tomatoes, or corn.
• Legumes (beans, peas, lentils): Avoid planting with corn, onions, or garlic.
• Nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants): Avoid planting with brassicas, carrots, or parsnips.
• Root Vegetables (carrots, beets, radishes): Avoid planting with tomatoes, potatoes, or beans.

Conclusion

Companion planting is an integral part of creating a thriving and resilient garden. By carefully selecting compatible plant pairings and avoiding incompatible combinations, you can maximize growth, enhance pest control, and create a balanced ecosystem in your garden. Refer to this comprehensive chart as a valuable guide to make informed decisions about your plant combinations and reap the rewards of companion planting.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key benefits of companion planting?

Companion planting promotes growth, enhances pest control, attracts beneficial insects, and improves overall garden health by creating symbiotic relationships between different plant species.

2. How do I create a balanced plant guild?

A balanced plant guild should include a variety of plant types, such as nitrogen fixers, tall growers, groundcovers, and companion plants. This diversity ensures a healthy and supportive environment for all plants.

3. What are some specific examples of companion planting?

• Planting basil near tomatoes repels tomato hornworms.
• Combining pole beans and corn allows the beans to fix nitrogen and use the corn stalks for support.
• Growing carrots alongside onions deters carrot flies, while the onions repel onion flies.

4. What are some common plant pairings to avoid?

• Avoid planting brassicas with strawberries or tomatoes.
• Do not plant cucumbers or melons near potatoes or tomatoes.
• Legumes should not be planted with corn, onions, or garlic.

5. How long does it take to see the benefits of companion planting?

The benefits of companion planting can become apparent within a few weeks or months, depending on the specific plant combinations and environmental conditions.