Companion Planting

Planting season is just around the corner and if you’re anything like me, you are thinking about growing your own garden and starting the research so that you can do it as green as possible.

Think of a garden centred around the plump tomatoes and fresh basil to be used in a delicious bruschetta, or the carrots and beets that will make up your daily dose of harvested juice. Whatever your crops of choice, companion planting is the concept to consider.

Companion planting is an organic method based on the idea that nature knows best how to protect itself. We are all aware of the many micro-environments that are thriving in our backyards. These micro-environments consist of nature’s elements working together to nurture and protect; insects, birds, sun and shade all play their unique roles in creating healthy ecosystems. Companion planting teaches us how best to benefit from this natural cycle by intentionally pairing plants to attract the aspects in nature that will enrich our garden and ward off those elements that tend to be destructive.  

The key concept of companion planting is diversity. Natural ecosystems thrive on diversity and work best when they can rely on the contribution of different players. Creating diversity in your garden will not only help you avoid potential pest problems, but it will make the best use of the space you have to work with and guarantee an enriched soil where your plants will thrive.

By following a few simple guidelines as to which plants make the best companions you will align yourself with nature and act as conductor. By orchestrating a harmonious grouping of vegetables, herbs and flowers that serve and protect one another, you eliminate the need for fertilizers and pesticides.

There are an infinite number of companion neighbourhood options so it is best to start with your favourite crops in mind and build around them. The tried and true points to keep in mind are the following:

Companion planting is a simple, natural approach that allows us the ability to grow a vibrant garden without having to rely on chemicals to do the work that nature itself can achieve. By considering which plants you pair up and building neighbourhoods that benefit from one another, you will get the most out of your companion-planted garden. Whatever approach you take, get your feet into the soil this season and be creative. With numerous sources online you are sure to have all the information at your fingertips to create a green garden of companions!