home sectionhome section
Day lily (Hemerocallis spp.) fans know what rose (Rosa spp.) aficionados have known for years -- there can only be one star of the garden. With their exuberant foliage and clouds of day-long blooms stretching over weeks in early-, mid- or late-season, day lilies hog the spotlight. For company, they need foliage that will contrast and blooms that will complement or fill in before early blooms or after the last day lily fades.
Home landscapes can be as beautiful in the winter as in summer if you plan ahead. For example, brilliant red stems take center stage after the leaves on red twig dogwoods fall. Several dogwood species are marketed as red twig dogwoods, all growing 3 to 8 feet tall, depending on cultivar. Like many other plants, they thrive in moist, sunny locations.
With their sweet, crunchy fruit and ease of growth, Asian pear trees are an ideal fruit tree for a home orchard. Numerous companion plants have been suggested for Asian pears, including nitrogen-fixers and protective plants that fight disease and insects. It's also essential to intersperse the right kind of pollinating species within Asian pear orchards to produce a quality fruit crop.
Blue Jade corn is an heirloom variety of sweet corn that grows a bit shorter than other corn varieties, but is still a heavy feeder with a quick growth habit. Blue Jade benefits from companion plants that provide nutrients into the soil and repel pests. This is one of the only types of corn that can be planted in containers. In the garden, you can achieve the best growth results from this plant by planting it around legumes and certain protective species.
Over the years, anecdotal evidence that supports the concept of companion planting has accumulated, and many gardeners practice companion planting as a matter of course. Companion planting is the practice of planting vegetables, herbs and flowering perennials in particular configurations that are thought to benefit plant growth, increase yields and control pests.
Common landscape plants in southern Florida and the Southwest, the firecracker plant (Russelia equisetiformis) is covered with small, red, tubular flowers for most of the year. Growing three to five feet tall and at least twice as wide, this finely-textured shrub grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. For best results, combine firecracker plants with companion plants that thrive in the same conditions. Firecracker plant is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant zones 9 through 11.
Rue (Ruta graveolens) is both a decorative plant and an herb. It’s native to southern Europe, grows to about 3 feet tall and thrives in all but the coldest of conditions. It has tiny blue-green leaves and yellow flowers, and is used medicinally, decoratively and even as a condiment. "Companion" planting with rue, using a broad definition, means planting it with anything that is mutually complementary. A more narrow definition involves planting it with anything in which it repels insects or other damaging forces to that other plant.
Roses combine naturally with herbs, sharing cultural requirements and each enhancing the others' beauty. Roses are effective in the formal herb garden, with climbers providing an attractive backdrop, or shrub roses as anchors. Miniature roses create a colorful border or accent in a casual herb garden design. Roses themselves are herbs, with their long history of medicinal and culinary uses. Many common herbs provide a measure of biological protection against insects and diseases.
Most herb gardeners are familiar with dill as a flavor enhancer for sauces, fish, breads and pickling vegetables, but many are not aware that the plant works to protect its neighbors in the garden. Dill deters cabbage worms from attacking cole crops, including cabbage, kale, kohlrabi and broccoli, Brussels sprouts and others. Dill prefers a couple of feet of space in weed-free, moist garden soils that are situated in sunny locations. It is an herb that benefits a variety of garden settings and grows well with many plants.
Companion planting is a natural way of inhibiting pests and diseases in your garden. Creeping thyme functions as ground cover and its fragrance discourages some harmful insects while attracting others that are beneficial. Grow it as a companion to members of the cabbage family to prevent cabbage worms, or near eggplant and roses to attract predators for aphids and whiteflies. Creeping thyme, also known as wild thyme or mother-of-thyme, works well as a border plant along with day lilies or in between stepping-stones in a garden or pathway. You may start it by sowing seed or with a potted plant.
Ammi majus goes by several common names, including bishop’s weed, false Queen Anne’s lace and bishop’s flower. This annual plant grows from 3 to 6 feet tall and blooms in spring with large, umbrella-shaped clusters of tiny white flowers. Ammi majus requires full sun exposures and thrives with minimal irrigation. Choose sun-loving companion plants that tolerate dry soil and aren’t tall enough to block the Ammi majus’s sun.
Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), also known as cape leadwort, is prized for the profusion of light-blue flowers it produces through the summer. This evergreen shrub grows to 10 feet tall with an 8-foot spread. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 through 11 and grows best in sunny sites with well-draining, sandy soil. Choose companion plants that share plumbago’s cultural needs and hardiness zone rating.
Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) bloom in late spring with cup-shaped orange, red, white, pink or multicolored flowers. These perennials tend to wilt, yellow and die to the ground during mid-summer, then resume growth when the weather cools at the end of summer. They prefer sunny, well-drained sites and are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness zones 2 through 7. Choose companion plants with similar cultural requirements that can mask the unattractive dead foliage common in mid-summer.
Gardenias thrive in warm, mild climates. These evergreen shrubs are prized for their fragrant, white flowers that bloom throughout the summer months. They need much space in the landscape and don’t grow well with root competition. Gardenias prefer moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil and light-to partial shade exposures. They are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 to 10. Choose companion plants with similar cultural requirements.
The seaberry or sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) grows from 10 to 25 feet tall. This deciduous shrub has silvery foliage and blooms with yellow blossoms in the spring, followed by long-lasting orange drupes. Seaberries grow best in full-sun exposures and slightly acidic, sandy soils. They are hardy to United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 4, which experiences annual average lows to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit and tolerate salty soils. Choose companion plants with similar cultural requirements.
Plants that belong to the genus Bougainvillea produce small, typically white flowers grouped among larger, paper-like bracts that come in shades of red, pink, orange, lavender and gold to make the blooms appear more impressive. The phrase "companion plant" can mean one of two things: a plant that is believed to be beneficial in some way to the ones surrounding it or a plant that complements the appearance of those it is grouped with. There is no evidence that the former will produce any results in your garden, but there are many flowers that complement the appearance of bougainvilleas as…
The choice of companion plants for Weigela florida “Red Prince” depends on the function of your landscape. Weigela makes a splashy presence for three weeks in late spring. The vibrancy of the blooms makes it a natural contrast for large foliage plants when the landscape purpose is to add texture and depth to a yard. You can also surround Weigela with plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Weigela is flexible and fits into almost every landscape function, including one that is low-maintenance.
Nectarine trees are pretty ornamentals, but they are best-known for the edible fruits they produce. The tree flowers in spring, producing fruits in the mid- to late summer. Grow nectarines in well-drained soil to keep trees healthy against disease and pest attacks. Like all fruit trees, nectarines are attractive to many pests. Companion planting helps deter pests, enrich soil and boost the health of your nectarine trees.
The red or oak leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) grows quickly to 8 feet tall. This spreading, deciduous shrub thrives in moist, well-drained soil but tolerates damp soil and drought. It prefers sunny to partially shady exposures and blooms with white flowers that mature to pink and beige. When choosing perennial companions for your red leaf hydrangea, select species with similar soil, light and moisture needs that are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 to 9.
The Acidanthera bicolor, also known as peacock orchid, sword lily or Gladiolus murielae, grows 2 to 3 feet tall. These summer-blooming perennials produce aromatic white blossoms with dark purple throats from July through August. They grow best in full sun to partial shade exposures and well-drained soil and are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 to 11. Choose companion plants with similar sunlight, moisture and soil requirements that thrive in warmer climates.
The cumin plant (Cuminum cyminum or C. odorum) is cultivated for its seeds that, when dried and ground, produce a savory spice that forms the base for many curries and chili powders. These tender annual plants are native to the Mediterranean. Cumin's optimal growing conditions include a temperature range between 48 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, moderate moisture and fertile, sandy, loamy soil with excellent drainage and an acidic pH. Choose companion plants with similar cultural requirements.
Companion planting is used by gardeners to benefit two or more plants. Some companion plants provide pest control, while others may produce support for climbing plants that require structure. Farmers use companion planting to maximize space and improve the overall quality of crops, but even casual gardeners may use companion planting to improve outdoor spaces. Lily of the valley and hosta have many companions that prevent problems and provide aesthetic value.
Mexican sage bush (Salvia leucantha) is a perennial, upright shrub growing 3 to 5 feet tall and wide with gray-green leaves. This bush produces showy lavender-blue flower spikes on arching stems which attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The low water needs of the Mexican sage bush make this shrub ideal for desert gardens. The shrub's growing conditions closely match the requirements of succulents, which add texture and year-round interest in the landscape.
Rhubarb is an herbaceous perennial vegetable used as a fruit in the United States. This member of the Polygonaceae family has large triangular shaped leaves and a crisp red stalk. Companion planting is an agricultural technique of planting complementing crops within close proximity. This type of planting enables plants to assist each other in the absorption of nutrients and the control of pests. Many species of annuals and perennials thrive as companion plants to rhubarb.
Jerusalem artichokes, also commonly called sunchokes, are a type of sunflower. The botanical name for sunchokes is Helianthus tuberosus, and for sunflowers it is Helianthus annuus. Sunchokes are grown for their tuberous roots, while sunflowers are grown for their flowers and seeds. Even though they are members of the same family, they should be planted separately because of the way sunchokes grow and their soil pH requirements.
Shallots (Allium cepa) have a mild onion flavor. They grow best in cool weather, like other plants in the onion family. In most regions shallots are planted early in spring, as soon as the ground can be worked. But where winters are mild, shallots can be planted in fall and harvested as immature or "green" shallots in winter and as mature onion-like vegetables in late spring.
The magnolia trees native to North America, as well as some that hail from Asian nations like Japan, come in both evergreen and deciduous forms. Attractive, large flowers are a feature of these trees, making them suitable as specimen plants in the landscape. While many more magnolias are deciduous than evergreen, all share some common features.
The melon worm moth lives year-round in Central and South America, the Caribbean, south Florida and south Texas. The melon worm travels north during the summer months where it can be found in the southeastern states. Rarely it can be found as far north as New England and the Great Lakes region.
Some plants grow better when they have friendly neighbors or companion plants growing nearby. The compatible plants benefit each other by deterring pests, protecting against weather and improving growing conditions. Tall, sturdy, heat-loving okra provides cover for cool-weather plants, extending their growing season, and protects other plants from windy weather.
Considered the gourmet member of the onion family, mature shallot bulbs look at first glance like small, tapered onions. Yet they are actually a distinct relative, one reportedly carried back to Europe from Palestine in the 12th century by Christian crusaders. Like onions and garlic, shallots grow best in cool weather. In mild climates, shallot sets can be planted in fall for spring harvest. Otherwise shallots are planted in very early spring, as soon as soil is dry enough to work.
Beans are a common garden crop for both amateur and professional growers. It is not unusual for gardeners to include beans within their vegetable gardens. Tropical bananas (Musa paradisiaca) grow in warm regions around the world both commercially and casually. Beans and bananas do not make unlikely companions in warm-weather gardens. Companion planting is a time-honored farming technique that brings plants together for their mutual benefit.
Ornamental grasses such as blue fescue add color and texture to the garden. On windy days, the grass blades make a unique swooshing sound. Blue fescue is classified as a cool season grass, which means it prefers cooler temperatures, so pair it with plants that prefer growing during spring or fall. Another option is to grow blue fescue in shady areas or under tall plants and mulch the roots well to keep them cool during the hot summer months.
Light up the spring landscape with mounds of yellow or sometimes white or pink forsythia flowers. Once the flowers fade, the leaves appear, opening to reveal deep green or variegated foliage that makes a perfect backdrop in the garden. The common name forsythia refers to two shrubs that are botanically different. Forsythia is both the common and botanical name of the yellow-flowered variety most people are familiar with. Abeliophyllum is the botanical name of the other bush commonly referred to as forsythia.
Companion planting is the practice of planting two or more plants in close proximity in order to benefit at least one of them. Scientific research has not substantiated the benefits of some traditional pairings, but folklore and some gardeners' experiences attest to the benefits of companion planting. In your vegetable garden, companion planting can repel pests, divert them from sensitive plants, improve flavor and vigor, or provide a habitat for beneficial insects.
Cosmos produces masses of colorful flowers that attract a variety of bees, butterflies, birds and beneficial insects into the garden. The large daisy-like 2- to 3-inch flowers come in a variety of colors -- including purple, pink, white, red, yellow and orange. The plants themselves reach a mature height of 3 to 6 feet. The finely cut, lacy foliage looks good in combination with a variety of plants. Cosmos is a self-seeding annual plant, as it grows, flowers, sets seeds and dies in one growing season.
Flea beetles will pepper your eggplants with their tiny black bodies and nibble away the leaves, ultimately inhibiting the plant's growth and limiting its fruit production. Seedlings and young plants are particularly susceptible to flea-beetle damage. Combat flea beetles before they even make an appearance in your garden by adding companion plants that will keep them at bay.
Shallots put on most of their growth during the cool spring season. In warm climates, you can grow them as winter crops for spring harvest, but in areas with freezing temperatures, they are usually grown as spring vegetables. The bulbs resemble small onions, but break apart into individual cloves after harvest and curing. Harvesting correctly keeps the bulbs intact and undamaged until after they are dried and cured, which allows for long-term storage.
Colorful flowers borne atop 3- to 6-foot-tall stalks covered with fine, fern-like foliage make Cosmos Sensation stand out in the garden. The daisy-like 2- to 3-inch flowers come in an array of colors including white, pink, red and lavender. The finely divided foliage is ideal for creating texture in the garden. Cosmos attracts a wide range of beneficial insects into the garden -- including bees and butterflies, which are two of the most important pollinators.
If you're planning to introduce mint into the garden alongside your beets, keep in mind that you must place limits on its growth. Unchecked, mint may take over the garden. Plant your mint in containers or use a method to check its growth within the soil, such as burying a hollow coffee can and planting the mint within the confines of the can.
Native to North America, purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a stunning, long-blooming, daisy-like wildflower. Its ray flowers are light purple or lavender and point toward the ground when open, setting off the red-orange, iridescent, coned center. They grow best in fertile, well-drained soil -- perfect for the perennial flower garden. Purple coneflower grows 2 to 3 feet tall and holds its flowers on long stems well above the foliage. It lasts about a week as a cut flower.
The eggplant (Solanum melongena), also called the aubergine or guinea squash, is ordinarily planted 18 to 24 inches apart in rows that are 30 to 36 inches apart or they are planted 24 inches apart in all directions. Keep this spacing in mind when planting complementary vegetables or flowers around them to create a more diverse garden or to aid their growth, a practice called companion planting.
Shallots belong to the same family as onions and garlic. Although, shallots can grow from seed, they are usually planted from bulbs. Shallots don't go to seed so it's easier to propagate them by division. Plant shallots two weeks before the first average frost in the fall for spring shallots or in August for fall shallots. They grow well in sunny, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.8.
Evergreen magnolias -- those that retain their leaves through cool but mild winters -- should not be pruned at the same time as deciduous magnolia trees and shrubs, which is in very late winter or early spring. Wait until later in spring. Among the most common evergreen magnolias grown in the United States are the southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), Chinese evergreen magnolia (M. delavayi) and in warm winter areas, the sweetbay or swamp magnolia (M. virginiana).
There are benefits and disadvantages to growing your own artichokes. A few of the benefits include the money saved by foregoing the store and having first-hand knowledge of the kinds of organic treatments or inorganic pesticides being used on the plants. Pests are the biggest disadvantage. If you notice damage to your artichoke leaves, several different pests may be responsible.
Companion planting is a farming technique that works well even in small, casual herb gardens. Cilantro, Coriandrum sativum, is a common herb that's also known as coriander and Chinese parsley. All parts of cilantro plants are edible, and this plant is often used as a culinary herb. But cilantro has a pleasant smell, and may also be used in potpourri. Companion plants for cilantro help the herb to grow faster in the garden.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is also known as catswort and catmint. It has been used as a companion plant in sustainable gardening systems to ward off harmful bugs and insects. Chemical compounds in essential oil of catnip contain nepetalactone, which has been found to be 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than most commercial insect repellents, according to Barb Ogg's report on the University of Nebraska website. Traditional gardening wisdom lore also provides information about using catnip as a bug spray repellent.
Although over 800 species of impatiens are known to exist, only three are commonly grown in home and public landscaping. Two of these varieties were extensively hybridized during the last half of the 20th century, resulting in a collection of hybrids that perform well under most conditions in shade-filled gardens. Impatiens are the most popular flower grown in the United States, according to the Iowa State University Extension.
Daffodils are one of the earliest blooming bulbs, sometimes blooming as early as mid-March. Daffodils naturalize easily and their fragrant white, yellow or pink blooms are welcome in the garden after a long, cold winter. Many plants look good grown in combination with daffodils, especially since these early bloomers look right at home in full sun or in the shade garden. Daffodils are ideal for planting around the base of trees, since most trees do not have leaves during early spring.
African lilies (Agapanthus spp.), often called lilies-of-the-Nile, grow wild in southern Africa, far from the Nile River's eastern course. These showy bulb plants, with lush clumps of straplike green leaves and spherical flower clusters, have transitioned successfully to gardens around the globe. Among all Agapanthus species, the Cape Province's evergreen A. praecox has contributed most to the dozens of commercial cultivars now available. These cultivars include several striking dwarf plants.
Shallots bunch together in cloves, like garlic, but resemble onions once cut open. They provide a mild, sweet onion flavor with a hint of garlic to any dish that includes them. These members of the onion family grow well in most home gardens when provided with the right location and cultural care. Shallots are typically grown as a spring and early summer crop, but you can also plant them in fall if your area has mild winters.
When planting bell peppers in your vegetable garden, surround them with companion plants such as lettuce, cucumbers and beets that will provide shade for their roots. Give your peppers a companion with the tips in this free video on vegetable gardening.
Companion planting is a time-honored farming technique in which farmers plant crops together to their mutual benefit. Some plants aid others by driving away harmful insects or drawing beneficial ones. Sunflower companion planting with grapes creates a colorful, healthy garden layout when certain noncompatible plants are avoided. Add beneficial companions to the garden plan to keep sunflowers and grapes healthier.
Watermelon offers a tasty dose of vitamin C and antioxidants in a low calorie package. If you have enough space in your garden, growing your own watermelon puts this summer treat just outside your door. Whether you grow a large variety or one of the smaller "personal" types, companion plants will help your plants thrive.
Companion planting is an art that has been practiced for thousands of years by gardeners all over the world. Flowers, fruits, herbs, vegetables and even grains, are more vigorous or better able to fend off insects or disease when certain crops they like are grown near them. Potatoes, like other crops, have certain plants they like and certain plants they don't like. For the best results, avoid planting crops they don't like near them, as this will often result in poor or stunted growth.
Leeks are a vegetable in the onion family, producing thick green tops and white cylindrical bulbs. Leeks look like large scallions, and lend a mild onion flavor to foods. Leeks are often used in soups, stocks and in side dishes, making them an ideal addition to any garden. Leeks may also be companion planted alongside other vegetables to enhance their growth and flavor and save space in your garden.
Natural plant habitats are interrelated systems that work together. Companion planting works with natural traits to integrate beneficial growing conditions and eliminate or minimize antagonistic plant relationships. Legumes fix nitrogen in the soil and make it available for adjacent and future crops. Mint and tansy repel ants. Basil improves the growth and taste of tomatoes. When planting a garden or natural area, practicing companion planting results in improved growth and successful crops.
Beans and potatoes are classic side dishes on the dinner plate. They also pair well in the backyard garden. Companion planting is a popular trend in organic gardening that involves growing certain plants together to benefit one or both of the plants. Planting beans and potatoes close to one another is a mutually beneficial arrangement that results in healthier growth --- and greater pest resistance --- for both vegetables.
The origins of sunflowers, Helianthus anuus, are most likely in Asia or South America, but they were cultivated as a food source by Native Americans around the year 1000 B.C., according to the University of Missouri agronomists Robert L Myers and Harry C. Minor. Bright, cheerful and easily recognizable, these flowers are easy to grow but may be plagued by ants raising aphids for the "honeydew" that the aphids produce.
Traditional gardens are planted with each species of vegetable separated a foot or more from other species. This is because most plants aggressively compete for space, water and nutrients. Keeping plants separate reduces this competition. In some situations, certain vegetables can be planted close together. This is called companion planting. Companion planting works well when there is limited competition or when the plants benefit one another in some way.
Having a garden on your own land provides you with the fresh vegetables of your choice all throughout the summer and even through part of the fall, depending upon the varieties of vegetables that you choose to grow. No matter where you live in the country, you can prepare your yard and plant a garden in the same basic manner. If you live in the south, though, you can generally begin the planting process earlier in the year.
Aphids, commonly called plant lice, are a family with more than 4,000 species and are among the most common, widely spread garden pests in the United States. They attack almost all plant types and, if left unchecked, will cause rapid defoliation of sunflowers, and eventual death. Aphids are one of only a few pests of the sunflower, and growers should begin control methods as soon as the insects are noticed.
Companion planting involves the use of multiple plants cultivated in one patch of ground, each of which has properties beneficial to the others. Such carefully designed planting strategies can minimize weeds without the use of chemical herbicides.
Growing raspberries can provide you with much enjoyment, as these plants produce fruit for as long as to 20 years. However, the Rubus spp. raspberry can be destroyed by insects, mold and viruses. Never plant your raspberries in areas where eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes and peppers have grown in the past four years since these plants transfer the Verticillium root rot genus, which attacks raspberries. Companion planting can help protect your raspberries from pests and diseases.
Tall companion plants often serve several purposes in the garden. Sometimes a companion plant looks good next to another plant or is used to block the wind or sun from a lower-growing plant. Some companion plants are beneficial to the plants they grow close to. The specific benefits vary according to the plant combination, but may include increased pollination, better growth or the ability to trap or repel bad insects and attract good insects that feed on the bad insects.
Bush beans are a widely grown garden vegetable in most parts of the United States. The beans are commonly used green and harvested while the seeds and pod are still tender before the drying associated with maturity occurs. Allowing the seeds and pod to dry produces dry beans that growers can store for use later. Pulling bush beans is often associated with the dry bean production process.
Weeds that look like flowers are hard to define since beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, there are plenty of flowers that grow like weeds in that they reseed themselves easily and grow wild without cultivation. There are different species and varieties for every climate but for most of the United States, there are plenty to list. You can transplant many if not all of these into a cultivated garden and enjoy them around your home.
Orange lilies illuminate summer perennial borders with warm hues ranging from soft apricot to fiery orange-red. Their colors appear stronger paired with blue or purple flowers. They harmonize with yellow, red, pink and other orange shades. Suitable companion plants for orange lilies have flowers in any of these colors. They also share the lilies' preferred growing conditions
Squash and cucumbers are from the Cucurbit family along with melons, pumpkins and gourds. Both grow on vines with tendrils and have male and female flowers. Squash and cucumbers benefit from being situated near several other herbs and vegetables. These plants are called companion plants and provide protection from pests, requirements needed to grow, are used as pest decoys or provide physical aid.
Companion planting is growing plants together for a variety of reasons. Some plants grow in the same conditions, while others can enhance flavor or keep pests away from their neighbors. Basil has a number of positive effects on sweet peppers and is a good companion plant.
Companion plantings is a traditional way of getting the most from the garden space. The first concept of companion gardening came from the three sisters. Native Americans planted corn, bean and squash together in a circular configuration. Each plant, in this planting, helped at least one other plant in the group. Today, we know that certain plants benefit from being around other plants. Tomatoes and basil are compatible neighbors. Basil protects the tomato plant from certain garden pests while improving the flavor of the tomato. Other benefits of companion planting includes creating shade for smaller plants and maximizing garden space.
Using companion plants in your garden helps your vegetables and other plants thrive. Some companion plants work to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies or beneficial insects such as lady bugs and praying mantis. Other plants act as traps, because harmful insects such as aphids eat the companion plant rather than your row of vegetables. Mustard benefits from and acts as companion plant depending on what you grow with it.
If you have yard space around your home, you have the necessary space to plant a garden, though the size of the available space determines which and how many plants you can grow. As long as you keep the space limitations in mind and properly prepare the land where you intend to plant the garden, you can create an effective garden that produces a decent harvest of fruits and vegetables.
Fuzzy green leaves and bell-like flowers are key features of any of the 30 species of Symphytum perennials native across Europe and western Asia. Two species of comfrey historically have been called German comfrey: Symphytum officinale and Symphytum tuberosum. Both occur naturally in moist, sunny meadows or roadsides in Germany. An ornamental herb for gardens, German comfrey plants once were used medicinally, but since 2001 their internal use has been prohibited because of toxins. Touching the foliage and stems can cause skin rashes.
Companion plants are flowers, herbs or vegetables that help other plants grow strong, deter harmful insects or competing weeds or enhance flavor. Sage can stand on its own in the garden, with its fragrant leaves and bee-attracting flowers, and it is a companion plant that provides beauty, flavor and protection.
The Casa Blanca lily is a member of the Lilium family classified as an Oriental lily along with the Stargazer, Yellow Ribbons and Black Beauty cultivars. The Casa Blanca is a brilliant white cultivar that many people often use to symbolize purity, making it a favorite at wedding ceremonies. Once established, the Casa Blanca requires a moderate amount of maintenance because the plant is attractive to many animals and pests.
Shallots appear frequently in European and Middle Eastern cuisine as a milder, sweetly aromatic alternative to onions. In fact, shallots are a close relative of onions and share many of the same characteristics and growing requirements, although they more closely resemble garlic in the appearance of their foliage and bulbs. Rich, well-drained soil is required to successfully grow shallots, but even a large yield can be produced from a fairly small corner of the garden. Like most onion relatives, shallots propagate reliably from seed or bulb, but bulb-propagated shallots mature more quickly and generally produce a larger and earlier yield.
Companion planting involves planting certain plants near each other with the idea that they will grow stronger from being close to each other. This works by repelling pests and better using soil conditions. Broccoli grows well with several companion plants and the result is better yields. Plant broccoli and its companions close to each other while still following the planting requirements of each plant. Companion planting is also called intercropping.
Hardy hibiscus are herbaceous perennial plants that produce large blossoms on tall stems. The plants can grow up to about 6 feet wide and almost 15 feet tall. Although tropical hibiscus plants can't tolerate freezing temperatures, hardy hibiscus grow outdoors in climates as cold as zone 4. Although planting anytime during the spring or summer will provide blossoms the following year, hardy hibiscus can flower the first year from seed if planted early enough, according to Clemson University Extension.
Shrubbery enhances beauty and privacy in the home garden. Attractive shrubs create a natural backdrop to a formal or cottage-style garden that includes roses. Selecting shrubs and roses that complement each other provides for a structural planting foundation, personalizing the garden. Choose shrubs and roses that will beautifully frame your outdoor living spaces.
Shallots are members of the onion family and used in place of onions in dishes where a milder flavor is required. The Ambition hybrid is a small shallot that has a long shelf life. Shallots, unlike onions, produce clusters of small bulbs. Ambition grows 1 to 2 feet in height and can be interplanted -- planted between other plants. Plant Ambition shallots in the fall within zones 2 through 9 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Even though a peony's bloom season lasts only a couple of weeks, many gardeners consider them treasures they wouldn't be without. Peony's are prized for their large blossoms with silky petals in shades of pink, red, yellow and white. You can extend the bloom season by planting early, mid-season and late varieties. Newer hybrids make good cut flowers. Cut them just before the buds open for long-lasting bouquets.
Planting a successful onion garden is contingent upon several factors, including proper fertilization and using companion plants such as cabbage or lettuce to naturally repel insects. Companion planting is widely used in organic gardening. It reduces each plant's disease and insect problems, minimizes the need for chemicals and optimizes soil nutrients, yielding a healthier crop overall.
Shallots are bulb plants similar to onions, but with a milder flavor. Home gardeners can plant shallots in either spring or fall, though fall plantings are ideal because this generally produces twice the yield. The exact time to plant shallots varies by region, but gardeners should get the bulbs in the ground several weeks before winter temperatures cause the ground to freeze.
Catnip, or catmint, is a perennial herb in the mint family known for its alluring and stimulating effect on felines. The plant is also widely used as a tea herb, and researchers have isolated its active ingredients for use in a variety of products, including insect repellents. Catnip makes an attractive addition to the herb garden, where it thrives.
The plants you grow have an effect on one another -- some in a positive way, while others can be toxic. Pairing vegetables to plant in your garden, known as companion planting may help the growth of both plants. Plant two different vegetables together to improve the taste of both vegetables. Grow certain vegetables together to repel pests instead of using pesticides, or to attract insects that benefit both vegetables.
Bee balm, (Monarda didyma) also know commonly as Oswego tea, monarda, bergamot, or horsemint is an all-purpose flowering perennial that grows almost anywhere with little to no care. In fact, monarda is so eager to become established that it out competes many other plants. There are, however, many species that can partner well with bee balm and provide a frenzy of garden blooms throughout most of the summer into fall.
Observation has been the best teacher about companion planting. Perennial gardening wisdom over centuries has been applied to the choices we now use for growing plants together. Many insects have specific plant food preferences that can be used to control damage in the garden. Other plants attract beneficial insects that feed on harmful ones. Some companion plants exude chemicals that discourage weed growth in their environment. Both raspberries and potatoes benefit from specific companion plant choices.
When planting a garden, deciding where to plant each specific vegetable is an important part of the process. Some plants don't do as well when planted next to each other. Certain plants compete with each other, others transmit disease and some attract the wrong kinds of pests. If you plant these types of plants next to each other, both plants often suffer.
Roses show best when grouped with the right companion plants. Companion plants, by their size, shape and placement, create a focal point of the roses. Low-growing plants create a horizontal line that draws the eye to them. In addition, roses are more disease resistant when grouped with plants with different insect- and fungus-repellent qualities. Color is a critical element in selecting rose companions. Plant types, such as shrubs and annuals, should be selected for color as well as form.
Manage your pepper garden by utilizing companion planting. Companion gardening incorporates different plants close to each other so the varied beneficial properties of those plants repell pests and enhance vegetable flavors without the use of chemicals. Some plants help to loosen the soil, which creates an ideal environment for roots. Other plants emit strong fragrances helpful in luring pollinating insects for your flowering vegetables. Pepper plants are useful companion plants. When established close to certain plants, peppers will grow healthy, remain relatively uneaten by pepper-loving pests and produce a bounty of delicious vegetables, while deterring root rot in other plants.
Sometimes mistaken for an onion, sometimes for a scallion -- a shallot is neither one. In fact, a shallot is a species all its own. Planted from bulbs, shallots prefer to grow in full sun and well-drained soil within US Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 10. If you live in zone 7, planting shallots in the spring as soon as the threat of frost is over yields a healthy harvest within three to six months.
Artichokes are perennial plants in the sunflower family that produce edible heads or buds. When properly cared for, a single artichoke plant produces up to 50 buds. The harvest gathered from three or four plants yields enough buds for a small family. Established plants continue growing and producing up to seven years.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint or Lamiaceae family. This perennial herb is native to Eurasia and naturalized throughout the world. Its Latin name, Nepeta, is also the name of an ancient Etruscan city that may have grown catnip, while cataria implies "having to do with cats," according to the Robert W. Freckmann Herbarium website. As its name suggests, this herb is favored by house cats around the world.
Peonies are herbaceous perennials that require very little special care in order to thrive. Aside from staking French cultivars, they do well being left to their own devices, provided they are planted in well-drained soil and protected from late frosts. Companion planting with the peony enhances the peony itself, and adds beauty to your garden, as the peony's blooming season is relatively short and early in the season.
Lilium is a group of flowering plants that are often confused with day-lilies and peace lilies which, in fact, are not true lilies. True lilies have long, narrow leaves and produce their flowers at the tips of each stem. The Casa Blanca lilium is one of the many varieties that fall under the Oriental category of liliums. Oriental liliums are known for their large, usually fragrant flowers that come in a multitude of colors. Casa Blanca liliums grow to about 4 feet in height and produce large 4- to 6-inch wide flowers in a brilliant white color.
Companion plants for carrots either provide natural substances that benefit your carrots or that benefit carrots' companions planted near them. Natural substances in roots, flowers and leaves of companions can attract beneficial insects or repel problem bugs. Some plants add nutrients to the soil that enhance the growth rate and flavor of your carrots. Companion plants help increase the productivity of your vegetable garden.
Plants of different shapes, sizes and growing habits comprise the genus Sedum. Members of the Crassulaceae family, sedum or stonecrop plants have fleshy stems and tolerate arid conditions. Some sedums barely reach 3 inches while others grow more than 2 feet high. Plant leaflets are spherical, fanlike or flat ovals, and branches zigzag upward, or trail over retaining walls or hanging pots.
The hollyhock, known scientifically as Alcea rosea, is a biennial or short-lived perennial relative of the hibiscus. These plants are known for the large, bright blooms that they produce on tall, upright stems. Hollyhocks frequently gain a ragged, eaten appearance resulting from their popularity among various insects. However, even the most foraged plants generally produce ample blooms and large quantities of seeds that allow the hollyhock to perpetuate. There are a few problems and pests that warrant attention if they begin to plague a hollyhock.
Shallots are often compared to onions, and though they do resemble their larger counterparts, shallots are a separate species. Shallots are thought to have originated in Asia, and they gained popularity after being brought to France during the last Crusade. Shallots are normally much smaller than onions and can grow in clusters rather than just one large bulb. Though some gardeners prefer to grow their own shallots from seedlings, you can certainly grow them from seeds in your home garden.
Among the first harbingers of the end of winter, daffodils grow from underground bulbs that multiple year after year. Once soil thaws and begins to warm in late winter, the first leaves of the daffodil bulb forcefully grow upwards. As long as the soil isn't covered in a hard surface or too thick, the leaves readily elongate to reach sunlight. The upward push of growing leaves often pushes light-blocking leaves out of the way, making space for the flower stem to grow upward unimpeded.
Mints encompass a large family of plants, including spearmint, peppermint, bee balm, lemon balm, and many more. Keep in mind that even if mint provides a benefit to a nearby plant, it may still smother that plant given enough time: mint spreads voraciously. Either plant it in a pot near the plants it benefits or give it plenty of room to spread.
Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 through 11, agapanthus, or lily of the Nile, (Agapanthus orientalis) produces globe-shaped umbels of lavender or white trumpet-shaped flowers from June through August. Its light green, lance-shaped leaves, growing at the base of the plant, are 1- to 2-feet long. The flower stalks of agapanthus can reach 5-feet tall.
Companion planting is a method that is often applied to home gardens. With companion planting, you design your garden with consideration for the types of plants that may benefit each other. Pole beans, for example, naturally amend the soil by returning nitrogen. Pole beans also tend to grow tall. Companions are selected on their compatibility with these attributes.
For centuries, gardeners have observed the same crops growing with vastly different levels of health and vigor, even when grown under very similar conditions. Many of these observations, have been replicated by other gardeners, giving them some measure of credence and respectability in the scientific community.
Chili peppers are a vegetable garden staple, particularly in hot climates where mild poblanos, spicy serranos and red-hot habanero peppers thrive in the heat of the long growing season. And naturally, chili peppers lend heat and spice to a variety of dishes and condiments. from mild chili to fiery hot sauces. It's fair to say that the super-sweet strawberry is at the other end of the dinner table, and it's not a good idea to plant these strange bedfellows side by side in the garden.
Shallots have a delicate and slightly sweet taste similar to both onions and garlic. Since purchasing market shallots tends to be expensive, gardeners are discovering the ease and simplicity of growing shallots themselves. Shallots offer the grower an inexpensive way to have a ready supply of this onion relative for a fraction of the store price. Shallots grow in a similar fashion to garlic. Gardeners are able to move shallots grown in containers to different locations to protect them from excessive heat.
Planting companions are groups of more than one species that grow well together. Intermingling herbs, ornamental plants and vegetables reduce pest infestations. Pairing certain vegetables provides even greater protection from pests. Be sure to take notes in the garden and observe which planting companions grow best.
Daffodils and lilies are bulbous flowers of the scientific family Liliaceae. For this reason, they share many physical and anatomical characteristics. However, each belongs to a different genus -- daffodils to the genus Narcissus, and lilies to Lilium. Other well-known members of Liliaceae include amaryllis, asparagus, onion, hyacinth and tulips. While daffodils and lilies are related, a daffodil is not a type of lily.
Shallots are members of the onion family but they are much smaller than regular onions. The recommended planting rate is four to six shallots per person which doesn't take up much space. Select companion vegetables that are compatible with shallots in soil and sunlight requirements but don't over-plant. With many vegetables, a few plants will produce more than enough at harvest time.
Pure white Casa Blanca lilies are among the largest and most fragrant of the Oriental lilies. Their blooms are as wide as 10 inches across, and their open petals attract hummingbirds and bees. Cut flowers last for more than a week in a vase full of water. Bulbs should be kept moist and planted as soon as possible. The right planting conditions will encourage vigorous plants and blooms.
Spider mites are tiny pests that cause serious problems for gardeners and garden plants. These pests feed on the leaves of plants, weakening the health of the host plant and leaving it susceptible to disease and other problems. Companion planting helps reduce spider mite populations without the use of chemicals.
Shallots produce small bulbs that have a similar yet milder flavor than onions. The plants usually grow from starts that consist of small clusters of shallot bulbs. The starts, called sets, produce roots and foliage growth quickly once planted into the garden site. Shallots tolerate some frost in the garden bed, so are usually planted in fall for harvest in spring. They are also grown as a summer crop for fall harvest in colder climates where the soil remains frozen for most of winter.
Fresh salads, stuffed wraps and side dishes for corned beef are just a few of the things you can do with a cabbage harvest. Whether you have a small raised garden bed or a large field, maximize your vegetable production by planting companion plants among the cabbage in the cabbage patch. In addition to extra crops gained, a handful of companion plants will also help stave off pests that commonly invade cabbage, eliminating the need to use harsh insecticides.
The tiny squash bug may appear minuscule, but it can present big problems when it decides to feast on your squash. It attacks all kinds of squash, as well as other vegetables, such as cucumbers. If you have a problem with squash bugs, you could spray your vegetable garden with toxic chemicals. Alternatively, experiment with companion planting. Several kinds of plants repel squash bugs and, when planted among your squash bug-susceptible vegetables, can help protect them from this pest.
Although roses have a reputation for needing careful tending, the rose varieties that rise in popularity to become favorites in the garden are typically sturdy varieties that are relatively easy to grow. Select rose varieties that are hardy in your locale, and follow the fertilization and watering recommendations. Avoid using poisonous chemicals by practicing companion planting in your flower bed. Companion plants provide benefits naturally and safely.
Visit a typical family for Sunday dinner in the American South and you are likely to find either fried okra or fried eggplant on the menu. Step outside and visit the family's vegetable garden and you'll see both okra and eggplant thriving in the hot, humid climate. But while they are both heat-loving plants and typical of cuisine from the American South, okra and eggplant are not scientifically related.
Almost every kitchen has a supply of garlic and shallots, because these two plants are included in many recipes. There are some differences between them. Shallots grow from bulbs and garlic grows from cloves. When planting garlic, the cloves are planted deep in the soil, while shallots develop closer to the top of the soil. When shallots form, they form bulbs in a cluster around the bulb you placed in the ground. Garlic is planted in the fall and shallots are planted in the spring.
Companion planting places two or more plant species in close proximity to each other with the intention of deriving a benefit from the plants' close association. Companion planting, for example, can help to control pests or increase yields on vegetables. In many instances, knowledge about companion planting comes from folklore and traditional methods, with conventional science failing to confirm the benefit of certain associations. Interplanting vegetables and ornamentals can create a vibrant edible landscape with benefits to both types of plants.
Marigolds bring color to gardens, patios and landscapes, and can be grown in baskets or raised beds. In fact, many gardeners plant marigold amid tomatoes and other vegetables because they are thought to repel insect pests. But that's not the only reason marigolds are favorites. These hardy annuals thrive in nearly any soil, produce color from late spring until frost and require little care. Occasional deadheading, pruning and pinching keeps them in shape throughout the summer.
Gardening is a hobby that many people all over the world take great pride in. Finding the right gift for a German garden or gardener can be challenging. However, items such as gnomes, clogs and kugels have long German histories, making them unique gift ideas. Additionally, flowers such as chamomile and cornflower are native to Germany and grow well in the country's cool summers.
You've worked all winter, carefully planting your tomato seedlings for the following spring. The last thing you want is for your crops to get eaten shortly after being planted outside. The common culprit behind the devastation of garden tomato plants is the hornworm. This tiny, non-stinging caterpillar is notorious for overwintering in the ground and emerging during the warmth of late spring to feast on tomato plants. You could spray your plants with pesticides, but these are not completely safe for pets or children. Instead, consider companion-planting borage along with your tomatoes.
Several types of pests cause problems on collards, a leafy member of the cabbage family. Identifying the pests infesting your plants is a good first step in determining how best to control the problem.
Vinca major is an evergreen ground cover that blooms with pert, blue flowers in the spring and summer. This trailing perennial roots where its stems touch the ground, making a dense mat and serving as an effective ground cover for banks and slopes. Vinca major spreads rapidly and is tolerant of most growing conditions.
Roses are the popular focal point of many private and public gardens. Flowering abundantly and grown around the world, roses take center stage in home gardens. Carefully selected and planted shrubs, whether flowering or evergreen, can enhance the beauty of a rose garden by providing a backdrop, border or point of interest between the roses' blooming flushes throughout the season. Select and site shrubs that will thrive in your home garden.
Potatoes produce an inedible plant above the soil's surface and an edible vegetable beneath the soil. There are certain plants that -- when planted with or near potatoes -- offer protection against parasites and organisms that harm otherwise healthy potato plants. This practice is known as companion planting or companion gardening. Companion gardening was introduced by Native Americans, who planted beans, corn and squash together. Use companion plants that protect your potatoes and improve their flavor.
Hosta lilies are also known as plantain lilies or simply, as hostas. They are not true lilies, but members of the Agavaceae or agave family, native to parts of Japan, Korea and China. Hostas are characterized by a clump-forming habit, broad leaves with parallel veins, and flower spikes featuring trumpet-shaped white or violet blooms. The best companion plants are those that flourish in the same conditions that support hostas, partial shade and uniformly moist soil.
Geraniums are colorful flowering plants that add interest and improve the vitality of home gardens. When planted as companion plants, geraniums repel many common insect pests from home gardens and the oil produced by the plant helps prevent spider mites, according to Brigham Young University Idaho's "Companion Planting Guide." Geraniums are a versatile garden plant that produce flowers throughout the summer until the first frost.
Daffodils offer the first hint that spring is on its way with their trumpet shaped yellow flowers. Although the blooms do not last very long, they are reasonably hardy plants. They require minimal care and will continue to bloom each year.
Companion planting has been around since man first decided to stop roaming and start farming. Through trial and error our ancestors noted that certain plants enhanced or deterred the growth of others and passed this knowledge on. Only recently have scientists, unable to disprove this age-old lore, set out to explain it. It turns out lore and science agree that companion planting is the holistic answer to a balanced ecosystem.
Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea), also known as green purslane or simply purslane, is a hardy, low-growing annual herb found growing wild throughout the northern hemisphere. Sometimes regarded as an unwanted weed, this plant has long been used for food and medicine. Purslane is closely related to moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora), a popular warm-climate ornamental bearing hot pink and orange blossoms.
Companion planting is the practice of planting harmonious combinations of vegetables, flowers and herbs. Plants can benefit one another in various ways. Certain plants repel the insect pests or fungal infections which plague others. Some plants may add essential nutrients to the soil which others absorb. In other cases, one plant accommodates another by providing shade or protection. Sometimes a certain plant is planted to lure insect pests away from a more valuable crop.
Companion planting involves designing your garden to grow specific plants close to each other to enhance growth and flavor or to control insect pests. Early Native Americans practiced companion planting with the historical "Three Sisters " when they planted corn, squash and beans together to enhance the growth of each. While the corn provided a structure for the beans to climb, the squash foliage shaded the ground and conserved moisture.
There is a prime time to grow vegetables within each USDA hardiness zone, and then there is the rest of the year when enthusiastic growers embrace the challenge of the season and find ways to grow vegetables when no one around is gardening. The first and easiest consideration is determined by looking at your zone and the recommended planting dates. In addition to the zoning recommendations, you will need to know when to expect your last frost, when the first frost should come, and finally, the winter hardiness of the vegetables you plan to grow.
Asparagus is a perennial that takes multiple seasons to produce its first edible shoots. During the various phases of asparagus plant development, you can improve its growth by planting certain edibles beside it, which complement its vitality or keep away unwanted pests. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a member of the lily family with tall, frond-like growth. You can arrange companion plants in between rows of asparagus and they will still receive ample light.
Greenhouse companion plants serve the same purpose they do in the garden, to protect the plants from bad bugs and to help each other grow bigger, stronger or in some way better. The specific varieties of plants that thrive in a greenhouse are often different from those that thrive in an outdoor garden. Choose plants that thrive in containers, and if possible, were bred for greenhouse cultivation.
The Casa Blanca lily is a type of Oriental lily that grows well outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 8. The flowers grow anywhere from 3 to 4 feet tall and stand upright even without staking, adding elegant beauty to the garden. Casa Blanca lilies will grow even during the heat of summer, and when properly cared for they will flower in the garden again and again.
When planting potatoes in your garden, you can improve their growth, health and fertility by adding a few "companion plantings" nearby. These particular plants can benefit potatoes by repelling harmful insects or simply by the balance of their needs from the shared soil. While companion planting is not scientifically proven, it has been used for generations as a means of improving crop's robustness and increasing yields.
Container vegetable gardening makes it possible for many people to grow their own food, even if they do not have abundant land with terrific soil. Container gardening ranges from the small herb garden to the intricate raised-bed vegetable garden. Knowing when to plant your container vegetables can make a difference in the success of the harvest. Different crops are suitable for different temperatures, so it's important to know the planting dates for your specific region.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a hardy, flowering herbaceous perennial in the Borage family (Boraginaceae). Native to Europe, this vigorous plant is now found growing wild in meadows and along roadsides throughout the United States. It is grown in gardens and landscapes for its ornamental value and is celebrated for its easy-to-please disposition. In times past, comfrey was used medicinally to cure various maladies.
Companion plants complement each other in the garden and may even help each by repelling bugs, enriching the soil, or providing shade. Dahlias repel nematodes, which are microscopic worms that live in the soil and attack certain species of flowers. They make good companion plants for flowers, like roses, that are susceptible to nematode attacks. Slugs, snails, Japanese beetles and aphids attack dahlias. Effective companion plants are plants that can repel these pests.
Hydrangeas are a group of flowering shrubs that are well suited as a specimen plant in the garden. Hydrangeas are also often used in a border area or in a shrub bed. To select plants to accompany your hydrangeas, color, leafing habit, seasonal appearances and growing conditions are all important considerations.
Garlic is a popular companion plant in many gardens because it grows well near many flowers, herbs and vegetables, enhancing the garden habitat. Planting garlic throughout a garden establishes a healthier environment by deterring common pests that can damage garden plants. Garlic does best in raised garden beds or mounds if planted together with vegetables.
Gardeners enamored with blue hydrangea plants often grow Hydrangea macrophylla, also known as bigleaf or French hydrangeas. Native to eastern Asia, the plant migrated to Europe and the Americas during the colonial period, a time when the name "French" hydrangea was established. The development of re-flowering hydrangeas has increased demand for the plant.
Companion planting, planting different species of plants in close proximity to increase the yield of all, goes back thousands of years. Native American practiced a similar type of horticulture planting in what they referred to as the "three sisters," which included climbing beans. The practice works best with plants with different nutritional needs. In some cases the companion plants offer insect-repellent features that benefit the entire plant community. This feature makes the practice attractive to organic gardeners.
Planning the vegetable bed can be one of the most fun and productive gardening projects. Planning should include an understanding of your climate and the length of growing season that each vegetable needs. Some edibles need three months or more before they are ready for harvest. Such plants need to be started indoors so there is adequate time for the plant to produce. Other plants need less time before they mature, and can be directly sown outside.
Crocosmia is a type of flowering plant native to southern Africa. These flowers are close-cousins to the gladiola flower and the dried petals smell like saffron. The flowers of this plant are tube-shaped, with frilly petals at the opening of the tube, and range from yellow to orange-red in color.
The garlic plant (Allium sativum) originated in central Asia, and is closely related to onions and leeks. The plant grows from an underground bulb composed of sections called cloves. Long, green leaves and stalks bearing clusters of white or purple flowers emerge from the bulb. Garlic is known for its powerful odor and potent properties; the plant contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds. In the garden, it helps to dispel insect pests which plague other plants.
The wasabi plant (Wasabia japonica) is a close relative of the mustards and is native to Japan, Korea, China and New Zealand. It has large, heart-shaped leaves growing from a small underground rhizome and can be 2 feet tall. Wasabi plants need cool, shady conditions and running water to thrive, and they are challenging to grow in the garden. Wasabi rhizomes are grated in Japan to create a much-prized hot dip. Most wasabi paste sold in the West is an imitation product based on horseradish and Chinese mustard.
According to Louise Riotte, author of "Carrots Love Tomatoes," some plants help one another thrive. When planted in close proximity, these plants may repel insects, produce mutually beneficial chemicals or share nutrients.
Casa Blanca lilies are tall Oriental lilies that will adorn your garden with sweet-smelling blooms in August and September. In spite of the flamboyant beauty of the pure white blooms, durable, disease-resistant Casa Blanca lilies aren't fussy and will thrive with minimal care. The underground bulbs of Casa Blanca lily are best planted in autumn and will grow in nearly any well-drained soil. Casa Blanca lily is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zone 4.
Million Bells or calibracoa hybrid are among the easiest plants to grow. They attract birds especially hummingbirds. The plants bloom in spring until late fall. They have small flowers and are easy to maintain. Aphids can attack a million bells plant by sucking the sap of the stem and leaves. A plant under aphid infestation will wilt and die. There are many ways to get rid of aphid infestation.
Agapanthus Donau is a hybrid variety of Agapanthus africanus, a species native to South Africa. It is noted for producing a large number of 7- to 8-inch, showy blue flowerheads. Hardy only in warm-winter climates, Donau will flower in the same year it is planted.
Wasabi (Wasabia japonica) is a member of the cole family of vegetables, which includes cabbage, kale, collards and kohlrabi. This plant takes two years to produce an edible rhizome and requires plenty of water, shade and deep, sulfur-rich soil. According to Cornell University, cole crops grow well when planted with aromatic herbs like parsley, chamomile and chives. Wasabi can also be companion planted with onions, and benefit from their insect-repelling properties.
Give your vegetable garden an extra boost of growing power by taking advantage of companion planting techniques. Strategically placed vegetables, grown side by side, reduce the time you have to work in the garden, deflect pests away from host plants and deliver supportive nutrients into the soil. Whether you have a small plot in limited space or a large garden producing large quantities of food, companion planting is a workable system. Invest the time to map out your garden in advance, then enjoy the rewards as the growing season progresses.
Casa Blanca lily is an Oriental hybrid lily that bears large, white blooms. These lilies can grow in hot and cold climates, thriving in USDA growing zones 4 to 8.
New gardeners become frustrated when weeds infiltrate their gardens. If life has gotten in the way and you haven't given your garden the attention it deserves, you may find the weeds have blended into the plant life, making a positive identification difficult. Save yourself the heartbreak of accidentally culling your hollyhocks by learning to identify weeds with a similar appearance.
Originally from the Mediterranean, the hollyhock, or Alcea, is a flowering plant that reaches up to 9 feet in height when fully grown. Hollyhocks prefer full sun, but thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
Blueberries and rhododendrons share a love for acidic soils, which makes them perfect companion plants to one another. Imagine bright blueberries tumbling out from rhododendrons laden with crimson blooms, or go patriotic with blueberries planted beside both a white rhododendron and a red one. Other acid-loving plants, like thyme, yew, pine trees and grape hyacinth, are good neighbors for blueberries and rhododendrons. Some companion plants are merely compatible, while others serve a purpose. Marigolds, for instance, can help repel plant pests.
Shallots are prized by many gourmet chefs for their delicate flavor. A subspecies of onion, shallots grow clumps of above-ground bulbs from a single planted bulb. They can be planted in autumn in areas with mild winters, but the plants are most productive when planted in February in places where the ground can be worked that early. The leaves of the shallot go dormant in the summer heat -- normally in July. The bulbs may be harvested shortly thereafter.
Okra isn't as vulnerable as other vegetable garden plants to drought, nutrient deficiency, or pest problems. Using a combination of companion plants often suffices for all okra needs: pest control, additional nutrients, and water conservation.
Companion planting takes advantage of the mutual benefits that many plants offer. Apricot trees offer light shade, and organic matter in the form of fallen leaves and fruit to the plants below. Plant companions below it that return the favor with protection and nourishment.
Prized by professional chefs and home cooks alike, shallots (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) are a member of the onion family. The have a subtle flavor that is more delicate than that of onions or garlic. Hardy through USDA Zone 2, shallots are technically a perennial, although they are grown primarily as an annual. French varieties of shallots have pinkish-brown skin with flesh that is pinkish-purple. In contrast, Dutch varieties are larger, more strongly flavored than French shallots, and have orange-yellow skin, according to Cornell University.
Buckwheat is most commonly used as grain for feeding animals and to make flour. However, according to the Purdue University Cooperative Extension, 5 percent to 10 percent of buckwheat crops are planted as a cover crop, then plowed under to be used as soil enrichment for future plantings. Buckwheat crops are also planted as smother crops, inhibiting weed growth. Its blossoms attract insects that kill aphids, mites and other common pests, making it an excellent choice for effective companion planting.
Dwarf Agapanthus, also known as Lily of the Nile or African Lily, produces bundles of white or blue flowers annually in May. The leaves remain evergreen. At maturity an Agapanthus produces upward of 100 compact, uniform blossoms. This plant likes full sun exposure, good drainage and humus-like soil. The best companion plants for dwarf Agapanthus include Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii), Miniature Daylily (Hemerocallis x), Tricolor Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea), Dwarf Mock Orange (Pittosporum tobira), and full sized Queen Mum lilies. Coral Bells (Heuchera x), Rose Mullein (Verbascum), and rose bushes also fare well in a garden with this plant.
Although widely planted as a food crop, blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) also have aesthetic value as a landscape plant. Their shiny, deep green leaves and dark berries contribute to the summer landscape and their leaves turn an intense shade of scarlet in autumn. During winter, their delicate, upright branches break the monotony of a drab winter landscape. Use them in mixed shrub borders planted alongside other acid-loving shrubs for an unusual mixture of evergreens, spring-flowering shrubs, and summer berries.
When planning your vegetable garden, think about how the placement of certain plants can assist neighboring vegetables. Some plants repel unwanted pests that favor attacking a nearby plant, like planting sweet basil next to tomatoes to keep whiteflies away from the tomato plants. Other crops, such as corn, can provide shelter from the sun and wind for nearby crops. These are examples of what is known in the gardening community as "companion planting." If you plan to grow Jerusalem artichokes in your garden, it is important to know which companion plants they can help to thrive.
Growing melons with companion melons and companion plants is a way of increasing the produce yield. The basic principle of this type of companion planting is to choose plants that have different harvest times. These different schedules allow certain parts of the garden to open up when additional growing room is required. An example of this concept is the relationship between winter squash, pumpkin and cantaloupe. As the season ends for cantaloupe, that part of the garden opens up for the winter squash and pumpkins. Also, interplanting in between the rows utilizes growing space before seeds germinate and plants begin…
People get by with a little help from their friends, and believe it or not, vegetables do, too. If you've ever cared for a vegetable garden, you may have noticed that some vegetables grow better when planted near others. Some farmers intentionally plant such vegetables near each other to encourage growth and repel insects. This practice is called companion planting. If you are interesting in growing the best broccoli possible, consider planting this veggie near some of its pals.
Companion planting increases biodiversity in your garden, adds color and fragrance where it was lacking and, if done correctly, repels pests naturally. Roses in particular need companion plants that draw away ravenous aphids. Some of these plants repel aphids while others literally mask the scent of the roses so the aphids move on.
People know summer-blooming agapanthus, also known as African lily and lily of the Nile, for its large clusters of violet, blue or white lily-like flowers atop tall stalks and clumps of sturdy strap-like leaves. Easy-care lily of the Nile grows 2 to 4 feet tall, depending on the variety, and makes an excellent ground cover, border or container plant. Good companions thrive under similar growing conditions and offer similar form yet striking color contrasts.
Rhododendrons require specific site and light conditions to thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness zones 4 to 8. Companion plants to place near your shrubs must grow in the same zones and also prefer partial shade and moist, acidic soil. When choosing your plants, look for ones that complement your variety of rhododendron without overwhelming it. Consider plant size and growth rate so the companion plants don't overtake the shrub, and choose plants that bloom about the same time as your rhododendrons.
Developed by Edward Mezitt and named for his father, Peter J. Mezitt, the PJM group of rhododendron hybirds are sometimes called Weston hybrids, after the nursery where the Mezitt's bred their flowers. PJM rhododendrons bloom in various shades of lavender, pink and lavender-pink. For these acid-loving rhododendrons, choose companion plants that thrive in similar conditions and provide complementary or contrasting color in the garden.
For a low-maintenance spot of beauty in a partially shaded area of your garden, Siberian iris is an ideal solution. The upright, narrow leaves provide rich green color through the growing season and a touch of autumn yellow and bronze tones when temperatures drop. Siberian irises thrive in rich, loamy soil and while they need six hours of sunlight a day, are well-suited for locations shaded from the afternoon sun. Companion plants with matching soil, light and climate condition requirements enhance the foliage and regal, early-summer blooming flowers of Siberian iris.
Lavender thrives in well-drained, slightly alkaline soils and full sun. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and lavendin hybrids are hardy to USDA plant hardiness zone 5; treat French and Spanish lavenders as annuals. When selecting plants to grow with lavender, look for plants with similar growing requirements. Choose plants in colors, such as pink, white or yellow, that complement lavender's purple and blue hues. Select plants that are similar in size to lavender, but may offer a contrast of foliage or flower shape.
Cherry trees have few companion plants that work directly to provide measurable benefit the way companion planting in the garden demonstrates. However, companions do exist with the potential to help cherry trees look and perform better. These options not only to produce a better crop of cherries but create a visual display of color alongside ornamental varieties.
Vincas, or periwinkles, are natives of Europe, Central Asia and Northern Africa and are a rapid growing, evergreen, perennial ground cover with flowers in shades of blue, purple, red, white, pink and rose. There are nearly a dozen different varieties of vinca with the most common being Vinca minor and Vince major. The trailing plants reach a mature height of about 12 inches with a length of up to 6 feet. Numerous plants can serve as companion plants with vincas.
The Livingstone daisy (Dorotheanthus bellidiformis) is a native of southern South Africa and thrives in summer heat. It is an annual and flowers in rose pink, red, yellow and white. The succulent leaves are variegated green or gray-green. This low-growing, sprawling succulent looks good in rock gardens, as a ground cover or in containers. The Livingstone daisy is drought tolerant and is not fussy about the soil, but thrives in well-drained soil. It grows in USDA zones 9a to 11. Pick companion plants that will complement your daisy's flower and leaf color as well as its growing conditions.
Caladium is a genus of flowering plants in the Aracea family, also known as Elephant ear, Heart of Jesus or Angels wings. Common foliage colors include green, salmon, pink and white, with heart-, arrow- or triangle-shaped leaves. Companion plants must have similar growing preferences. Look for plants that do well in full to partial shade and in moist, well-drained soil.
More than 150 varieties of this native plant are grown for the fragrant flowers and brilliant-colored berries that attract a variety of wildlife, according to the Clemson University Extension. Viburnums are native to Asia and North America. The plants vary in height from a mere 2 feet to 30 feet. The flowers have a wide range of scents, but not all are pleasant. The berries come in many colors including blue, pink, yellow, red, orange and black.
Increase your average produce yield and combat pests without chemicals by planting herbs, flowers and vegetables that benefit one another in close proximity. Not all plants are compatible, and there are plants that should not be grown together such as beans and onions. Successful vegetable companion planting requires knowing which plants work together. Pair the right plants, then step back and allow Mother Nature to work her magic in your garden.
If you only have a small area to work with, companion planting will allow you to squeeze more types of plants into your vegetable and fruit garden. Plant your strawberry plants at least 15 inches apart and the rows 3 to 4 feet apart, but make the most of the empty space between plants and rows with companion vegetables and herbs. Vegetables planted with strawberries will mask the foliage and the fruit's aroma, protecting the strawberries from potential pests. Companion plants also will add essential nutrients to the soil.
Herbs make excellent companion plants, both in the vegetable patch and in the garden. When planted next to other species, certain herbs can not only deter pests, but can promote better growth and help boost natural disease resistance.
Its culinary, medicinal, cosmetic and commercial uses account for the cultivation of lemon balm for thousands of years. Originating in North Africa and the Middle East, the perennial lemon balm plant (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the Lamiaceae, or mint, family that now grows all over the world. Selecting companion plants for lemon balm is virtually effortless since it is one of the few herbs that can grow anywhere in a garden. Its presence in the garden -- because of the citronella compounds in lemon balm -- also repels bugs, including mosquitoes.
Some plants grow well together. Others do not. The companion relationships between plant species are greatly influenced by what nutrients each plant derives from the soil, the amount of moisture they need from the soil, the general condition of the soil and what each plant releases into the soil. Selecting companion plants is based upon the success others have had with growing certain plants together, and companion planting allows the plants to benefit from each others' presence in the same soil.
Comfrey leaves and roots that are composted make a nutrient-rich fertilizer, and it is a useful companion when planted with other crops. While the plants are growing they help to retain moisture in the soil and help to enrich it. This makes them a useful companion plant in almost any application, with both vegetables and flowers. Comfrey can be known to take over an area, though, so care should be used to contain it, but with proper care and placement, it can be a helpful addition to any garden.
Companion planting is a process in which certain plants help others by simply being near them. Some plants have specific attributes in their flowers, roots and leaves that can help repel or attract insects to it and the plants around. In addition, some plants can even help the growth rate of those around it and can also affect each other's flavors. Sweet bell peppers can benefit from companion planting, and knowing which plants can help the peppers will add to the quality of your crop.
Lemon Verbena, which is also called Aloysia triphylla, is an annual in most regions but is a perennial plant in extreme southern portions of the United States. It produces tall, spiky, white flowers that emit a fragrant aroma similar to lemon. In addition to being planted by itself, Lemon Verbena is also a companion plant to many herbs. This means that when planted near them the other plants will thrive more than if they were not planted near Lemon Verbena.
Like good friends, plants that help each other grow or live together harmoniously are called companions. For example, some plants repel pests that typically affect other plants. Some plants create soil, shelter or light conditions amenable to other types of plants. Much of companion planting information is handed down through generations of gardeners and is not scientifically based.
Ornamental grasses and daylilies are two of today's most popular perennials. Pest-resistant, sun-loving and drought-resistant, daylilies and grasses complement each other, as well as many other plants. Both plants can be used in big drifts or as accent plants within a flower bed. Since daylilies and most grasses have a mounding habit, look for companion plants with different plant forms.
Peonies are perennial flowers that come in two types: tree peonies or bush peonies. Peonies do well in areas located in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 1 through 8. Many plants make fine companions for peonies in the garden. There are no hard and fast rules when choosing companion plants. Feel free to choose companion plants because they prefer the same soil; bloom at the same time or bloom at a different time; or to fill in color when peonies don't bloom; or because of preferences for certain colors of flowers.
When it comes to planting a vegetable garden, a gardener must keep several things in mind: season, location, soil, compatible plants and protection for the garden. All the hard work that went into the garden can be ruined quickly by an insect or worm invasion before or during vegetable production. Vegetables like carrots and onions attract specific pests -- carrot and onion flies -- that can damage both the plants and their crops. Discerning gardeners, though, know that carrots repel onion flies and onions repel carrot flies. A smart gardener plants these two vegetables together for mutual protection.
African iris plants (Dietes vegeta) thrive in standing water, making this flowering perennial bulb an ideal plant for a water garden or boggy area. Individual plants grow 4-feet to 5-feet tall with long, sword-shaped green leaves and 3-inch to 4-inch white flowers. The flowers bloom heavily in the spring and fall, with occasional flowers appearing at other times of year. The African iris is a warm-weather plant that thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 8b to 11. Ideal companion plants for a stand of African iris are warm-weather, water-loving perennials.
Bold, colorful blossoms and low maintenance make hydrangeas highly sought after ornamental shrubs for gardens or walkways. Though hydrangeas are distinct enough to stand on their own, companion plants add additional color and variety to a hydrangea garden. Choose plants and flowering shrubs that thrive under the same growing conditions as hydrangea in order to create a sustainable garden that provides bountiful color and beauty.
Purslane belongs to the Portulaca plant family and is often considered a weed. But it is a delicacy in France and gourmet U.S. restaurants, where its tart crunchiness adds Omega-3 fatty acids to salads and other dishes.
Dahlias are unique many-petaled flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. They require full sun, warmth, nutritious soil and lots of moisture, but thrive with lush foliage and blooming under the right care. Unfortunately, that lush growth draws pests like aphids, spider mites, snails, slugs and beetles. A discerning gardener uses a few well-placed companion plants to naturally get rid of these pests.
Whether you are growing delicate miniature iris, spring-blooming Dutch iris or large bearded iris, the addition of companion plants adds drama to the garden. Choose plants with culture and maintenance requirements similar to iris for your landscape design. Combine plants with contrasting foliage and textures in borders and flower beds to feature iris plants' form and flowers.
Lavender (Lavandula) is a flowering herb that belongs to the mint family and blooms from mid to late summer. It prefers a "Mediterranean" habitat with well drained, somewhat sandy soil conditions. Lavender is largely grown for its fragrant essential oils. In order to flourish and reach heights of 18 to 36 inches tall, lavender is a perennial that requires room to breathe and is best situated with companion plants that don't compete for nutrients and prefer the same sunny conditions that support lavender growth.
Companion planting consists of arranging two or more mutually beneficial plants in close proximity to increase the growth of each, or pairing a plant to which pests are drawn with a plant that wards off the same threats, such as insects or wildlife.
People use companion planting---planting two unrelated crops in the same area---for several reasons. Companion planting can help to give plants mutual benefits. That includes such things as protection from destructive insects, reduction of disease in plants or helping plants to use soil nutrients more efficiently, according to the North Dakota State University Agriculture and University Extension. You can use companion planting for edible crops, such as potatoes, as well as for flowers, such as roses.
Weigela shrubs are prized for their clusters of pink, bell-shaped flowers that bloom all summer. Easy to grow and maintenance-free, the deciduous shrubs easily withstand urban conditions, making them especially popular in cities. They have dark green, oval foliage and compact growth habits that are well-suited to raised flower beds, borders and slopes. Companion perennials for weigela fall within USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8 and feature similar or complementary colors, shapes and growth habits.
Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is an evergreen tree native to the southern United States where its natural habitat is in bottomland forests, moist upland woodlands and along swamp margins. Its large (8 inches or more), saucer-shaped, fragrant, white flowers and 5- to 8-inch long, heavily-textured, shiny, oblong leaves make it one of the world's finest flowering trees.
The turnip comes from the plant family Brassicaceae, genus Brassica and species Brassica napus. It shares its family and genus with members of the cabbage family. The name "turnip" is often interchanged with "rutabaga." With this information in mind, some companion gardening ideas that apply to the cabbage or rutabaga family, also apply to the turnip.
Companion planting is a gardening philosophy based on the observation that some plants help each other grow. While corn leeches nitrates from the soil, beans bring nitrates into the earth. The tall corn stalks also give the beans support as they grow. Because these two plants complement each other, they make ideal growing companions. There are hundreds of instances of such companionable plants, and when grown together, they can help a garden flourish.
Eggplant is a vegetable from the nightshade family. It is related to peppers and tomatoes. Eggplant originated in India and is popular in Southern United States, according to CDC.gov. Combining eggplant with certain companion plants can aid in pest control and create a more attractive garden.
Artichokes, despite their less than appetizing name, were once reserved for ancient Roman nobility. This royal vegetable can be used in a large number of recipes--everything from stuffed artichokes to dips. This unique vegetable sprouts from an attractive plant that can reach 5 feet tall. Along with its versatility as food, artichokes add to the appearance of a garden and are often planted for aesthetic value. Purple flowers will appear if the plants are not cut back.
Vegetables may not seem similar to humans at all, except that they prefer the company of certain plants and dislike that of others. Taking advantage of this natural phenomenon is called companion planting. Zucchini needs a full-sun growing environment to produce and lots of space to roam, since it's a vining plant. While zucchini is a notoriously strong producer, companion planting will up its productivity.
Although many gardeners like to concentrate on one specific crop in their fields and gardens, many people set their sights higher and try their hands at growing several fruit and vegetable crops at the same time. In companion planting, it's important to select two crops that have similar light, soil and water requirements. Companion planting of raspberries and potatoes can be quite successful, with some considerations.
Growing grapes is a wonderful hobby for home gardeners and wine lovers. When growing grapes, gardeners take advantage of some strategic companion planting guidelines to ensure that their grapevines grow vigorously and thrive.
Canned or frozen green beans purchased from a local grocery store just can't beat the taste of green beans fresh-picked from your own plants. Beans grow particularly well when grown alongside plants that benefit from similar growing conditions. Bush and pole beans are well-suited for companion planting, with many garden vegetables and herbs offering cultural benefits when planted nearby.
Cilantro-coriander (Coriandrum sativum) may have a high culinary value, but it also works to reduce bad insects in your garden and attract beneficial ones when planted near other vegetables and herbs.
Variegated shell ginger, or alpinia zerumbet, provides a perennial plant with leaves patterned in striking shades of green and yellow. Originally from India, this low-maintenance plant brightens gardens in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8 to 12 and does particularly well in south and central Florida. Grow variegated ginger in containers or as a houseplant, but it is probably most effective when planted with other ornamental companion plants, where its richly-colored leaves provide color and contrast.
Hollyhocks, or alcea, which feature profuse blooms of spiked flowers, have a picturesque charm that evokes images of old-fashioned cottage gardens. Because they grow tall, they make a good backdrop for lower-growing perennials, and are very attractive in plantings along walls or picket fences. There are many perennial flowering plants that can be mixed with hollyhocks, so it's not hard to create a riot of colorful flowers in your summer garden.
Summer squash grows well with several other crops. Some gardeners use summer squash (zucchini, yellow squash, patty pan, etc.) as their main crop, choosing radishes and nasturtiums mainly as companion plants that ward off pests such as the squash vine borer. Row growing works poorly in companion planting. Instead, establish alternating blocks of squash, radishes and nasturtiums. The “three sisters” practice of inter-planting corn, pole beans and winter or summer squash is an even older companion-planting method. Each of these three vegetables contributes something valuable to the other two. The corn stalks provide a trellis for the pole beans, which…
Melon vines tend to sprawl all over the garden, taking up substantial space for a fairly long growing season. This makes melons ideal candidates for intercropping, which is a more accurate description of what many people call “companion planting.” Intercropping or polyculture means planting two or more plants together, in the same bed or plot, in ways that benefit each other through association. Melon intercropping can follow traditional patterns or explore new ground.
Consider companion planting to help improve your garden’s growth. Companion planting lessens or eliminates the need for chemical pesticides. When you plant certain vegetables side by side, you’ll see the results as your garden deters pest insects and attracts beneficial insects. In addition to using other vegetables, planting certain herbs and flowers can help your garden thrive. Use the proper companion planting layout to ensure success.
Bougainvilleas are thorny flowering vines that are native to South America. Prized for their colorful flowers, which are technically modified leaves called bracts, bougainvilleas can grow up to 40 feet. Bougainvilleas look especially lovely when planted alongside companion plants like nemesia. Bougainvillea and nemesia can be grown together in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 to 11, in climates where the average annual minimum temperature is at least 20 degrees F.
Companion planting is a natural method of pest control or fertilization where crops that are beneficial to each other are planted together. Tree fruits benefit from a different range of companions than cane fruits like blackberries or soft fruits like strawberries. By following general guidelines the home fruit grower can cut pesticide use, which may be dangerous to children, pets and the environment.
Companion planting is a method of pairing up plants so they do a better job of repelling pests. Although companion planting has a long history, scientific research showing its effectiveness is limited. Nonetheless, aphids can be a particularly difficult pest to deter without chemicals. If you have a problem with aphids in your garden, it’s a good idea to not only keep your plants healthy, well watered (from above, since aphids dislike a cold spray), and encourage beneficial bugs (like ladybugs), but also to try planting companion plants near whatever plants your aphids tend to attack.
Asiatic lilies add a touch of the colorful and exotic to many landscapes. These easy maintenance and showy flowers are rewarding to many gardeners, and the blooms make great cut flowers. Out in the garden, however, the flowers may need a little extra help staying beautiful. That's where companion plants come in.
When you are planting trees like elm trees, it is important to think about companion planting–trees and plants which can be put together–so you can create an outdoor area that looks great and functions well together. Elms are usually easy to plant and can be planted near several other things. American Elm, an online site devoted to elms, and Casey Jensen from a nursery in South Dakota, share some suggestions about companion planting and elms.
Collards are tasty and nutritious members of the cabbage family, packed with Vitamin E, Vitamin K, folic acid and dietary fiber. They’re also hearty and fairly easy to grow in extremely cool to warm climates. Though collards are heartier than other cabbage varieties, they do benefit from the help of other plants such as catnip, mustard, dill and chamomile for natural pest control, improved taste and higher yields. Companion planting is a long-held practice used by farmers and organic gardeners throughout the world for diverse, hearty gardens free of chemicals.
Growing vegetables in containers is a good solution for people who do not have adequate space for a traditional garden. Vegetable containers allow you to enjoy garden-fresh produce even if your outdoor space is limited to a patio. Take the concept of container gardening further and combine several vegetables into one container for a salsa garden, Italian sauce garden or any other combination you can think of.
The basic concept behind companion planting is a simple one--some plants look or perform better when planted near certain others. Often practiced as a means of natural pest control, companion planting is also used to balance soil, provide protection from wind or sun and increase visual appeal. Coneflowers (Echinacea) are perennials with large daisy-like blossoms. They are often combined with garden phlox, black-eyed Susan, Russian sage and lavender, among others.
Companion planting pairs up plants, flowers and grasses with others that share certain characteristics or design features. The hardy hibiscus, with its showy, often two-toned flowers, attracts companion plants from across the spectrum. Nearly always, the towering hibiscus will act as the backdrop to other plants, or as the central feature in a perennial border or sunny flowerbed. It's late-flowering, so its foliage also provides a green background for many smaller, colorful, early-blooming annuals.
Companion vegetable planting may help to maximize your garden space, preserve soil quality and ward off insect without the use of pesticides. This type of gardening method requires some research and planning, but it may result in healthier vegetables, reduced gardening time and increased harvests. There are a large number of vegetable and companion combinations, so take the time to find out which ones will be right for your garden and your appetite.
Companion planting is a long-standing organic practice. Natural pest control is a major benefit of growing certain plants next to each other. Grow a fertilizing crop or grow shade-loving (or shade-tolerant) plants among taller, sun-loving ones and you are companion planting. You can reduce or eliminate the use of chemical pesticides with a few tips about which vegetables to plant near each other.
Plants interact biochemically with each other, with the soil and with insects. Companion planting is a practice that is part ancient wisdom and part modern science that takes into account these chemical interactions and their effects. Marigolds exude thiophenes that destroy harmful soil nematode worms. Chives and cilantro repel aphids. Comfrey acts as a trap plant for slugs. Chamomile attracts beneficial hover flies. Dill and coriander release chemicals that drive away spider mites. Home gardeners maintain balance between harmful insects, which are less than 1 percent of insects, and beneficial insects by using companion planting techniques.
When transplanting onions to a spring garden, start with very small bulbs and pair the crop with companion plants. Learn how to companion crop onions in this free video on gardening and farming from a professional organic gardener.
When planting a spring garden, use hardy plants such as leeks to shield more delicate plants from pests. Learn about companion cropping for a garden in this free video on gardening and farming from a professional organic gardener.
Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together so they will benefit each other by their proximity. One of the main benefits of doing so is as a means of pest control to avoid using chemicals.
Zinnias are an old-fashioned garden bloom that only flower annually, but they are quick and easy to grow. They also make great cut flowers in flower arrangements and they repel quite a few pests in the garden, too.
Birds love them, bees love them, and how can you not enjoy these sunny, happy flowers? Sunflowers may inhibit the growth of some plants in the garden, but they are used to block pollen transfer between some plants, and they help others grow and flourish.
Nasturtiums are such cheerful little plants; it's hard to imagine a garden without them. The flowers are edible, and they make wonderful companion plants because they repel pests and get along with many other plants and vegetables.
Marigolds may be one of the most unsung flowers in the garden. They aren't very imposing, but they are the absolute "daddy" of all companion gardening plants, because they keep away such a wide variety of pests and encourage the growth of so many other plants.
Geraniums are some of the most popular plants in the garden and they make good houseplants, too. The scented varieties add a special touch to just about any garden and they also keep away some common insect pests.
Cosmos are lovely, delicate flowers with fern-like foliage and they do well in just about any garden. If you'd like to attract birds to your garden, this is the plant for you--goldfinches just love the seeds.
Calendulas are easy to grow and they make a cheerful addition to just about any garden. Old myths and legends say if you grow and eat calendula petals, you may just see fairies, too!
As good for you as a homegrown tomato is right out of the garden, the tomato plant can also be beneficial to the plants around it while growing in the garden. Whether you try cherry, beefsteak or heirloom varieties, tomatoes make effective companion plants in your garden because they help their garden neighbors fend off pests and improve their flavor.
Squash, in all its wonderful varieties, is a favorite summer garden plant and some types grow well into the fall. Squash also makes a wonderful companion plant with many of your other favorite garden plants and it is fairly easy to grow. Read the steps below to learn how.
Peppers are a popular garden plant. You can grow either sweet or hot varieties, so there are some for every taste and recipe. Peppers also make great companions to many other vegetables and herbs, but some plants may affect the growth or taste of peppers. Knowing which plants benefit from peppers, and which plants benefit peppers is the key here. Use these steps to grow peppers that will be companions to some of your favorite garden plants.
Peas are not common in every home vegetable garden, but they are relatively easy to grow, and they have several companions in the garden. Grown on a trellis, they free up space for other plants in the garden, and won't take up any ground area since they grow vertically instead of horizontally. Here is how to use peas as a companion plant.
Potatoes aren't that hard to grow in the home garden, and the results are certainly worth it. Potatoes make companions that will both compliment and nourish, as well as being nourished, by many other garden plants, although they do better with some plants than they do with others. Follow these steps to plant a hill or two of potatoes as companion plants in your garden.
Companion planting is the art of planting vegetables, herbs, and flowers near each other to boost their yield and to keep pests and weeds at bay. Different plants can complement each other in the garden, and using companion plants can help reduce your dependence on chemicals like pesticides and other harmful substances, as well. Asparagus can serve as a companion plant.
Corn adds a much-sought after harvest to your garden, and you can use the ears in so many recipes, you'll never run out of ideas. Corn also helps other plants grow better, which is what companion planting is all about. This approach plants harmonious species in proximity to deter insects and increase yield.
In companion planting, plants are grown together to save space or provide benefits to one or both plants. Cucumbers get along with many other common vegetable garden plants. You can use cucumbers throughout the garden to help control some weeds, too. Read on to learn how to use cucumbers as companion plants.
Use Carrots as a Companion Plant
Cabbage is easy to grow and likes cooler weather, so you can plant it early or late in the growing season. Companion planting will help keep your cabbage plants healthier and happier, and it can help the plants surrounding your cabbage, too. The fact that cabbage has some hefty enemies affects companion planting strategies for this plant.
If you've never tried companion planting to control weeds and pests in your garden, you may be working too hard to control these common gardening troubles. Once you discover the joys of companion planting, your garden will be healthier, and you may uncover some new plants to enjoy in your garden, as well. Sage, a member of the mint family, has many companion uses and adds flavor to soups and poultry stuffing.
Companion planting can help curb weeds and pests in your garden. Popularized in Louise Riotte’s book “Carrots Love Tomatoes,” the process of companion planting has been practiced for centuries but only now is beginning to be more widely known. Thyme, a member of the mint family, does its part to help out as a garden companion.
If you've never tried companion planting to control weeds and pests in your garden, you may be working too hard to control these common gardening troubles. Once you discover the joys of companion planting, your garden will be healthier, and you may uncover some new plants to enjoy in your garden, as well.
Companion planting is the process of planting different types of plants in proximity to create a better environment for the plants. This practices seeks to provide a natural bug repellent just by planting different plants next to each other. As with other plants, onions can profit by companion planting.
Companion planting is a great way to control weeds and pests in your garden without making you work too hard. Once you discover the joys of companion planting, your garden will be healthier and you may uncover some new plants to enjoy in your garden as well.
Garlic is one of many great so called companion plants that you can plant in your garden to help it regain strength and combat weeds at the same time.
If you've never tried companion planting to control weeds and pests in your garden, you may be working too hard to control these common gardening troubles. Chives is a great companion plant that will make your garden healthier.
Companion plants can be a great way to bring new life to your garden and get rid of weeds. Once you discover the joys of companion planting, your garden will be healthier and you may uncover some new plants to enjoy in your garden as well.
Other vegetables and herbs go well with tomatoes in the kitchen, and they can also play a role in the garden to improve the tomato crop. Pick tomato companions based on available space and preferences and plant them in garden beds or containers.
