Companion Planting

Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants near each other for mutual benefit — some repel pests, some attract pollinators and predator insects, and some make better use of space, light, and nutrients together.

Good pairings can cut pest pressure without sprays, improve pollination, and raise overall yields. Mixing plant types also makes it harder for pests to find and wipe out a whole block of a single crop.

Tomato + basil: basil is said to repel several tomato pests and the two thrive in the same conditions. Carrots + onions/alliums: their differing roots and strong onion scent confuse carrot fly. Cucumbers + beans/peas: legumes fix nitrogen that feeds hungry cucumbers. Peppers + alliums: onion-family scent helps deter pepper pests. The "Three Sisters": corn supports beans, beans feed the soil, squash shades it.

Tuck flowers like marigolds, nasturtiums, and herbs such as dill among vegetables to draw in pollinators and predatory insects. Avoid crowding — companions still need their own light and airflow. Keep aggressive spreaders (like mint) in pots.