Companion Planting Guide

How It Works

Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants near each other for mutual benefit. Some plants repel pests that bother their neighbors. Others attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and pollinating bees. Some improve the soil by adding nitrogen. And a few seem to improve the flavor of nearby crops, though the science on that is still being studied. The classic example is tomatoes and basil — basil repels aphids and whiteflies while possibly improving tomato flavor. The Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash) is a companion planting method used by Native Americans for centuries. You do not need to follow every rule perfectly. Even planting a few marigolds around your vegetable garden can make a noticeable difference in pest pressure.