The Ultimate Guide to Companion Planting for a Thriving Garden

If you've ever heard the phrase “some plants play well together,” that’s the idea behind companion planting. This time-tested gardening technique pairs plants that help each other grow — boosting yields, repelling pests, and even improving flavor.

At Love & Vegetables, we believe in working with nature. Let’s explore how you can do just that with your own garden.

🌿 What Is Companion Planting?

Companion planting means growing certain plants side-by-side to improve their performance. The benefits include:

• Pest Control – Some plants deter harmful insects

• Pollinator Attraction – Flowers can lure bees and butterflies

• Soil Enhancement – Certain plants fix nitrogen or break up compact soil

• Space Efficiency – Utilize every square inch by mixing heights and depths

🌱 Classic Companion Combos:

1. Tomatoes + Basil + Marigolds

• Basil repels hornworms and boosts tomato flavor

• Marigolds deter nematodes and aphids

2. Carrots + Onions

• Onions mask the scent of carrots, deterring carrot flies

3. Corn + Beans + Squash (Three Sisters)

• Corn acts as a trellis

• Beans fix nitrogen

• Squash shades soil and suppresses weeds

4. Lettuce + Radish + Chives

• Radishes loosen soil

• Chives help repel aphids

• Lettuce provides ground cover

🚫 Plants That Don’t Mix

Just like people, some plants clash:

• Beans + Onions – Onions inhibit bean growth

• Tomatoes + Corn – Compete for nutrients and share pests

• Carrots + Dill – Dill can stunt carrot growth

Plan your layout to avoid these common pitfalls!

👩‍🌾 Easy Activity: Companion Planting Match Game

Get kids involved by making cards with veggie names and letting them guess which ones go together. Then plant them as a team! It’s a great way to learn about gardening AND cooperation.

🛍️ Love & Vegetables Seed Packs

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