Companion Planting: Which Plants Grow Best Together? |
| What's in the article: |
Are you wondering how you can grow maximum veggies and fruits on your balcony? The answer is - companion planting. By practising companion cropping, you can get 2 to 3 times more vegetables from your kitchen garden without spending any extra money (even saving some money).
But what is companion planting, and what are the benefits of companion planting? Let’s find out in this blog.
What is Companion Planting
Companion planting is not a new concept in farming; we have been doing this for centuries. Farmers have used this knowledge of companion cropping to increase their yields since the beginning of agriculture.
Basically, companion planting means growing two or more plants together to improve the yield of both plants.
For example, growing beans and corn together benefits both plants. Beans use corn as a trellis to climb, while corn gets nitrogen-rich soil as beans release nitrogen.
Benefits of Companion Planting
There are several benefits of companion planting other than increasing the yield from your kitchen garden. Here are some of the benefits of companion planting:
-
Natural Pest Control
Plants like marigold and basil repel pests and insects. This means you can get organic produce at home. Plus, you will get another herb that you can use in the kitchen. Companion cropping can be a great natural way to protect your crops from pests.
-
Improved Soil Health
As you may know, many plants, like legumes, release nitrogen into the soil. This is very beneficial for maintaining soil health. This benefits nitrogen-hungry crops like corn, tomatoes, and leafy greens. It also reduces the need for artificial fertilizers.
-
Better Utilisation of Space
When you grow plants together, you can utilise the same space to grow more vegetables/fruits. When you grow tomatoes, you can plant basil in the same pot. Tomatoes are taller, while basil spreads across the base of the pot, utilising maximum space and giving you more produce.
-
Higher Yield
Many companion plants improve each other’s yield by providing nutrients or protecting them from pests.
-
Eco-Friendly & Cost-Effective
When you practice companion planting, you save lots of money on pesticides and fertilisers. Not just that, it eliminates the need for artificial support like moss poles or trellis. And the best part is that it is entirely eco-friendly.
16 Plants Which Grow Best Together
You need to have the knowledge of the best vegetable companion planting to get maximum results from your garden.
Companion Planting Chart
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to tell which plants should be grown together for companion planting, refer to this companion planting chart:
| Plant 1 | Plant 2 | Benefits Of Companion Planting Them |
| Tomato | Basil | Basil repels pests and enhances tomato flavour. |
| Carrots | Onion | Onions deter carrot flies, and carrots loosen the soil for onions to grow. |
| Cabbage | Dill | Dill attracts beneficial insects that protect cabbage. |
| Lettuce | Radishes | Radishes loosen soil and deter pests from lettuce. |
| Marigold | Any Vegetable | Marigolds repel harmful nematodes and insects so that you can pair them with any vegetables. |
| Peppers | Basil | Basil repels aphids, mosquitoes, and flies. |
| Strawberry | Spinach | Spinach provides ground cover, reducing weeds for Strawberry. |
| Sunflower | Cucumber | Sunflowers act as a natural trellis for cucumbers, saving space in your garden. |
Tips To Maintain Companion Plants
Here are some tips and hacks that will help you get the most out of your kitchen garden. With these companion planting tips, you can enjoy higher yield with lower efforts:
-
Use Proper Potting Mix
The first step to getting a good yield from your plants is choosing the right soil. If the soil in your area is clayey or holds a lot of water, do not use it. Instead, use cocopeat as it is airy and allows proper water drainage.
-
Use Organic Fertilisers
Growing two or more plants together means more nutritional requirements in the soil. So, you have to make sure your soil has enough essential nutrients like Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus. You can use a slow-release fertilizer while prepping the soil before planting the seeds.
You can get organic fertilizer from Bombay Greens. -
Choose the Right Combinations
Not all plants grow well together. You need to do your research on which plants complement each other in terms of growth, pest control, and nutrient sharing. You can refer to our companion planting chart for this.
For example, tomatoes and basil thrive together, while onions and beans should be kept apart. -
Maintain Proper Spacing
Even compatible plants need enough space to grow. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the plants, as overcrowding can lead to competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight.
-
Rotate Crops Regularly
Growing the same plants in the same spot every season can deplete the soil. Rotate crops to prevent nutrient loss and reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.
For example, plant legumes one season to enrich the soil, followed by heavy feeders like tomatoes. -
Monitor Watering Needs
Different plants have different water requirements. We need to group plants with similar watering needs to ensure proper hydration without overwatering or underwatering certain varieties.
If you have trouble watering your plants regularly, you can try water-storing crystals or hydrogel, as they can store and slowly release water into the soil.
Conclusion:
Gardening is one of the best joys of life that we are losing as we shift and settle in cities. But you can stay in touch with nature even in urban areas. Repurpose your backyards and balconies into kitchen gardens and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own vegetables and fruits.
Bombay Greens is here for all your urban gardening needs. From grow bags to seeds and potting mixes to organic fertilisers to cute planters, we have it all. Bombay Greens is your ultimate companion in your gardening journey, as we make gardening easy, convenient, and accessible for you, even in cities.
FAQs About Companion Planting
1. What are the best three plants to grow together?
Corns, beans and squash are considered the best three plants that grow together. They are often called the three sisters because they are always grown together.
2. What plants need to grow in pairs?
Tomato and basil, carrots and onions, corn and beans, etc., should be grown together as companion plants. This will help improve the yield.
3. How many plants should you group together?
You can group together 2-3 plants depending on the plant type and space that you have in your garden. Always do proper research before companion cropping.
4. How close can two companion plants be potted?
This depends on the size of your pot or grow bags. Plants like tomatoes and basil can be potted in the same pot if it is wide and deep enough.
Back to top
Back to top
Tanvi Agarwal - Co-founder
Driven by a deep-seated love for nature and a keen entrepreneurial spirit, she co-founded Bombay Greens, transforming urban spaces into thriving green havens. Recognizing the need for accessible and sustainable gardening solutions in the bustling city, she poured her passion into building a brand that empowers individuals to cultivate their own green spaces, regardless of their location or experience.
Her vision extends beyond simply selling gardening items; it's about fostering a community connected to nature, one balcony, rooftop, and windowsill at a time.
Back to top
