Companion planting is a must if you want to grow vegetables organically, it reduces infestations and attracts important pollinating insects to your vegetable patch.
It's a good rule of thumb in every vegetable bed is to include one row of herbs and companion flowers.
In the diagram above are ideas of what is beneficial for growing together.
When considering where to plant vegetables I find the best approach is to consider what is MOST susceptible to pests and then create a barrier around these using companion plants.
Brassicas (particularly broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and cabbage), carrots, tomatoes, and lettuce all fall into this category, and it's worth considering whether a mesh to protect these for additional protection is a good idea.
Leeks, onions, garlic and strong-smelling herbs are the best pest deterrents so lining these around the outside of a bed works well.
Cosmos grows best with Cabbage, Onions, Beans, Cucumbers, Broccoli, Kale and Brussels sprouts.
Poppy, cosmos, larkspur, chamomile, sunflowers and snapdragon can all be grown together to make a wildflower bed.
Sweet peas, beans and peas can be grown so you can use the same trellis for all three.
If you have any spaces to fill think of planting vegetables that grow the opposite way into or out of the ground. For example... Carrots with lettuce, leeks with sweetcorn, radish with broccoli, beetroot with pak choi!
What not to plant together?
Whilst most plants will tolerate each other...
Here are some important ones to avoid planting together:
Onions with beans, peas, asparagus & sage
Fennel with most other plants
Corn, tomatoes and potatoes
Courgette, squashes and cucumbers
Broccoli with asparagus
Carrots with parsnips and radishes
Brussels sprouts with mustard leaves
I hope you find this companion planting guide helpful!
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