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Companion PlantingSep
172013
Once the realm of the hardcore, hippy, home gardener, companion planting is now an incredibly popular
practice – from beginner gardeners right up to large-scale agriculture. But, despite its popularity (it is huge in
Europe), companion planting is often misunderstood, misused and misrepresented as the “cure-all solution” to
problems in the patch.
So what is companion planting? Essentially, it’s a method of growing plants together, with the idea that they
will assist each other in some way, like deterring pests, improving growth, enhancing flavour, attracting
beneficial insects, fixing nitrogen, disrupting “patterns” and trap cropping. But, just as we have good
neighbours, there are bad neighbours as well. Some plants really dislike each other, and shouldn’t be planted
in close quarters, lest one of them struggle or meet its untimely demise.
Mythbusters – Does it Actually Work?
Now, the “Big Question”: does it work? Well, yes and no. There is a fairly limited amount of actual scientific
information on companion planting, but it is safe to say that some combinations do seem to work, while others
can be a bit hit and miss. Why? Well, for starters, companion planting is a northern hemisphere concept that
works a treat up there, but not as well down here in Australia.
Secondly, it doesn’t work so well because it isn’t understood. We’ve all heard that basil and tomatoes should
be planted together, but why? How many of each is required? Is one basil per tomato enough? Who benefits?
What are we deterring? Does it enhance flavour? For years, I planted one basil plant next to each of my
tomatoes, and guess what? Nothing happened. There was no discernable difference in taste. Nothing seemed
to be encouraged or deterred. Nothing grew better or worse than it had before, there was simply no
advantage, other than me not having to walk so far to make a pasta sauce!
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Do you know why? Because, for basil to successfully repel flies from tomatoes, an absolute shovel-load of
basil is required in your patch. I’m talking several basil plants for each tomato, and even then it won’t repel
fruit fly. I love basil as much as the next gardener, but I don’t love it that much, and, to be honest, I’ve never
had an issue with flies on my tomatoes. But who knew this? And how many of us think that this is the quick fix
for all our garden woes?
Get Your Fix – Companions that Work!
Well, companion planting CAN be the quick fix, and here’s how: biodiversity! The best thing about companion
planting is that it increases the biodiversity of your patch; that is, the variety of life forms in your garden. Some
of the greatest companion plants in my garden are those which have nothing to do with my vegetable patch,
but are the awesome locally native trees and shrubs I have planted about the place. Clever planning (if I do
say so myself) has meant that my garden is never without blossom, and is therefore never without the array of
critters that come with that: birds, pollinating insects (like butterflies, bees, and native wasps), reptiles, beetles
and all sorts of helpful garden buddies.
By encouraging this assortment of good guys, my garden is almost completely without the bad guys, who
never get a foothold in numbers that matter to me anyway! Remember, a lettuce leaf with a hole in it doesn’t
require chemical warfare, nor does it signal an attack of the dreaded munchies! So now that I’ve put you off
companion planting all together, let me say that I reckon there are some combinations that really work,
especially those that involve plants that have a fair odour to them. Also, there are definitely combinations that
dislike each other, so I’ve made for you, dear readers, what is possibly the most comprehensive companion
planting chart in the known universe.
Now here’s my disclaimer… there is very little scientific garble to back this up, and some of them just work, so
don’t come bleating if nothing happens, or things have problems! But here is a pretty comprehensive list of
some common companions and antagonists, some of which I have seen working, others… well, let me know.
Enjoy! Oh, since you asked, my favourite companion in my garden is healthy soil, full of organic matter, worms
and good stuff. And beer!
Sustainable Gardening Australia presents:
The most comprehensive companion planting chart in the known universe(maybe)
Plant Good Neighbours How it worksBad
Neighbours
Apple Nasturtium, ChivesNasturtium climbs tree and is said to
repel codling mothPotatoes
Apricot Basil, Tansy, AsparagusBasil and tansy are said to repel
damaging insects
Asparagus
Apricot, Basil, Chives, Comfrey,
Lovage, Marjoram, Parsley,
Tomatoes
Basil and Parsley are said to improve
flavour. Onions and garlic release
substances reducing growth.
Garlic, Onions
Balm
(Lemon)Tomatoes
Attracts bees, said to enhance flavour
and growth
Basil TomatoesBasil said to repel flies and
mosquitoes
Beans
(climbing)
Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage,
Carrots, Cauliflower, Corn, Lettuce,
Lovage, Majoram, Parsley
Beetroot,
Chives, Garlic,
Gladiolus,
Onions,
Sunflower
Beetroot
Beans (bush), Broccoli, Brussel
Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kohl
Rabi, Lettuce, Lovage, Marjoram,
Onion, Peas, Potato, Spinach,
Silverbeet
Bad Neighbours roots release
substances reducing growth
Beans
(Climbing),
Tomato
Borage Squash, Strawberries, Tomato
Said to deter tomato worm and
improve tomato flavour and yield. Said
to increase strawberry yield.
Brassicas
(Incl:
Broccoli,
Cabbage,
Cauliflower)
Beans, Beetroot, Carrots,
Chamomile, Coriander, Cucumber,
Dill, Lettuce, Lovage, Marjoram,
Marigold (French), Mint, Nasturtium,
Pea, Potato, Rosemary, Sage,
Dill attracts a Cabbage White Butterfly
controlling wasp. Nasturtium disguises
and repels aphids. Sage repels the
Cabbage White Butterfly. Zinnias
attract ladybirds, which we love! Bad
Neighbours roots release substances
Garlic, Rue,
Strawberry
Tansy, Thyme,TomatoZinnias reducing growth
Capsicum,
ChilliCarrots, Onions, Tomato
Carrots
Beans, Chives, Coriander,
Cucumber, Leeks, Lettuce, Lovage,
Marjoram, Onion, Pea, Radish,
Rosemary, Sage, Tomato
Bad Neighbours roots release
substances reducing growthDill, Celery
Celery
Cabbage, Chives, Dill, Dwarf Beans,
Leek, Lovage, Majoram, Onion, Pea,
Sage, Spinach, Tomato
Bad Neighbours roots release
substances reducing growth
Carrots,
Parsnip,
Potato
Chamomile Cabbage, OnionDeters flies and mosquitoes.
Strengthens neighbouring plants
Chives Apples, Cucumbers, Lettuce, PeasPrevents Apple Scab. Said to deter
aphidsBeans
Cucumber
Basil, Bens, Borage, Broccoli,
Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot,
Cauliflower, Corn, Dill Kohl Rabi,
Lettuce, Lovage, Marjoram,
Nasturtium, Parsnip, Pea, Radish,
Sunflower, Tansy
Bad Neighbours roots release
substances reducing growth
Potato, Sage,
Strongly
Aromatic
Herbs
DillBrassicas (Incl: Broccoli, Cabbage,
Cauliflower)
Dill attracts a Cabbage White Butterfly
controlling wasp
Eggplant Beans, Spinach
Garlic
Apricot, Cherry, Mulberry, Parsnip,
Peach, Pear, Raspberry, Rosemary,
Rose
Deters aphids, especially from roses
and raspberry. Repels Cabbage White
Butterfly
Beans,
Cabbage,
Peas,
Strawberry
Kohl Rabi Beetroot, OnionBeans,
Tomato
LeekCarrot, Celery, Lovage, Majoram,
Onion, Parsnip, Strawberry
Beans, Peas,
Parsley
Lettuce
Achillea, Beans, Beetroot, Cabbage,
Carrot, Chervil, Coreopsis,
Cucumber, Lovage, Marjoram,
Marigold (French), Onion, Parsnip,
Pea, Radish, Strawberry, Zinnia
Achillea, Coreopsis & Zinnia attract
pollinators and offer shade for lettuceParsley
Marigolds
(French)
Numerous vegetables, including
tomato
Kills root knot nematodes and eel
worm
Melon Radish, Sweet Corn
Mint Cabbage, TomatoDeters pests such as Cabbage White
Butterfly, ants and fleas
NasturtiumCabbages, Fruit Trees, Radishes,
Zucchini
Flowers repel aphids and codling
moth. Cabbage white butterfly is
attracted to this plant, and will seek it
out over cabbages
Onion
Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot,
Chamomile, Leeks, Lettuce, Lovage,
Marjoram, Parsley, Parsnip,
Silverbeet, Strawberry, Summer
Savory, Tomato
Smell of onion said to deter numerous
pestsOnions release substances
reducing growth of Bad Neighbours
Asparagus,
Beans,
Gladioli, Peas
Parsley Asparagus, Sweet Corn, Tomato Said to improve flavour of asparagus
and tomato
Peas
Beans, Beetroot, Brussel Sprouts,
Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower,
Celery, Cucumber, Lettuce, Lovage,
Marjoram, Parsnip, Potato, Radish,
Sage, Squash, Sweet Corn
Bad Neighbours roots release
substances reducing growth. Sweet
Corn has traditionally been used as
“living stakes” for peas
Chives, Garlic,
Onion,
Shallots
Potato
Beans, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts,
Cabbage, Cauliflower, Corn,
Eggplant, Horseradish, Lovage,
Marjoram, Marigold (French),
Nasturtium, Parsnip, Peas, Sweet
Alyssum, Sweet Corn, Watermelon
Sweet Alyssum and Marigolds attract
beneficials and suppress
weedsPotatoes release substances
reducing growth of Bad Neighbours.
Horseradish should be planted at the
corners of the patch
Apple, Celery,
Cherry,
Cucumber,
Pumpkin,
Raspberry,
Rosemary,
Squash,
Sunflower,
Tomato
PumpkinBeans, Cabbage, Eggplant, Peas,
Radish, Sweet Corn
Bad Neighbours roots release
substances reducing growthPotato
Radish
Beans, Carrot, Chervil, Cucumber,
Sweet Corn, Cucumber, Lettuce,
Lovage, Marjoram, Nasturtium,
Parsnip, Pea, Spinach, Sweet Corn
Radish is said to attract leaf miners
from SpinachHyssop
Raspberry
Blackberries,
Potato,
Tomato
Rosemary Beans, Cabbage, Carrot, SageSaid to deter Cabbage white butterfly.
Attracts beneficials
SageBrassicas (Incl: Broccoli, Cabbage,
Cauliflower), Carrot, Rosemary
Sage repels the Cabbage White
ButterflyCucumber
SilverbeetBeetroot, Cherry, Lavender, Lovage,
Marjoram, Onion
Basil,
Wormwood
Spinach Celery, Eggplant, Strawberries
Squash
Borage, Lovage, Marjoram,
Nasturtium, Peas, Sunflower, Sweet
Corn, Tansy
Potato
Strawberry
Beans, Borage, Chives, Leek,
Lettuce, Marigold (French), Onion,
Pyrethrum, Sage, Spinach
Brassicas
(Incl: Broccoli,
Cabbage,
Cauliflower),
Brussel
Sprouts,
Garlic
Sunflower Apricots, Cucumbers, Squash Beans, Potato
Sweet Corn
Beans, Cucumbers, Lovage,
Marjoram, Melon, Parsnip, Peas,
Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Squash,
Zucchini
Sweet Corn has traditionally been
used as “living stakes” for peas. Bad
Neighbours roots release substances
reducing growth
Cabbage
Tomato
Asparagus, Basil, Celery, Borage,
Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage,
Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Chives,
Dill, Gooseberry, Grape, Hyssop,
Lovage, Mariglod (French),
Marigolds said to repel white fly and
root knot nematode. Bad Neighbours
roots release substances reducing
Apricots,
Beetroot,
Fennel, Kohl
Rabi, Potato,
Rosemary,
Tagged w ith: Design Ideas, Edible Gardening Info, Exotics, Herbs
6 Responses to “Companion Planting”
1. Wellbeing Wednesday, planting the vegetable garden and a little upcycling - Recycled Interiors says:
30/10/2013 at 6:31 am
[…] for companion planting. If you want to know more about this – hop across to the wonderful Sustainable Gardening
Marjoram, Mint, Nasturtium, Onion,
Parsley, Parsnip, Turnip
growth Sweet Corn
TurnipCucumbers, Lettuce, Nasturtium,
Peas, Tomato
Watermelon Potato
Yarrow Most aromatic herbs
When planted along pathways, is said
to enhance essential oil production
and herb flavour.
ZucchiniLovage, Marjoram, Nasturtium,
Sweet Corn
and…
a couple of general plants that make great companions for other reasons
Basil helps repel flies and mosquitoes.
Borage in the strawberry patch will increase the yield.
Catnip repels fleas, ants and rodents.
Caraway helps breakdown heavy soils.
Chamomile deters flies and mosquitoes and gives strength to any plant growing nearby.
Chives grown beneath apple trees will help to prevent apple scab; beneath roses will keep away
aphids and blackspot.
Elderberry a general insecticide, the leaves encourage compost fermentation, the flowers and berries
make lovely wine!
Fennel (not F. vulgare or F.officionale) repels flies, fleas and ants.
French Marigold root secretions kill nematodes in the soil. Will repel white fly amongst tomatoes.
Garlic helps keep aphids away from roses.
Hyssop attracts cabbage white moth keeping brassicas free from infestation.
Mint repels cabbage white moth. Dried and placed with clothes will repel clothes moth.
Nasturtium secrete a mustard oil, which many insects find attractive and will seek out, particularly the
cabbage white moth. Alternatively, the flowers repel aphids and the cucumber beetle. The climbing
variety grown up apple trees will repel codling moth.
Pyrethrum will repel bugs if grown around the vegetable garden.
Rosemary repels carrot fly.
Rue (Rutus, not Peganum) keeps cats and dogs off garden beds if planted round the borders.
Sage protects cabbages from cabbage white moth.
Tansy (Tanacetum, not Senecio) repels moths, flies and ants. Plant beneath peach trees to repel
harmful flying insects. Tansy leaves assist compost fermentation.
Wormwood (Artemesia, not Ambrosia) although it can inhibit the growth of plants near it, wormwood
does repel moths, flies and fleas and keeps animals off the garden.
Information sources:
Bagnall, Lyn, Easy organic gardening and moon planting, published by Scribe Publications, VIC.
www.figtree.org.au
Pictures
Companion Planting pic: Elaine Shallue (SGA)
Borage pic: Elaine Shallue (SGA)
Alyssum pic: Elaine Shallue (SGA)
Marigold pic: Elaine Shallue (SGA)
© Sustainable Gardening Australia Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha
Australia (I was pleased to see the Nasturtiums I just planted under the apple trees were a great idea as […]
2. Companion Planting | on the ning nang nong says:
09/11/2013 at 10:55 pm
[…] to use, rather than operating on a graph type system. There’s also a helpful breakdown at Sustainable Gardening
Australia if you’d like a bit more information on it […]
3. keith says:
17/11/2013 at 6:39 pm
thanks !! started looking for companions for tomatoes. found this site. very interesting. hope to improve my garden
keith
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4. Vegetable and herb garden with a difference | culinaryscience.com.au says:
02/12/2013 at 11:06 pm
[…] Companion gardening is combining certain plants that result in repelling pests. For example sage is meant to
repel white cabbage butterfly and pyrethrum will repel a range of garden insect pests. Mix these plants with your
vulnerable veges or herbs to help protect them naturally. More information here. […]
5. ishtar says:
12/03/2014 at 7:30 pm
I just started a container garden and so far am nurturing baby chillies, tomatoes, mint and basil. thought I would
search companion gardening to check my plants will get along, thanfully it sounds like they’re all friends
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6. How to Grow Peas - Rosehips and Rhubarb says:
11/08/2014 at 10:13 pm
[…] Companion planting: According to Peter Cundall in The Practical Australian Gardener, peas will sulk if they are
grown next to onions, garlic or shallots but respond well to sweetcorn, turnips, cucumbers, carrots and radishes. […]
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