Cultivating Harmony: The Art Of Pairing Vegetables For Successful Growth
Which vegetables grow well together? Did you ever consider that the success of your plants may depend on their neighbors? Research suggests that certain plants thrive or struggle when grown in close proximity to others. Let’s delve into the most popular vegetable garden companions to find out more!
Tomatoes and Peppers
Tomatoes and peppers are a popular combination in the garden. These two plants flourish when planted together and share many of the same nutrients.
Strawberries and Onions
It’s a common sight to see strawberries and onions planted together in Central Florida’s strawberry fields. This is because onions’ pungent smell acts as a natural deterrent to pests that might be attracted to the sweet scent of strawberries. Additionally, the strawberries may provide some much-needed shade to the onions.
“Three Sisters”
The “Three Sisters” Garden – squash, pole beans, and corn, is another popular combination. The beans offer nitrogen to the other plants, while the corn serves as a natural trellis for the beans to climb. The squash operates as a cover crop to ward off pests and keep nutrients in the soil, similar to mulch. However, this combo requires a significant amount of space to grow and may not be ideal for small-space gardeners.
WHAT TO AVOID:
Onions/Garlic and Beans
For optimal growth of your beans and onions, plant them far away from each other. Did you know that onions can impede the growth of beans? Not only that, but beans and onions also compete for moisture.
Potatoes and Tomatoes
Did you know that both potatoes and tomatoes can be infected by the same fungi? To avoid this issue, it’s crucial to keep them separated in your garden. Additionally, it’s best to steer clear of planting one in soil where the other has previously grown. Fungi thrive in soil, and once it has become infected, it’s challenging to remove.
In Conclusion:
Certain plants thrive or struggle when grown in close proximity to others. Tomatoes and peppers, strawberries and onions, and the “Three Sisters” garden are popular vegetable garden companions. Most vegetables are neither helped nor hurt when planted near each other, so it is best to start with what is easy. Keep in mind though, that there are a few that we should truly avoid if we want the best outcomes in our gardens. Which of these combinations have you tried?
Additional Resources:
Lil Urban Garden’s Article On The Easiest Vegetables To Grow For Beginners
