Companion planting is a planting technique where different plants are grown together to enhance their overall growth, deter pests, and improve yields. This method of growing leverages the natural relationships between plants at a multitude of levels from growing habits to molecular and chemical interactions.
Why is Companion Planting Important?
Companion planting is an amazing way to reduce the number of pesticides you need to use on your garden, which in turn promotes better soil health and helps to protect good insects like bees.
Companion planting is important for a number of other reasons:
Pest Control: Certain plants can repel pests or attract beneficial insects which can reduce the need for pesticide.
Soil Health: Some plants improve soil nutrients or structure, benefiting their neighbours.
Space Optimisation: Growing plants that have different growth habits can maximise space and resources.
Biodiversity: Promotes a diverse ecosystem, which can lead to more resilient plant growth.
Inspired by an Instagram post by Jamie Walton (@nettlesandpetals) we decided to give companion planting a go this year.
We planted our tomatoes with basil, not only did this make our polytunnel smell amazing but the heavy crop of basil was the perfect pairing for the ripe tomatoes. The tomatoes were some of the best we’ve ever grown, they had a superb flavour and were almost totally unaffected by pests.
We found that some of the basil plants were a casualty of the predatory insects, with almost the whole plant being decimated, however the tomatoes around them remained untouched which was a fantastic result.
How Does Companion Planting Work?
Companion planting works through various mechanisms:
Allelopathy: Some plants release chemicals that inhibit the growth of certain weeds or pests.
Attraction: Companion plants can attract pollinators or predatory insects that control pests.
Nutrient Sharing: Some plants can provide nutrients (like nitrogen) that benefit others, especially in a mixed planting environment.
Physical Support: Taller plants can provide shade or support for shorter plants.
The science behind companion planting is impressive and a constant reminder of how symbiotic nature is, we can attest to how effectively it works when given a chance. We’ll be sure to try more companion planting combinations next year.
What Are the Best Companion Plants for Carrots?
Carrots thrive with the following companions:
Onions: They deter carrot flies and don’t compete for resources.
Lettuce: Grows well in the same space without overshadowing carrots.
Radishes: They can help break up soil and improve aeration.
Marigolds: Their scent repels pests, making them a great companion for carrots.
We planted carrots with our onion crop, both thrived and we are currently enjoying a great harvest of both.
We planted our carrot seeds and onion sets into one of our raised beds to attempt to avoid potential carrot fly problems, the addition of onions really helped to ensure our carrots were untouched by predatory insects.
What Are the Best Companion Plants for Onions?
Onions benefit from companions such as:
Carrots: Their scents confuse pests that affect both.
Beets: They share similar nutrient needs and don’t compete for space.
Cabbage Family: Plants like broccoli can thrive near onions without hindering growth.
Chamomile: This herb can enhance the flavour of onions and attract beneficial insects.
When implementing companion planting, gardeners can create a more harmonious and productive growing environment for their polytunnels.
