When it comes to gardening, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is what plants to grow next to each other. Companion planting, the practice of growing different plants together to improve their growth, health, and productivity, can be a game-changer for gardeners. However, it’s equally important to know what not to grow next to each other, as some plants can hinder each other’s growth, attract pests, or even spread diseases. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of companion planting and explore the plants that don’t make good bedfellows.
Why Companion Planting Matters
Companion planting is based on the idea that different plants have unique characteristics, such as growth habits, soil preferences, and pest-repelling properties, that can benefit or harm each other when grown together. By choosing the right combinations, you can:
- Improve soil health: Certain plants, like legumes, fix nitrogen in the soil, making it available to other plants.
- Repel pests: Plants like basil and mint can deter pests that target nearby plants.
- Provide shade or support: Taller plants can provide shade for smaller ones, while climbing plants can use trellises or other plants for support.
- Enhance growth: Some plants, like marigolds, release chemicals that stimulate the growth of nearby plants.
However, if you’re not careful, you can also create a recipe for disaster by growing plants that don’t get along. This is where knowing what not to grow next to each other comes in.
The Worst Neighbors in the Garden
Some plants are simply incompatible, and growing them together can lead to a decline in their health, productivity, or even their survival. Here are some of the worst neighbors in the garden:
Fennel and Dill: The Onion-Hating Duo
Fennel and dill are both popular herbs, but they have a secret: they’re both toxic to onions. When grown near onions, fennel and dill can inhibit their growth and even cause them to bolt (go to seed). This is because these herbs release chemicals that can stunt the growth of onions and other plants in the Allium family.
Members of the Brassica Family: The Cabbage, Broccoli, and Cauliflower Crew
Members of the Brassica family, including cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, are notorious for being sensitive to certain plants. For example:
- Avoid growing them near strawberries, as the latter can spread a fungal disease called club root.
- Don’t plant them near members of the Solanaceae family, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, as these plants can harbor diseases that can infect Brassicas.
- Keep them away from fennel and dill, which can inhibit their growth.
Hot Peppers and Cucumbers: The Spicy Enemies
Hot peppers and cucumbers might seem like an unlikely pair, but they have a bitter rivalry. The capsaicin in hot peppers can be toxic to cucumbers, causing them to become stunted or deformed. Additionally, the two plants have different soil preferences, with hot peppers preferring well-draining soil and cucumbers liking moisture-rich soil.
Tomatoes and Corn: The Unlikely Enemies
Tomatoes and corn might be a classic combination in many gardens, but they can actually hinder each other’s growth. Tomatoes can spread diseases to corn, such as bacterial spot and speck, while corn can provide a haven for pests that target tomatoes, like the tomato hornworm.
Other Plants to Avoid Growing Together
While the plants mentioned above are some of the most notorious offenders, there are many others that don’t make good companions. Here are a few more examples:
- Avoid growing carrots near dill, as the latter can inhibit carrot growth.
- Don’t plant beans near onions, as the latter can stunt bean growth.
- Keep sage away from rosemary, as the two herbs can compete for water and nutrients.
- Separate potatoes from tomatoes, as the two plants can spread diseases to each other.
Conclusion
Companion planting is a delicate art that requires careful consideration of the plants you’re growing. By understanding what not to grow next to each other, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a thriving, harmonious garden. Remember, some plants are just not meant to be friends, and by respecting their boundaries, you can ensure a bountiful harvest and a healthy, happy garden.
| Plant 1 | Plant 2 | Reason for Incompatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Fennel | Onions | Fennel releases chemicals that stunt onion growth |
| Hot Peppers | Cucumbers | Capsaicin in hot peppers is toxic to cucumbers |
| Tomatoes | Corn | Tomatoes can spread diseases to corn, and corn can provide a haven for pests that target tomatoes |
By following these guidelines and respecting the boundaries of your plants, you can create a garden that’s not only productive but also beautiful and harmonious. Happy gardening!
What is companion planting?
Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together to improve their growth, health, and productivity. This technique takes advantage of the different ways that plants interact with each other, such as by providing shade, repelling pests, or attracting beneficial insects. By choosing the right companion plants, gardeners can create a more diverse and resilient garden ecosystem.
By growing complementary plants together, gardeners can reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers, and create a more natural and balanced environment. Companion planting is a simple and effective way to improve the health and productivity of your garden, and it can be used in conjunction with other sustainable gardening practices like crop rotation and organic soil amendments.
Why is it important to avoid growing certain plants together?
Some plants can have a negative impact on each other, either by competing for resources like water and nutrients, or by attracting pests and diseases that can spread to other plants. For example, growing members of the Brassica family (like broccoli and kale) near members of the Solanaceae family (like tomatoes and peppers) can increase the risk of disease transmission. Similarly, growing plants that have similar growth habits or requirements can lead to competition for resources and reduced yields.
By avoiding certain plant combinations, gardeners can reduce the risk of these negative interactions and create a more harmonious and productive garden environment. This doesn’t mean that gardeners need to isolate each plant from every other, but rather that they should be mindful of potential interactions and plan their garden layout accordingly.
What are some common pests that can be repelled by companion planting?
Many common garden pests can be repelled or deterred by the right companion plants. For example, basil is known to repel aphids and whiteflies, while marigolds can deter nematodes and other pests. Chives are said to repel aphids and other pests that target tomato plants, while radishes can repel cucumber beetles. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can reduce the need for pesticides and create a more balanced ecosystem.
In addition to repelling pests, companion plants can also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help to pollinate plants and improve overall garden health. By creating a diverse and balanced garden ecosystem, gardeners can reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides and create a more sustainable and resilient garden.
Can companion planting improve soil health?
Yes, companion planting can also improve soil health by attracting beneficial microorganisms and adding organic matter to the soil. For example, legumes like beans and peas have nodules on their roots that fix nitrogen from the air, making it available to other plants. Similarly, comfrey roots bring up nutrients from the subsoil and make them available to other plants. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can improve soil fertility and structure.
In addition to these benefits, companion plants can also help to reduce soil erosion and improve soil water retention. By creating a diverse and balanced garden ecosystem, gardeners can reduce their reliance on chemical fertilizers and create a more sustainable and resilient garden.
How do I plan a companion planting layout?
Planning a companion planting layout involves considering the growth habits, requirements, and potential interactions of each plant. Start by grouping plants into categories based on their growth habits, such as tall plants, sprawling plants, and low-growing plants. Then, consider the soil and light requirements of each plant, as well as any potential pest or disease issues.
Once you have a sense of the needs and requirements of each plant, you can start to plan your garden layout. Group complementary plants together, and separate plants that may compete or interact negatively. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new combinations – and be prepared to adjust your layout as needed based on the performance of your plants.
Can companion planting be used in small gardens or containers?
Yes, companion planting can be used in small gardens or containers, as long as you choose plants that have similar requirements and growth habits. In fact, companion planting can be particularly useful in small gardens, where space is limited and every plant counts. By choosing complementary plants, you can make the most of your available space and create a more diverse and resilient garden ecosystem.
When using companion planting in containers, be sure to choose plants that have similar soil and light requirements, and provide enough space for each plant to grow. You can also use vertical gardening techniques, like trellises or obelisks, to maximize space and create a more dynamic and interesting container garden.
Are there any myths or misconceptions about companion planting?
Yes, there are several myths and misconceptions about companion planting that have been perpetuated through the years. One common myth is that certain plants, like tomatoes and basil, should always be grown together. While basil can be a beneficial companion for tomatoes, this doesn’t mean that they should always be grown together – in fact, growing them too close together can increase the risk of disease transmission.
Another myth is that certain plants, like onions and beans, should never be grown together. While onions can inhibit the growth of beans, this doesn’t mean that they can’t be grown together – in fact, using a physical barrier, like a row cover, can prevent this interaction and allow gardeners to grow these plants together successfully. By understanding the science behind companion planting, gardeners can separate fact from fiction and create a more effective and sustainable garden.