What is companion planting
Companion planting involves strategically placing plants near each other to maximize their mutual benefits. It does this while also promoting a healthier garden ecosystem. There are several companion plants that can help enhance another plants growth – and can even help deter pests. It’s like that one saying, “it takes a village.” I guess it takes a village of plants all working together to make a bountiful and thriving garden. To me, the best part of companion planting is that your workload is actually reduced.
Companion planting can make our garden more efficient by cutting out, or greatly reducing, the need for fertilizing, weeding, applying pesticides, and more. I’m a firm believer in companion planting. There are just too many benefits! Companion plants enhance the garden’s richness while also helping it thrive. What’s better, I have found that often times the plants that compliment one another also tend to thrive in similar conditions. This just makes it easier to elevate your gardening game with some simple steps.
Companion planting example:
In order to make this simple, let’s break down some plants and their uses in a garden using companion planting. For examples sake we will look at companion planting with blueberry bushes:
- Azaleas and Rhododendrons:
- Blueberry bushes belong to the same family as azaleas and rhododendrons and share similar soil preferences. Planting these acid-loving plants together can create a visually appealing and harmonious landscape. Additionally, they can benefit from similar soil amendments, such as pine bark or peat moss.
- Strawberries:
- Strawberries make excellent companions for blueberry bushes. They share similar growing conditions and can form a low ground cover. This helps to suppress weeds around the base of the blueberry plants. Both berries also have shallow root systems but won’t compete heavily for nutrients.
- Borage:
- Borage is an herb that is known to enhance the growth and flavor of blueberries. It attracts beneficial insects, such as pollinators, and can help deter certain pests. Planting borage near blueberry bushes can create a more biodiverse and resilient garden.
- Nasturtiums:
- Nasturtiums are known for repelling certain pests, such as aphids and whiteflies. Their trailing nature can provide ground cover. This will shade the soil and reduce moisture evaporation. Planting nasturtiums around the base of blueberry bushes can help create a protective barrier against pests.
- Dwarf Marigolds:
- Marigolds are often used as companion plants in gardens due to their ability to repel nematodes. While blueberries are not typically affected by nematodes, marigolds can still help with pests. Plus, they add a splash of color to your garden.
- Chives:
- Chives can deter pests like aphids and also attract beneficial insects. Their pungent aroma may help keep certain pests away from blueberry bushes. Planting chives along the edges of your blueberry patch can serve as a natural pest deterrent.
- Basil:
- Basil is another plant that enjoys acidic soil. Because it enjoys the same kind of soil environment as blueberries, basil will thrive as a companion plant in your blueberry patch. Lower ph levels and plenty of sun will make your basil extremely prolific. Their delicate blooms with attract bees and other pollinators and basil’s fragrant nature as an herb will help deter pests – keeping not just your blueberries, but your whole garden safe.
- Comfrey:
- Comfrey is a dynamic accumulator, meaning its deep roots can bring up nutrients from the soil. Planting comfrey near blueberry bushes can help improve the nutrient content of the soil. This will then benefit both plants. However, keep in mind that comfrey can be invasive. It’s essential to manage its growth. Comfrey’s roots will break up your soil and dig deep. Rest assured they will bring up more nutrients your shallow rooted blueberry bush may not have been able to reach.
Planning your companion planted garden
Remember to consider the specific needs of each plant, including sunlight requirements and water preferences. Keep them in mind when planning your companion planting strategy. Regularly monitor your garden. You want to make sure that the companion plants are benefiting the overall health of your blueberry bushes.