a pair of plants

Turns out, a garden companion is not just a friend or neighbor who enjoys gardening with you.

The notion of companion planting has been around since the beginning of food cultivation. Over time, it was noted that some plants and plant families are “friends” and grow well together, while others might stunt the growth of those around them. Tall plants, for example, provide shade for shorter plants that don’t need as much sun to survive. Companions also prevent and repel pests. Try out your green thumb by pairing these plants together.

Roses And Garlic

Garlic has been observed to repel rose pests, and garlic chives are theorized to be just as

Marigolds And Melons

Nematodes, a plantparasite responsible for approximately 5 percent of global crop loss, can be prevented from taking root in melons by planting certain marigold varieties in the same vicinity. French marigolds repel whiteflies and kill bad nematodes.

Mexican marigolds deter destructive insects and wild rabbits. On the other hand, keep in mind that marigolds attract spider mites Tomatoes act as diamondback moth larvae, caterpillars that chew holes in the leaves of cabbage.

Cucumbers And Nasturtiums

Plant nasturtiums alongside cucumbers to ward o wooly aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs and cucumber beetles. Nasturtium flowers bloom bright yellow to attract aphids and trap them inside.

Cabbage And Dill

Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are both part of the cabbage family. Dill appeals to benefi cial wasps that help control imported cabbageworm pests. Carrots, however, should never be grown next to dill.

Lettuce And Tall Flowers

Lettuce needs to be out of the direct sunlight to thrive. Nicotiana and Cleome are tall flowers that you could plants alongside your lettuce to provide muchappreciated shade.

Radishes And Spinach

A leaf miner is an insect that lives in and eats the leaf tissue of plants, and they love spinach. Planting radishes will reduce the amount of leaf miners in your garden.

your garden, though!

Sources: rodalesorganiclife.com, pallensmiith.com, thehomestead.guru