What Is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is an ancient agricultural technique that involves planting different crops together in order to benefit from their interactions. Companion planting is a sustainable, natural way to increase crop yields and reduce pest problems, while also providing other benefits such as improved soil health and increased biodiversity.

(Featured Image: Pest Control Companion Planting by R. Dave)

For centuries landscape architects have used the ancient practice of companion planting to organize their gardens. This technique can be applied to landscape design in various ways, such as:

Companion planting can be used to create attractive color combinations, textures, and forms that add visual interest to the landscape. For example, you can pair tall, spiky plants with low-growing, mounding ones for a dramatic effect.

Companion planting can also be used to provide ecological services, such as attracting beneficial insects and birds, improving soil health, and reducing pest and disease problems. For instance, you can plant flowers that attract pollinators next to vegetables that require pollination.

 Companion planting can be used to create microclimates that help plants thrive. For example, you can plant shade-loving plants next to taller ones that provide shade, or you can plant moisture-loving plants next to those that require less water.

Companion planting can be used to improve garden productivity by planting complementary plants together. For instance, you can plant nitrogen-fixing plants next to heavy feeders to help provide nutrients. A good example of this in the vegetable garden is planting tomato plants next to cabbage or carrots, which help to fix nitrogen in the soil.

When using companion planting for landscape design, it is essential to consider factors such as plant compatibility, growing conditions, and maintenance requirements. Additionally, it is important to choose plants that are appropriate for your region and climate to ensure their success in the landscape.

There are several benefits to the practice of companion planting, all of which are very beneficial to the overall health of your garden and landscaping. Some of the key benefits of companion planting include:

• Natural Pest Control: One of the primary benefits of companion planting is pest control. By planting certain crops together, farmers can reduce the incidence of pests and diseases. For example, planting marigolds with tomatoes has been shown to reduce the number of pests such as aphids and spider mites that attack tomatoes. Similarly, planting beans and corn together can help to reduce the incidence of corn earworms, a common pest that feeds on both crops.
• Soil Health: Companion planting can also improve soil health by increasing the diversity of microorganisms that live in the soil. This can help to improve soil fertility and reduce erosion, while also providing a habitat for beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies. In addition, companion planting can help to conserve water by reducing the need for irrigation, as the plants in a companion planting system can help to shade and protect each other from the sun.
• Pollinator Friendly: Another benefit of companion planting is that it can help to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects to the garden. For example, planting flowers such as lavender, borage, and echinacea can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which can help to increase the yield of fruit and vegetable crops. Similarly, planting herbs such as parsley, dill, and cilantro can attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help to control pests.

Michigan landscape design offers many opportunities for companion planting, as the state’s climate and soil are well-suited to a wide range of crops. Some popular companion planting combinations in Michigan include planting corn, beans, and squash together (known as the Three Sisters), as well as planting tomatoes with basil, marigolds, or onions. Other popular combinations include planting peppers with marigolds or basil, and planting cucumbers with sunflowers or radishes.

1. Choose Your Plants: One key consideration when designing a companion planting system is to choose plants that complement each other. This means selecting crops that have different nutrient needs, growth rates, and planting depths, so that they can coexist without competing for resources. For example, planting shallow-rooted crops such as lettuce or radishes with deep-rooted crops such as carrots or beets can help to maximize the use of soil nutrients and water.
2. Analyze Growth Habits: Another consideration is to choose plants that have compatible growth habits. This means selecting crops that grow at similar rates and heights, so that they don’t shade each other out or compete for space. For example, planting tall sunflowers or corn with shorter beans or cucumbers can help to create a diverse, multi-layered garden that maximizes space and light.
3. Create a Companion Planting Chart: Finally, it is important to consider the timing of planting and harvesting, as well as the spacing between plants. Companion planting requires careful planning and management, in order to ensure that each crop has the space and resources it needs to thrive. This means spacing plants at the appropriate distance, and planting at the right time of year to ensure optimal growth and productivity.

Overall, companion planting is a sustainable, natural way to improve crop yields, reduce pest problems, and promote biodiversity in the garden. Michigan landscape design offers many opportunities for companion planting, with its diverse climate and wide variety of good companion plants to grow together.