Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together in the garden to enhance their growth, reduce pest problems, and increase yields. When planning a fruit and vegetable garden, it is important to choose plants that make good growing companions. Here are some examples:

• Tomatoes and Basil: Tomatoes and basil are classic companions in the garden. Basil helps repel tomato hornworms and other pests that attack tomatoes, and the tomatoes provide shade for the basil.
• Cucumbers and Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for cucumbers as they repel cucumber beetles and other pests. They also attract beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies to the garden.
• Beans and Corn: Beans and corn are a classic Native American combination. The beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps the corn grow better, and the corn provides support for the beans.
• Carrots and Onions: Carrots and onions are good companions in the garden. Onions help repel carrot flies, and carrots help repel onion flies. Plus, the two plants have different root depths, so they can be grown together without competing for nutrients.
• Peppers and Marigolds: Marigolds are known to repel nematodes, which can damage pepper plants. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to the garden.
• Lettuce and Radishes: Lettuce and radishes are a great combination in the garden. Radishes grow quickly and help break up the soil for the lettuce, while the lettuce provides shade for the radishes.

By choosing the right plant companions, you can create a healthy and productive garden with less need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

Farmers Almanac has some great information on ten plants that make great companions.  They start their article with this comment, “Companion planting is a great way to maximize the efficiency of your garden. For almost every vegetable you grow, there is likely to be a beneficial companion plant that will help increase soil nutrients, chase away pests, and help you get the most out of your garden. Here are the 10 most popular vegetables grown in the United States and their friends (and foes) in the garden.”