Now is the time of year when things are really starting to take hold and our gardens are beginning to flourish.  Its always a pleasure to go out into the garden and see new growth and know that your hard work is paying off.  However, did you know that there is something you can be doing to help your garden do better for the whole season?  Companion planting is beneficial in so many ways. For each plant in your garden, there is almost certain to be a companion plant that can help increase soil nutrients, chase away pests, and help you get the most out of your garden.  (https://www.farmersalmanac.com/companion-planting-guide).

Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting is good for your garden in many ways.  For example: They boost growth, repel pests, and can offer increased flavor for each other. Aside from the direct benefits to your plants already listed, companion planting lets you use your garden space more efficiently.  This also leads to increased harvests. The diversity that companion planting provides is also good for pollinators, wildlife, and soil health.  If you want to read more about the benefits, check out: https://extension.wvu.edu/lawn-gardening-pests/gardening/garden-management/companion-planting.

 

A Few Example Plants and their Companions

The following are a few excerpts taken from the Farmers Almanac:

Tomatoes

Friends: Basil and tomatoes go together. This herb helps tomatoes produce greater yields and it repels both flies and mosquitoes. Marigolds are another good companion, repelling nematodes and other garden pests. Other friends to tomatoes include asparagus, carrots, celery, onions, lettuce, parsley, and spinach.   Foes: Cabbage, beets, peas, fennel, dill, and rosemary. Corn and tomatoes both suffer from the corn earworm, and tomatoes and potatoes are affected by the same blight, so keep these plants separate to prevent the spread of pests or disease.

Cucumbers

Friends: Plant marigolds and nasturtiums among your cucumbers to repel aphids and beetles,. Beans, celery, corn, lettuce, dill, peas, and radishes are also good companion plants.  Foes: Aromatic herbs such as sage which will stunt the growth of cucumbers.

Summer Squash/Zucchini

Conclusion:
As you can see, different plants have different needs and are benefited and harmed by different plants.  I would suggest going to a reputable site and finding a good chart to let you know what is good to plant together and what is not recommended. Below are some articles to get you started.

https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/susquehanna/penn-state-master-gardener-articles/good-neighbors-make-good-gardens-companion-planting

https://extension.wvu.edu/lawn-gardening-pests/gardening/garden-management/companion-planting