If you’re a new gardener, you may be wondering how to get the most out of your vegetable garden. One key factor to consider is which plants should be planted next to each other and which ones shouldn’t. By planning your garden layout carefully, you can help your plants thrive and avoid common issues such as pests and diseases.
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Plant Companions and Antagonists
Some plants work well together, while others don’t. We have learned this over the past years in our garden. This is known as companion planting. Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together for mutual benefit. For example, some plants can help to repel pests, while others can improve soil quality or provide shade. On the other hand, some plants can be antagonistic towards each other, competing for nutrients or attraction pests. We’ve even heard some can affect the taste of others. By considering these factors when planning your vegetable garden layout, you can create a healthy and thriving garden.
Plants That Should Be Planted Together
Here are some examples of plants that work well together and can be planted next to each other in your garden:
- Tomatoes and Basil: Tomatoes and basil are a classic combination in Italian cuisine, but they also work well together in the garden. Basil can help to repel pests such as tomato hornworms, while also improving the flavor of your tomatoes. See what we mean “affect the taste”.
- Carrots and Onions: Carrots and onions make good companions in the garden. Onions can help to repel carrot fly, while carrots can help to improve soil quality for onions.
- Cucumbers and Beans: Cucumbers and beans are another good pairing. Beans can help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit cucumbers. Additionally, cucumbers can provide shade for the beans, which can help to keep them cool in hot weather. We love doing this and will put a trellis down one entire side of one of our raised beds for this soul purpose.
Plants That Shouldn’t Be Planted Together
Here are some examples of plants that can be antagonistic towards each other and shouldn’t be planted together:
- Tomatoes and Brassicas: Brassicas such as broccoli and cauliflower can attract pests such as the tomato hornworm, which can also attack tomatoes.
- Potatoes and Tomatoes: Both potatoes and tomatoes are susceptible to blight, a fungal disease that can spread easily between the two plants.
- Garlic and Beans: Garlic can stunt the growth of beans and other legumes, so it’s best to keep them separate in the garden. I’ve also heard about garlic can also affect the taste of others when planted near them.
Plants That Should Be Planted in Their Own Pot
Some plants do best when planted in their own pot, either because they have specific soil or water requirements or because they can spread easily and become invasive. Here are some examples:
- Mint: Mint is a fast-growing herb that can quickly take over your garden if not contained. Plant it in a pot to keep it under control. Every bit of this is COMPLETE TRUTH!
- Rosemary: Rosemary prefers well-drained soil and can be sensitive to overwatering. Plant it in a pot with good drainage to prevent root rot.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes can benefit from being planted in a large pot, which allows for better drainage and air circulation.
Plants That Should Be on a Trellis
Some plants can benefit from being grown in a trellis, which can help to conserve space and improve air circulation. Here are some examples:
- Peas: Peas are climbers and can grow up to 6 feet tall. Plant them on a trellis to save space and make harvesting easier.
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers are also climbers and can be trained to grow up a trellis. This can help to prevent the fruit from touching the ground and becoming damaged.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes can benefit from being staked or grown on a trellis, which can help to prevent the fruit from touching the ground and becoming diseased.
Oh and one more thing, there are a few flowering plants that are great to put around your vegetable plants as well. Marigolds, Lavender, Sunflowers, Cosmos, and Zinnias just to name a few that can help protect your plants. If you would like to see how we set up our garden you can find that here.
In conclusion, planning your vegetable garden layout carefully is an important step in creating a healthy and thriving garden. By considering which plants should be planted next to each other and which ones shouldn’t, as well as which plants should be planted in their own pot and which ones should be on a trellis, you can help your plants to thrive and avoid common issues such as pests and diseases. Happy gardening!
