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College ofAgriculture and Natural Resources
What is Companion Planting?
• The establishment of two or more plant species in close proximity so that some cultural benefit is derived
History
• Pliny the Elder, 23-79 AD• Three Sisters• Sensitive crystallization test? Biodynamics.
Be Aware: Allelopathy
• Greek: Allelon = “of each other”, pathy = “to suffer”
• Broccoli and cabbage• Marigolds• Crabgrass• Sunflowers• Black Walnut
Various Mechanisms
• Biodiversity/beneficial insects
• Pest control (biochemical, trap crops)
• Symbiotic relationship
• Increased crop diversity
• Physical interaction (shade, fast-slow growing)
Beneficial Insects
• Any plant in the aster, mint or carrot family• Flowers during entire season
Good Guys:Predators
Good Guys: Parasitoids
Pest Control, Maybe
• Usually heavily scented herbs• Different color• Pest repellent or trap crop
Nasturtiums
• Deter pests from beans, cabbages and squash family
• But in some trials they attracted pests• AND they grow better in poor soil
Marigolds
• Tagetes patula – French marigold• Controls root-knot nematodes
BUT• Can also be allelopathic: beans, cabbages
Physical Interactions
• Three sisters: perfect example
How to Start?
• Pick your favorite veggies• Do you have the space?• Avoid planting together:
plants of same family (except cabbages)plants that use the same nutrientsplants with similar root zones
Beans and Peas
• Potatoes• Corn, squash, cucumber• Summer savory, dill• Pole beans create shade for lettuce
• Not with onion family or marigolds
Cabbage Family
• Potatoes• Any strong smelling plant• Use space between plants
• Not with marigolds
Carrots
• Grows well with almost anything• Onion family
• Keep away from dill, parsnips
Lettuce
• Plant below/behind tall crops in summer• Onions and roots crops• Anything
• Sensitive to decaying rye
Onion Family
• Good with anything, except legume family• Don’t forget garlic!
Potatoes
• Beans• Plant with fast growing spring veggies• Do not plant with tomatoes, raspberries,
squash family
Squash Family
• Beans and corn• Radishes!• Nasturiums?
Tomatoes
• Onion/garlic or strong smelling herbs• Asparagus?• Basil!
• Very sensitive to black walnut• Not near fennel, potatoes or corn
Think Twice!
• Amaranth
• Comfrey: Symphytum officinale, Russian comfrey - Symphytum x uplandicum
• Flax
• Tansy
Happy Gardening!
Sources
• Companion Planting, Susan Mclure, Rodale Press.
• Great Garden Companions, Sally Jean Cunningham, Rodale Press
• Companion Planting: Basic Concepts and Resources, ATTRA Publication
Resources
• Grow It! Eat It!http://www.extension.umd.edu/growit
– We have all types of practical food gardening tips and information. Check out our popular blog!
• Home and Garden Information Centerhttp://www.extension.umd.edu/hgic
– Here you will find factsheets, photos, and videos. You can also subscribe to the free monthly e-newsletter.
– We answer gardening questions 24/7…just click “Ask Maryland’s Garden Experts”
• Maryland Master Gardener Programhttp://www.extension.umd.edu/mg
– Consider becoming a trained MG volunteer!
This program was brought to you by the Maryland Master Gardener Program
Kent CountyUniversity of Maryland Extension
