Help Your Garden Thrive By Pairing These Plants

Photo: Michael G McKinne (Shutterstock)

Like some humans, certain plants are more comfortable in pairs. Sure, they could survive on their own, but to really thrive, they need a special (plant) someone by their side.

Known in the gardening world as “companion plants” or “helpmates,” these pairs have FWB (foliage-with-benefits) relationships. Typically, it involves things like helping each other source nutrients or keep pesky garden pests away. Think of it has the horticultural buddy system.

If this sounds like something you might want to try in your own garden, Rachel Brougham at BobVila.com has some companion plant suggestions. Here are a few to consider.

Plants that grow well in pairs

Need some help playing plant matchmaker? Brougham has some recommendations:

Basil

• Pairs well with: Tomatoes, potatoes, beets, cabbage, beans, asparagus, eggplant, chili, bell peppers, marigolds

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Beets

• Pairs well with: Plants in the cabbage family, carrots, celery, corn, cucumber, garlic, strawberries, marigolds

Carrots

• Pairs well with: Cabbage, leeks, lettuce, onions, chives, peas

Cucumbers

• Pairs well with: Beans, corn, peas, tomatoes, radishes, vegetables from the cabbage family, marigolds, oregano, nasturtium

Lettuce (including romaine, Bibb and loose-leaf varieties)

• Pairs well with: Beets, carrots, onions, garlic, members of the cabbage family

Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew)

• Pairs well with: Corn, pumpkins, radishes, squash, marigolds, oregano

Peppers (spicy or mild)

• Pairs well with: Carrots, eggplant, onions, parsley, tomatoes, basil

Potatoes

• Pairs well with: Beans, cabbage family plants, corn, eggplant, peas, horseradish

Squash (butternut, carnival, other varieties)

• Pairs well with: Corn, melon, pumpkin, marigolds, oregano

Tomatoes

• Pairs well with: Asparagus, carrots, celery, cucumbers, onions, parsley, peppers, basil, dill, chives, mint

What next?

Enjoy your bountiful harvest(s)! And if you’re not sure what to make with your bumper crop of cucumbers and squash, there are plenty of recipes and other suggestions in Lifehacker’s Skillet vertical to keep you well- and healthily-fed all summer. In the event you grow more than you can eat or give away, we also have plenty of canning– and preserving-related content to check out.

 

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