Companion planting is an agricultural and gardening practice that promotes planting different crops in proximity for various benefits including pest control, pollination, providing habitat for beneficial insects, maximizing use of space, and to otherwise increase crop productivity. The concept is rooted in the notion that certain plants can benefit others when planted next to, or in close proximity to one another. Here are some principles and examples of companion planting: 1. Pest Control: Some plants can repel pests naturally and can be used to protect neighboring plants. For instance: - Marigolds emit a scent that repels nematodes and other garden pests, making them good companions for tomatoes, cucumbers, and many other vegetables. - Basil is said to repel mosquitoes and flies, and it's often planted next to tomatoes to help ward off the tomato hornworm. 2. Mutual Benefit: Some plant combinations are beneficial because they enhance each other's growth or flavor. - Tomatoes are believed to help protect roses from black spot, and basil is thought to enhance the flavor of tomatoes when planted nearby. 3. Providing Support: Tall plants can provide shade for sun-sensitive shorter plants or can be used as natural trellises for climbing plants. - Corn and beans are a classic pairing. Beans climb up the corn stalks, while their roots fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the corn. 4. Spatial Interactions: Some plants can be paired to make the most efficient use of space. - Planting lettuce or spinach in the shadow of taller plants such as tomatoes or sweet corn can provide them with necessary shade in warmer months. 5. Succession Planting: Some plants mature quickly and can be harvested before the companion plant needs the space. - Radishes and carrots can be inter-planted. Radishes grow quickly, and will be ready to harvest by the time carrots need more room to grow. 6. Attracting Beneficial Insects: Certain plants attract pollinators or predatory insects that can help the overall health of a garden. - Dill and fennel attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and praying mantises, which prey on garden pests. It is important to note that while companion planting is a popular concept among organic gardeners and has been practiced for centuries in various forms, scientific studies on companion planting have provided mixed results. Not all traditional companion planting pairings may be effective, and outcomes can depend greatly on local conditions, soil health, and other factors. When planning your garden, consider companion planting to potentially improve your garden’s health and yield, but also continue to research and potentially experiment with different plant combinations to see what works best for your specific circumstances. This concept is complementary to good gardening practices such as crop rotation, adequate watering, soil management, and pest control.