Companion planting is a practice in gardening where different plants are grown together for the mutual benefit of each other. Heritage gardening refers to the practice of preserving and cultivating traditional plant varieties and gardening techniques. In this article, we will explore some common examples of companion plants that are traditionally used in heritage gardening.
1. Three Sisters Planting:
Heritage gardeners often practice the Three Sisters planting technique, which involves growing corn, beans, and squash together. This ancient Native American method maximizes space and optimizes plant growth. Corn provides a vertical structure for the beans to climb, while beans fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting both corn and squash. Squash acts as a ground cover, suppressing weeds and preventing excessive moisture evaporation.
2. Basil and Tomatoes:
Basil and tomatoes are an excellent example of companion planting in heritage gardening. Basil helps repel pests such as aphids, mosquitoes, and tomato hornworms, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Additionally, the strong aroma of basil enhances the flavor of tomatoes.
3. Marigolds and Vegetables:
Marigolds are commonly used as companion plants in heritage gardens. Their strong scent repels harmful insects like aphids, nematodes, and cabbage maggots. Planting marigolds alongside vegetables, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, can help protect them from pest damage.
4. Nasturtiums and Radishes:
Nasturtiums are vibrant flowers that are popular in heritage gardens due to their ability to attract beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies. Planting nasturtiums near radishes can help deter pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cucumber beetles. The radishes, in turn, act as a natural repellent for pests that attack nasturtiums.
5. Carrots and Onions:
Carrots and onions have a beneficial relationship when planted together in heritage gardens. Onions repel carrot flies and other pests that can damage carrots. Carrots, on the other hand, release compounds that deter onion flies.
6. Sunflowers and Cucumbers:
Growing sunflowers near cucumbers is a common practice in heritage gardening. Sunflowers provide a trellis-like structure for cucumbers to climb, saving space in the garden. In return, the cucumbers provide shade for the sunflower's shallow roots and help protect them from wind damage.
7. Roses and Garlic:
Planting garlic near roses can help repel aphids and other insects that can harm roses. The strong smell of garlic acts as a natural deterrent, reducing the need for chemical insecticides. Additionally, garlic can enhance the flavor of tomatoes and other vegetables.
8. Chives and Carrots:
Chives are commonly used as companion plants for carrots in heritage gardens. Their strong scent repels pests like aphids, carrot flies, and cabbage worms. Growing chives alongside carrots can help protect them from infestations and improve their overall growth.
9. Dill and Cabbage:
Dill is a popular companion plant for cabbage and other brassicas. Its strong smell attracts beneficial insects like wasps and ladybugs, which prey on cabbage worms and aphids. Dill also helps improve the flavor of cabbage when grown together.
10. Mint and Cabbage Family:
Mint is known to repel pests like cabbage moths and ants, making it an excellent companion for plants in the cabbage family, including cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Planting mint nearby can help protect these plants from insect damage.
In conclusion, heritage gardening relies on traditional practices and knowledge handed down through generations. Companion planting is an essential aspect of heritage gardening, where different plants are strategically grown together to enhance growth, repel pests, and improve flavor. The examples listed in this article are just a few of the many combinations of companion plants used in heritage gardening. Experimenting with various plant combinations can lead to healthier and more productive gardens.
Publication date: