Companion Planting

Definition

Companion planting is a practice in gardening and agriculture where certain plants are grown together to enhance growth, repel pests, and improve crop yield organically.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Companion planting leverages the synergistic relationships between plant species to enhance ecological interactions in a garden or agricultural system. This involves strategic pairing based on specific attributes, like nutrient needs, pest resistance, and growth patterns, to create a balanced and biodiverse ecosystem.

Benefits

• Improved crop yield and quality.
• Natural pest control without chemicals.
• Increased biodiversity and ecosystem health.
• Enhanced soil fertility and structure.
• Efficient use of garden space.

Examples

• Planting tomatoes alongside basil to enhance flavor and deter insects.
• Using marigolds to repel nematodes in vegetable gardens.
• Growing carrots with onions to minimize carrot fly infestations.

Additional Information

• Importance: Companion planting is important for organic gardeners seeking to minimize chemical use and create a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Related Terms

• Organic Gardening

References

• The Science Behind Companion Planting
• Companion Planting: Basic Concepts & Resources