More Companion Crops

 After referencing " The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening " ( 1975 ), as well as other publications like " Carrots Love Tomatoes " ( 1975 ), and " Companion Planting: The Beginner's Guide to Companion Gardening " ( 2014 ).....We felt compelled to re-visit the concept of Companion Crops.

As we noted before, the benefits of companion panting can come in different forms.  Benefits from compatibility in regards to the soil is one example.  Some plants grow well together below the ground.  Another example is how they co-exist above the ground, like a taller plant providing shade during the hottest part of the day.  We also see where some plant help to protect garden neighbors by repelling pests.

Grouping certain plants together is just a way of imitating the natural plant associations that occur in nature. If we can imitate or mimic the way that plants in nature exist in harmony, we can take advantage of some of the natural plant interactions provided for free....by nature.

Carrots and Leeks are an example of two well suited garden mates. Carrots greens repel the Leek Moth and the onion smell of Leeks repel the Carrot Fly.  Parsley has the same effects on the Carrot Fly.

Another interesting example is the "3 Sisters" - Corn, Black-eyed Peas, and Squash.  First you plant the Corn, followed by Peas around the base of the Corn when the stalk are 6 inches high, and lastly the Squash near the corn.  They seem to grow well together.  Some form of bean can be used instead of the peas, I believe this companion grouping is of native American origin.

More to come....