Vegetable and Herb Companion Gardening—Start Planning Now!
There's something magical about those first warm days when winter begins to loosen its grip and our thoughts turn to getting our hands back in the soil. Growing your own food isn't just about fresh vegetables—it's about connecting with the land, stewarding our small piece of creation, and making intentional choices for your family's health.
Research continues to confirm what our grandparents knew all along: time spent tending gardens improves our wellbeing in countless ways. Families who grow vegetables at home naturally incorporate more nutritious produce into their meals. And let's be honest—there's simply no comparison between a homegrown tomato and anything you'll find at the supermarket!
If you're looking to deepen your connection to your food and the land this growing season, companion gardening might be your next step in the journey.
The Wisdom of Companion Planting
Whether you're just starting your first garden or you've been tending soil for decades, companion planting offers a way to work with nature rather than against it. This practice honors the natural relationships between plants, allowing them to protect and strengthen one another just as they would in natural ecosystems.
One of the most beautiful examples comes from indigenous wisdom—the "Three Sisters" planting of corn, beans, and squash. The corn provides a natural trellis for the beans, the beans fix nitrogen in the soil to feed the corn, and the squash shades the soil to retain moisture and suppress weeds. This relationship perfectly illustrates how plants can support each other when thoughtfully arranged.
Modern research now confirms what traditional knowledge has preserved:
Intercropping (alternating rows of different plants)
Plant associations (mimicking natural growing partnerships)
Nurse plants (using established plants to shelter vulnerable seedlings)
Polyculture (creating diverse plant communities)
For example, certain salt-tolerant plants like purslane can improve soil conditions for sensitive crops like strawberries and tomatoes. Many plants also release natural compounds that either attract beneficial insects or repel harmful pests.
Companion Planting Partnerships
Consider the relationship between carrots and leeks. Carrots can fall victim to carrot flies, while leeks suffer from onion flies and leek moths. Planted together, they naturally protect each other from these pests.
As you plan this season's garden, here are a few partnerships to consider:
Spinach: Thrives when planted alongside cilantro and peas, which provide natural shade that help spinach last longer into warm weather.
Sweet Peppers: These love having basil nearby—a partnership that enhances flavor and growth.
Cucumbers: Plant these near marigolds, borage, dill, and sunflowers for best results. Marigolds deter pests, borage improves flavor and attracts pollinators, while dill attracts beneficial insects. Sunflowers provide partial shade and support. Keep cucumbers away from potatoes.
Tomatoes: These garden favorites grow beautifully with basil, borage, dill, and marigolds. Keep them separated from cabbage family plants, potatoes, and fennel.
Starting Your Companion Garden Journey
Gardening encompasses so many elements—understanding soil health, planning layouts, knowing your frost dates, and protecting your harvest from determined critters. If you're new to this journey, remember that starting small is perfectly fine. A few containers of herbs or a modest raised bed can teach you so much in a single season.
Herbs make wonderful starter plants, as they tend to be forgiving of beginner mistakes while providing immediate rewards for your kitchen. As you gain confidence, you can gradually expand both your garden and your companion planting practices.
Remember, gardening isn't about perfection—it's about learning, growing, and connecting with the rhythms of the seasons. Our team at Langley's is always here to answer questions, recommend varieties that thrive in our area, and help you select the right tools for your garden.
Before beginning any physically demanding garden work, have a conversation with your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health concerns.
Stop by Langley's to explore our selection of seeds, plants, and garden supplies—all chosen to support your journey toward intentional growing this season!
