What is companion planting?

by Dianne Drinkwater 10/10/2022

Companion planting is the practice of placing certain plants next to each other in your garden for various benefits. While some plants don’t play nicely together and should be planted far apart, others thrive in proximity with specific companion plants.

If you’re interested in taking your vegetable garden to the next level, here is some information about the benefits and applications of companion planting you should know:

Benefits of companion planting

Depending on the combination of plants, there can be multiple benefits to companion planting. Some primary benefits are:

Shelter: Larger plants can protect smaller, more delicate ones from wind or harsh sun. Similarly, ground cover plants protect exposed soil to keep out pests.
Attracting beneficial insects: Flowers can attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators to your garden to spread pollen and improve the overall health of the local environment.
Improving the soil: Many vegetable plants affect the condition of the soil. Companion plants might improve the soil by adding key nutrients, or help retain moisture through their root systems.
Improving flavor: Some plants can even affect the growth and flavor of certain foods grown in the same garden. Herbs like basil, mint parsley and lemon balm are known to improve the flavor and strength of tomatoes when used as companion plants.
Pest control: One of the most important functions of companion planting is to protect vulnerable vegetables and other plants from pests. Companion plants can do this by either attracting insects to themselves as decoys, or by repelling them from the garden entirely with their scent.

Avoiding companion planting conflicts

While there are many beneficial combinations of companion plants to consider for your garden, there are also some plants you should keep away from each other.

Plants that attract the same kind of pest can leave both vulnerable to infestation. For example, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and potatoes all have foliage hornworms love to eat. So, if you’re growing tomato plants, reconsider where you want them before planting near any of these other vegetable plants.

Another potential issue in companion planting is that some plants inhibit the growth of others by releasing certain chemical compounds into the soil. Fennel is one such plant, as are walnut and butternut trees.

It’s also important to follow planting guidelines for proper spacing. Making sure each plant has enough space to grow - both above ground and below - is paramount to a happy garden.

No matter what type of garden you have at home, knowing the basics of companion planting will benefit you and your plants.

About the Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida.

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson.

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you?

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you.

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market?

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater