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š Enter your zone or region, plant type, soil type, etc. below. To see what you should plant this season and which companions will help your garden thrive.
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What Is Companion Planting?
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together for mutual benefit. Instead of fighting against nature, you work with itādesigning plant communities that thrive as a team.
Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together for mutual benefit. Instead of fighting against nature, you work with itādesigning plant communities that thrive as a team.
šæ Pest Control: Basil helps deter tomato hornworms; marigolds repel nematodes.
š± Soil Health: Beans fix nitrogen, feeding heavy feeders like corn.
š Pollination Boost: Flowers like borage attract pollinators to fruit crops.
š Biodiversity: Diverse plant guilds build healthier, more resilient ecosystems.
This isnāt gardening folkloreāitās a time-tested strategy supported by permaculture science.
Why Native & Regional Plants Boost Success
Why Native & Regional Plants Boost Success
Generic companion planting charts often miss one powerful factor: native plants.
Generic companion planting charts often miss one powerful factor: native plants.
š± Better Adaptation: Native plants thrive in your local soil, rainfall, and climate.
š Pollinator Support: They attract beneficial insects already adapted to your ecosystem.
šæ Low Maintenance: Less water, fewer fertilizers, less effort.
š Ecosystem Balance: Builds true permaculture resilience by supporting biodiversity.
Example: In the Southwest, mesquite acts as a nitrogen fixer for fruit trees. In the Midwest, echinacea pairs with vegetables while boosting pollinators.
Crop-Specific Companion Planting Examples
Crop-Specific Companion Planting Examples
Many gardeners search for specific pairings. Here are a few:
Many gardeners search for specific pairings. Here are a few:
š Tomatoes ā Best companions: basil, onions, carrots. Avoid: corn, potatoes.
š½ Corn ā Best companions: beans, squash (āThree Sistersā). Avoid: tomatoes.
š« Beans ā Best companions: corn, cucumbers. Avoid: onions, garlic.
š« Peppers ā Best companions: carrots, onions, basil. Avoid: beans.
Permaculture Principles Behind Companion Planting
Permaculture Principles Behind Companion Planting
Companion planting isnāt randomāitās rooted in permaculture design:
Companion planting isnāt randomāitās rooted in permaculture design:
Zone Planning: Place high-use crops near the home (Zone 1).
Guilds: Build āmini-ecosystemsā like the apple tree guild (apple tree + comfrey + garlic chives).
Stacking Functions: Every plant should serve multiple rolesāfood, soil, pollination, shade.
Frequently Asked Questions on Companion Planting
Frequently Asked Questions on Companion Planting
Q: What are the benefits of companion planting?
A: Healthier crops, fewer pests, better soil, higher yieldsāall naturally.
Q: Which crops should not be planted together?
A: Avoid combinations like onions + beans, potatoes + cucumbers, or corn + tomatoes.
Q: Why use native plants?
A: Theyāre adapted to your climate, making them lower-maintenance and more resilient.
Q: Is this tool beginner-friendly?
A: Yes! Whether youāre new to gardening or a seasoned permaculturist, it provides clear, practical advice.
Q: Can I trust AI for planting advice?
A: The tool is built on permaculture research, native plant databases, and companion planting science. Always adapt to your local conditionsābut itās one of the most accurate guides available.
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