Part 2: The Perfect Pair: What to Plant Together for a Healthier Garden
If you’ve ever heard that tomatoes and basil are best friends, you’re already familiar with the concept of companion planting. This natural gardening method involves growing certain plants together to help them grow stronger, repel pests, and improve yield. For Mid-Michigan gardens, companion planting is a great way to make the most of your space and build a healthier ecosystem in your backyard.
Winning Garden Combinations
- Tomatoes + Basil – Not only do they taste great together, but basil also helps repel tomato hornworms and improve tomato flavor.
- Carrots + Onions – Onions help deter carrot flies and other root-eating pests.
- Corn + Beans + Squash – Known as the “Three Sisters,” this traditional Native American method uses corn as a trellis for beans, beans to enrich the soil, and squash to shade out weeds.
- Cabbage + Dill – Dill attracts beneficial insects that prey on cabbage worms and aphids.
- Lettuce + Radishes – Radishes grow quickly and help loosen the soil for slower-growing lettuce.
Plants to Keep Apart
- Tomatoes + Potatoes – These relatives attract the same pests and diseases, which can easily spread between them.
- Carrots + Dill – Dill may stunt carrot growth.
- Beans + Onions/Garlic – Onion family plants can inhibit bean growth.
Bonus Tip: Use Herbs as Helpers
Many herbs do double duty in the garden. Try planting mint, thyme, or rosemary near crops prone to pests. Just keep mint in containers — it spreads fast!
Why Companion Planting Works
- Natural Pest Control: Strong-scented plants confuse pests.
- Nutrient Sharing: Some plant pairings make better use of soil nutrients.
- Support Structures: Taller plants can provide shade or structure to vines.
- Soil Improvement: Legumes like beans fix nitrogen into the soil, benefiting nearby crops.
With a little planning, your garden can be more than just pretty — it can be powerful. Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll explore natural ways to protect your garden from bugs and critters.
Coming Next: Natural Defenders: Plants That Repel Insects and Critters