Companion Planting

I think this is what hooks one to gardening: it is the closest one can come to being present at creation.—Phyllis Theroux

Companion planting is a holistic approach to gardening that enhances plant health, deters pests naturally, and improves soil quality. Here are some great holistic companion planting combinations:

Vegetable Garden Companions

• Tomatoes + Basil + Marigolds

  • Basil enhances tomato flavor and repels pests like aphids and whiteflies.

  • Marigolds deter nematodes and other insects.

• Carrots + Onions + Rosemary

  • Onions repel carrot flies.

  • Rosemary enhances growth and deters harmful insects.

• Cabbage + Dill + Nasturtium

  • Dill attracts beneficial insects that prey on cabbage worms.

  • Nasturtiums deter aphids and cabbage loopers.

• Beans + Corn + Squash (Three Sisters)

  • Beans fix nitrogen in the soil.

  • Corn provides support for beans to climb.

  • Squash shades the soil, preventing weeds and retaining moisture.

Herb Garden Companions

• Lavender + Roses

  • Lavender repels aphids and enhances rose fragrance.

• Chamomile + Mint + Brassicas (Broccoli, Kale, Cabbage)

  • Chamomile improves plant health and attracts beneficial insects.

  • Mint deters cabbage moths and flea beetles.

• Thyme + Strawberries

  • Thyme repels worms and boosts strawberry flavor.

Orchard & Flower Garden Companions

• Apple Trees + Chives + Comfrey

  • Chives deter apple scab and enhance fruit quality.

  • Comfrey draws up nutrients and provides natural mulch.

• Peach Trees + Garlic + Tansy

  • Garlic repels peach borers.

  • Tansy deters ants and beetles.

• Sunflowers + Cucumbers

  • Sunflowers act as natural trellises for cucumbers.

Here are some great herb companion planting ideas specifically for the Southern USA, considering the heat, humidity, and common garden pests:

Heat-Tolerant Herb Companions

• Basil + Oregano + Tomatoes + Peppers

  • Basil and oregano thrive in Southern heat and repel whiteflies and aphids.

  • They enhance the flavor of tomatoes and peppers.

  • Avoid planting basil near rue (they don’t grow well together).

• Rosemary + Sage + Thyme + Brassicas (Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli)

  • These Mediterranean herbs love hot, dry conditions and repel cabbage moths and loopers.

  • Thyme is particularly great for repelling worms that attack brassicas.

  • Keep sage and rosemary away from basil, as they prefer different moisture levels.

• Mint + Parsley + Carrots + Cucumbers

  • Mint deters aphids, flea beetles, and ants but should be planted in pots to avoid spreading.

  • Parsley attracts beneficial pollinators.

  • Cucumbers benefit from mint’s ability to repel pests like cucumber beetles.

• Lemon Balm + Dill + Squash + Corn

  • Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and improves pollination.

  • Dill attracts ladybugs and lacewings that feed on aphids and squash bugs.

  • Corn provides shade for dill, which bolts quickly in heat.

• Garlic + Chives + Fruit Trees (Peaches, Apples, Plums, Pears)

  • Garlic and chives repel aphids, borers, and fungal diseases common in humid Southern climates.

  • They help prevent peach tree borers and apple scab.