Gardening and Landscaping Stack Exchange
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Questions tagged [companion-planting]

The concept of planting different crops in proximity.

Companion planting is the concept of planting different crops in proximity, in an attempt to improve nutrient intake (eg. planting legumes with non-legumes), pest control (some plants can deter pests attracted to other plants), and pollination (plants attract pollinators which help other plants; or different varieties can be planted as non-producing pollinators for productive plants).

Companion planting has been practiced since ancient times, and by indigenous peoples. A well known example is the "Three Sisters" technique practiced by Native American peoples. This mixes squash, corn, and beans. The beans use the corn as a climbing trellis, and provide nitrogen fixing for the corn and squash. Nutritionally, these three crops also complement each other very well.

Pest control companion planting can work by deterring pests, or by introducing non-producing "decoy" plants.

Companion planting has traditionally been based a lot on folklore.

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Placing nitrogen fixers around established trees?

I have several young (1-4 years old) fruit trees and am considering planting nitrogen fixers around/underneath: white clover (ground cover) lupine (herb layer) siberian pea shrub (shrub layer) It seems intuitive that the N-fixers will only provide…
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Is maral root useful as a companion plant?

I was looking at rarer plants to grow for natural pesticide purposes and I was wondering how maral root fares. What conditions does this plant need to grow? At what temperature, water amounts, soil conditions, etc. can this plant grow in, is it…
tox123
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Companion gardening - I only have one bed

In my garden, I currently have one bed divided into sections, but the division is informal. I have alliums planted on the far left, in the middle are peppers and tomatoes, and on the right I have zucchini. For the fall seasons, I want to plant some…
ariadnep
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Different plant compatibility and care

I've recently bought a few seeds: including that of Endive ( Endivia Ruffec ), lettuce, chicory, chard, cactus, and a flowering plant with the scientific name of Viola Tricolor. Which plants have similar requirements and can grow in the same pot?…
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Are there any plants that shouldn't be planted near garlic?

I recall reading something on companion planting and crop rotation that mentioned some crops shouldn't be planted near or where garlic or other alliums were planted. The reason was that those plants would have stunted growth. Is this true and if so…
Brian Surowiec
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What exactly term 'companion plants' means?

I would like to find out what exactly means that two or more plants (more specifically vegetables) are good companions and could/should be planted together? Does that mean plants just tolerate each other or there are other beneficial factors…
False Identity
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Can I grow basil in my avocado plant pot

I have a small avocado tree in a pot, & basil I've rooted in water. Both are in a sunny window & seem to be thriving. Can I plant the basil on with the avocado?
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Dill, cilantro, and fennel cross pollinating

I've read several conflicting pieces of information on the growing of dill, cilantro, and fennel near one another. I've read that fennel and dill will grow well together and make good companion plants, however I've also read that they will cross…
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What companion plants will help the growth of young pines?

I recently planted a 2m (6.5ft) high relatively young Pinus pinea in zone 8a (−12.2 °C, 10 °F). It is going well so far. I tried to find out what plants I should grow in its vicinity that would help the pine be stronger and healthier. I searched the…
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Hydrangea's allelopathic effects on crops?

I was wondering if hydrangea had any effects on the growth of other plants. Doing a google search only told me that hydrangeas are immune to juglone. However I'm more interested in the effects of hydrangea on other plants, will growing hydrangea…
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Succession planting for bluebells

I have a small semi-shaded patch of garden, where I have sown common bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) seed over several years; they are now growing well, possibly going to flower for the first time this year. But after the bluebells have…
Vince Bowdren
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Which plant can co-exist with the other plant?

I have picked up the following list of plants and have only 4 decent size pots. Which plants can be grown together in the same pot? pepper tomato super fantastic tomato sweet 100 basil oregano thumb kent strawberry cucumber pickling pepper early…
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What is the proper way to plant a bush under an established fruit tree?

Established Tree: Apple Planting Bush: Blueberries Goal: not damage apple tree root system Question: How do I plant a blueberry bush under an apple tree without damaging the roots of the apple tree?
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Why should I not grow 2 different types of raspberries in the same bed?

I've often been given advice (in blogs, books and verbally) that if you have planted a particular type of raspberry in a bed to not plant a different type. I've always been disappointed that it's not explained why this is an issue or how the problem…
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What edible perennials would be good companions to a dogwood tree?

I'd like to plant some edible perennials around my dogwood. I'm guessing the biggest limitation is partial sunlight. What would work best?
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