Garden term of the week: Companion planting

Are susceptible to nematode damage, like tomatoes, benefit

Companion plants are the flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbs that help each other in the garden. Companion plantings can save garden space, help control insect pests, encourage healthier landscapes and more.

One of the best examples of companion planting is the combination of beans, corn and squash called Three Sisters. These three plants grow well together because beans feed the soil with important nutrients, corn provides a tall, living trellis for beans to climb, and squash leaves are like a green mulch that shades and cools the soil.

Other companion plantings make perfect partners in the garden for the strong-smelling chemicals they emit. Marigolds are stinky flowers that secrete a substance through their roots that helps control nematodes, a microscopic soil pest. Plants that when marigolds are planted close by.

Plant fragrances can also attract insects, instead of driving them away. For example, plant bee balm close to the vegetable garden to attract beneficial insects to help with pollination.

Spinach and radishes make good teammates when planted close to each other. Destructive leafminers are attracted to the radish leaves and away from the tastier spinach.

When basil is planted near tomatoes, another type of companionship takes root. Basil adds flavor to the tomatoes while the tomato plants help protect tender basil leaves from the sun.

Even though most plantings are compatible, there are some plant combinations to avoid. Onions and garlic don’t grow well with beans and peas; potatoes aren’t friendly with cucumbers, squashes or tomatoes.