Companion planting is one of the techniques used in integrated pest management plans to reduce the use of pesticides in the garden. Companion planting takes advantage of the simple fact that some plants grow better together than alone. Similarly, some plants are not compatible and inhibit each others growth. Companion planting is the practice of mindfully choosing which plants to plant together for the best results. The chart below outlines which plants work well together and which ones are competitive with each other.
The many benefits of companion planting include increased productivity, reduced weed growth, improved use of space, and decreased pest populations. Monocultures, areas cultivated with only one crop, are easy targets for pests. The increased biodiversity of growing multiple plants in the same area creates a more stable community.
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