Companion Planting

The improvement in growth or flavour is probably due to the companion plant adding some of the micro-nutrients or the roots may support micro-organisms such as mycorrhizal fungi which improve their uptake. In the case of legumes they fix nitrogen, and White Clover is included in some grass seed mixes, for this reason - it is also drought resistant so 'greens up' quicker than grass when used in lawns.

• Some plants exude protective chemicals called allelochemicals from their roots or foliage, which can deter pests, e.g. African Marigolds produce thiopene which repels nematodes so it makes a good companion plant for root crops which are attacked by nematodes.

• Beneficial insects can be attracted to a cropping area by planting something which they use as a food nearby, e.g. adult Hover Flies feed on nectar, but their larvae feed on aphids so planting nectar-rich flowering plants will attract them and they will lay their eggs on plants where there are pests.

Based on information provided by www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk

Plant Good

Companions Bad Companions

Asparagus Tomato, Basil,

Parsley

Potatoes

Beans Carrots,

Cabbage,

Cucumber,

Cauliflower

Leeks, Chives, Garlic,

Onions

Broad

Beans

Potatoes, Lettuce Fennel

Dwarf

Beans

Beetroot

Beetroot Kohlrabi, Dwarf

Beans, Onions,

Chives

Runner/Climbing

Beans, Lettuce,

Cabbage,

Broccoli Dill, Celery,

Chamomile,

Sage, Rosemary

Tomatoes,

Strawberries, Oregano

Brussel

Sprouts

Potatoes, Sage,

Hyssop, Thyme

Strawberries,

Rosemary

Plant

Good

Companions

Bad Companions

Cabbage Beetroot,

Potatoes, Beans,

Onions, Sage

Tomatoes, Garlic,

Strawberries, Celery,

Dill,

Mint, Thyme, Oregano

Capsicum Basil

Carrots Leeks, Lettuce,

Onions, Peas,

Tomatoes

Dill, Parsnip, Chives,

Sage, Rosemary,

Radish

Cauliflower Celery, Celeriac,

Beans, Oregano

Strawberries, Rue,

Peas, Potato,

Nasturtium

Celery Leeks, Beans,

Cabbage,

Tomatoes

Parsnip, Potato,

Wheat

Corn Melons, Squash,

Pumpkins,

Cucumbers,

Potatoes,

Parsnips,

Artichokes,

Jerusalem

Artichokes

Cucumber Beans, Peas,

Radish, Celery,

Carrots

Potatoes, Sage,

Cauliflower, Basil

Chives Carrots,

Tomatoes,

Parsley,

Parsnips, Fruit

Trees

Eggplant

(Aubergine)

Beans, Potato,

Marjoram

Horseradish Potatoes, Fruit

Trees

Kohlrabi Beetroot, Onion,

Dwarf Beans

Pole Beans,

Tomatoes, Cucumber

Leeks Carrots, Celery,

Celeriac,

Strawberries

Lettuce Strawberries,

Cabbage,

Carrots, Onions

Parsley, Beans,

Beetroot, Parsnip

Plant Good

Companions Bad Companions

Nasturtium Cabbage,

Cauliflower,

Cucumber

Broccoli, Brussel

Sprouts, Potato,

Radish, Squash,

Zucchini, Fruit Trees

Onions Cabbage,

Carrots,

Beetroot, Lettuce

Beans, Peas, Parsnip,

Parsley, Leeks

Potato Beans, Corn,

Cabbage,

Horseradish

Pumpkin, Squash,

Cucumber, Dill,

Eggplant, Tomatoes,

Raspberries

Peas Carrot, Corn,

Cucumber,

Beans, Radish

Onions, Garlic, Shallot

Pumpkin Sweetcorn,

Marjoram

Potato

Radish Cucumber,

Lettuce

Hyssop, Squash,

Peas, Nasturtium

Spinach Broad Beans,

Strawberries,

Fruit Trees

Tomato Asparagus, Basil,

Lima Beans,

Cabbage

Beetroot, Fennel,

Kohlrabi, Broccoli,

Brussel

Sprouts, Cauliflower,

Potato, Rosemary,

Carrots, Chives, Dill,

Onions, Parsley,

Parsnip, Nasturtium

S = Seed sowing

T = Transplant

Notes:

(1) This table is a guide only, please observe the seasonal weather patterns

before deciding when to plant, as there will often be distinct differences in

summer weather from one year to the next.

(2) Planting times will vary for different varieties of the one vegetable.

Thanks to Canberra Organic Growers’ Society Inc. 1995, Canberra Organic Growers’

Society Inc

Information provided by …. http://organicgarden.org.uk