Companion Planting: Nature's Way to a Healthier Garden

Learn which plants grow better together and how companion planting can naturally improve your garden's health and productivity.

Companion planting is an age-old practice that uses plant relationships to create a healthier, more productive garden naturally—perfect for retirees seeking organic gardening methods.

Tomatoes and basil are classic companions. Basil repels pests that bother tomatoes and may improve their flavor. Plant them together in your vegetable garden or containers.

The "Three Sisters"—corn, beans, and squash—support each other beautifully. Corn provides a structure for beans to climb, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and squash leaves shade the ground, retaining moisture and suppressing weeds.

Marigolds planted throughout the garden deter many pests with their strong scent. They're especially beneficial near tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Plus, they add cheerful color.

Carrots and onions make good neighbors—onions repel carrot flies. Lettuce grows well in the shade of taller plants like tomatoes, making efficient use of space.

Avoid bad combinations too. Keep onions away from beans and peas, and don't plant tomatoes near cabbage family members. Understanding these relationships creates a more harmonious, productive garden.