"A garden that works together, will grow together"

Companion planting is exactly what it says, just like animals, people etc plants will benefit from being planted with certain other plants. Just like a community, when you plant certain plants with others it provides them with protection, support, and nutrients. So DIG IN and check out these benefits!

Companion Planting Tips and Benefits

1. Muscle Protection

Let the muscle take the brunt! Pant hardy and tough plants to shelter more delicate and fragile ones. For example, you can plant hardy foliage with small flowers, so that they take the brunt of harsh conditions, and shelter the little fellas.

2. Invite the Neighbours

What are the benefits of good insects! We all know about pollinators, so why don’t we introduce more plants to attract them, this will not only help your vegetables grow, but also control the harmful pests. Plants that can produce a surplus of nectar and pollen will keep the good insects around, so plant low ground covering plants that flower in and around your trees and gardens.

3. Reduce Loss

There are many factors and variables outside of your control, such as climate variances such as severe weather, especially here in Australia. So companion planting plants together, will increase your chances of a high production and reduce the loss of crops and plants. Just think, a community that works together is much more productive, than a single person working on his/her own.

4. Natural Defence

Just like a good game of sport, the best offence is a good defence. Use Natural smelling plants as a repellent. Just as we use Bug repellent to keep those pesky mosquitos away, use plants to keep bugs away from your crops/tree’s. For example, plant Basil with Tomatoes to provide protection from insects. A good search on the internet will bring up a multitude of combinations for you to try.

5. Nutrient Providing Plants

Spending a lot of money on fertilisers? Did you know that if you plant certain plants in your garden they add nutrients to the soil, whilst also improving soil condition! WOW! That’s right, as the old saying goes, Two Birds – One Stone. Companion Planting at its best, try adding some Alfalfa to your gardens, not only can you eat it but it also adds Nutrients to the soil while improving soil structure and fertility or Beans and peas amongst your corn Crop, the beans and peas will climb the corn for support and add additional nitrogen to the soil. How about Garlic, plant with your roses, makes them smell sweeter, assist in fungal control and, you guessed it, adds sulphur to the soil. Incredible.

There we have it, a quick hit of 5 tips for companion planting. There are many, many combinations of planting so if you need assistance or would like to know more hit the contact us button and we will be more than happy to assist you with your gardens.

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