About Companion Planting

Think of your garden as a friendly little neighborhood. Some plants get along great and help each other out, while others... not so much! That's the simple idea behind companion planting. By planting "friends" together, you can naturally protect them from pests, attract good bugs like bees, and even make the soil healthier. For example, planting marigolds near your tomatoes can help keep away tiny pests called nematodes. This tool is your guide to building a happy, cooperative plant community, which means a healthier garden for you with less work and no need for harsh chemicals.

How to Use This Guide

It couldn't be easier to find the perfect plant partners. Just follow this one step:

1. Start Typing: Begin typing the name of a vegetable, herb, or flower into the search box above. A list of matching plants will appear.

When you select a plant, the lists of "Good Companions" and "Bad Companions" will instantly show up, along with a simple reason why they're friends or foes. Use this to plan where to place everything in your garden beds.

Tips for a Happy Garden

• Create a Buffet for Good Bugs: Mix flowers like Borage and Alyssum among your veggies. They attract pollinators and helpful predatory insects that eat pests for you.
• Herbs are Heroes: Aromatic herbs like Rosemary, Thyme, and Mint are great at confusing pests that are trying to find your vegetables.
• Nature's "No Trespassing" Signs: Onions and garlic are fantastic for planting around the border of your garden, as their strong smell can deter many unwanted critters.