Taking this biodynamic class at Pfeiffer Center has been truly life-changing to my approach on gardening. My voracious interest in gardening has allowed me to be open to change both my thoughts and habits. I am currently exploring with soil, compost and the lunar calendar.

This post is about the benefits of companion planting.

Companion planting is about understanding which plants benefit from each other. Having a diverse mix of plants that feed off each other in nutritious soil will ultimately reward you with amazing results.

For example, tomato plants exude a chemical that repels the asparagus beetle; sage and carrots drive away other insects; leeks repel the carrot fly; and carrots repel onion flies and leek moths.

Plants that are companions and ultimately reward you with beneficial results are:

Artichokes: tarragon

Asparagus: basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, tomato

Beans: beets, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, celery, eggplant, lettuces, radishes, rosemary & strawberries

Beets: beans, broccoli, carrots, celery, kohlrabi, lettuces, onions, potatoes

Carrots: beans, chives, garlic, lettuces, onions, peas, peppers, radishes, tomatoes

Celery: beans, cabbage, cauliflower, leeks, onions, spinach, tomatoes

Cucumbers: beans, celery, lettuces, onions, peas, radishes, tomatoes

Eggplant: beans, mint, peppers, potatoes, spinach, thyme

Onion family: beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, lettuces, squash, strawberries, tomatoes

Peas: beans, carrots, chives, cucumber, potatoes, radishes, spinach

Peppers: basil, carrots, eggplant, onions

Potatoes: beans, cabbage, eggplant, peas

Radishes: beans, carrots, chervil, cucumber, garlic, lettuces, peas, spinach, squash

Squash: onions, peas, radishes

Tomatoes: asparagus, basil celery, cucumber, garlic, onions, parsley