As you ponder your garden space, trying to figure out what should go where, you should take one further thing into account: companion planting. The general idea is that some plants just go really well together.
We already mentioned how you can pair up tall plants with shade-loving plants when arranging your garden’s space. There are a few other well-known match-ups you should know about. Though not all companions are the same, the usual scenario is that one plant either repels or attracts insects to help protect another. It’s natural and effortless insect control.
Here are a few examples of plant partnerships you can try:
Tomatoes and Cabbage: The aroma of the tomato leaves will repel some of the worst cabbage pests, like the caterpillar of the diamondback moth.
Basil and Tomatoes: In this case, the basil actually improves the flavor of the tomato’s fruit. It’s not always about pests.
Carrots and Rosemary: Rosemary keeps away the carrot fly.
Corn and Pole beans: This is a very old-fashioned companion tip, with the sturdy corn stalks creating a natural trellis for the beans.
Green beans and Potatoes: The green beans will help keep away several species of potato beetle.
Marigold and anything: Marigold blossoms deter a large number of beetle species and will work as a general pest repellent anywhere.