Article category: Vegetable Gardening. Published 2026-04-01 by Pocket Gardener Team.
Topics: companion planting, vegetable garden, organic gardening, pest control, polyculture.
Questions answered in this article
What is companion planting and does it really work?
Companion planting grows mutually beneficial plants together. Scientific studies confirm benefits including pest reduction through scent confusion, improved pollination from diverse flowers, and nitrogen fixation by legumes. Results vary by climate and implementation.
What vegetables should not be planted together?
Avoid planting fennel near most vegetables, onions with beans, potatoes with tomatoes, and sunflowers with beans. These combinations either compete for resources, share diseases, or release growth-inhibiting compounds.
Can companion planting reduce pests without chemicals?
Yes. Marigolds repel nematodes, nasturtiums trap aphids, dill attracts beneficial wasps, and basil deters flies. A diverse garden with strategic companion planting can significantly reduce pest pressure without synthetic pesticides.