Permaculture's Secret Trick: A Step-by-Step Intro for Novices on Pairing Plants Wisely
Companion planting is a practice that has gained popularity in the world of sustainable gardening. This method, which is also a key part of permaculture, involves growing different crops together to create symbiotic relationships and a balanced, regenerative horticulture system.
By choosing the right companion plants, gardeners can reap numerous benefits. For instance, some plants like bee balm, dill, lavender, and nasturtiums are known to attract beneficial insects and aid with pollination, contributing to a healthy garden.
However, it's essential to debunk some myths surrounding companion planting. Contrary to popular belief, there are no overrated claims about "bad companions" - plants that shouldn't be together. Similarly, the idea that herbs always help by attracting good bugs or keeping pests away is not universally true.
One of the benefits of companion planting is physical protection and support for plants. For example, by growing vining plants like squash and cucumbers under taller plants, they can be shielded from harsh weather conditions and pests. Interplanting different crops in the same bed can also increase the harvest from a small area.
Another advantage is pest control. Plants like wormwood, marigold, and lavender can keep pests away from crops, while trap cropping, where a plant is used to lure pests away from the main crops, can be an effective strategy.
Companion planting also helps with nutrient cycling and soil enrichment. Nitrogen-fixing plants like legumes work with Rhizobium bacteria to provide nutrients to other plants, enriching the soil. Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful permaculture garden, and incorporating nitrogen-fixing plants is a crucial step in building and maintaining that foundation.
Moreover, companion planting brings benefits to gardeners and their ecosystems. It provides natural pest control methods, improves soil, and attracts pollinators. The Square Foot Gardening method, which divides the garden into small squares and tells you how many plants to put in each, can lead to increased yields and uses less water and care than regular gardens.
Meandering beds, with their winding paths, help grow more without needing more space. By using techniques like the Square Foot Gardening method and intercropping, gardeners can make the most of their space and enjoy bountiful harvests.
In permission-free agriculture and permaculture-based gardening, pest-repellent effects are observed in plant pairs such as marigolds with tomatoes, basil with peppers, and garlic with roses. By adopting the principles of companion planting, gardeners can create gardens that are sustainable, balanced, and beneficial for both them and the environment.
