Companion Planting - What is it?

Companion Planting is a technique developed by few enthusiastic farmers in which certain combination of plants do well next to each other. The Companion plants assist growth by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pest and provide support/shade.

Last year I had no clue about this technique and my half shaded raised bed did not do well. Brussel Sprouts never matured and the Cauliflower never had heads. Kept wondering what went wrong! The main culprit was Strawberry plants. It took over all the nutrients, space and that dettered other plants growth. I planted 3 Strawberry plants and in spring it had multiplied 7 times and I now have 21 plants!!

Strawberry plant that over wintered and multiplied

Closer look at this cold hary plant

The best idea to restrict their ever invading behaviour is to contain them. I had few un-used containers and hence came up with this plan. I uprooted each of these plant and placed around 4-5 plants in each of this elongated container. They are flourishing in them now!! Have seen atleast some 30 fruits. As of now a bird netting is protecting them from Squirrels.

Now that my raised bed was free of the Strawberry plants, I came up with a list of companion plants for my 8*4 raised bed. Here it is....I might remove Fennel as they say it hinders growth of other plants near by. This might look cluttered but I have maintained about 6-8 inches of spacing for all planted seed.

Companion Planting Raised Bed

Last year we also maintained a leaf compost pile and it had accumulation of fall leaves from two fall seasons. It was left open all winter but fenced with chicken wire. We put 2 bags of top soil and planted few Cucumber, Sunflower, Zucchini, Summer Squash, Ash Gourd and Chayote Squash plants in row that was inspired by companion planting theory. Sunflower plants will act as trellis for these vining plants and may be some shade during peak summer!!

Leaf compost pile with top soil

Surprisingly my leaf compost pile is doing so well. The seeds germinated super fast and the saplings looks very healthy!! I am very excited to see how successful will companion planting theory work!!

P.S: I have planted 2-3 Marigold plants in each of these raised bed. These attracts butterfilies and bees that helps pollination. Marigolds are super companion plant that gets along with any plant :-)