Like some people, certain plants feel more comfortable in pairs. Sure, they could survive on their own, but to really thrive, they need a special (plant) human by their side.
Known in the garden world as “companion plants” or “helpers”, these pairs have FWB relationships (foliage-with-benefit). Usually it’s about helping each other get nutrients or keeping pesky garden pests away. Remember, it has the horticultural buddy system.
If this sounds like something you might want to try in your own backyard, Rachel Brougham at BobVila.com has some suggestions for accompanying plants. Here are a few to note.
Plants that grow well in pairs
Need help playing Plant Matchmaker? Brougham has some recommendations::
basil
- Fits well with: Tomatoes, potatoes, beets, cabbage, beans, asparagus, eggplant, chilli, peppers, marigolds
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Beets
- Fits well with: Plants of the cabbage family, carrots, celery, corn, cucumber, garlic, strawberries, marigolds
Carrots
- Fits well with: Cabbage, leek, lettuce, onions, chives, peas
Cucumbers
- Fits well with: Beans, corn, peas, tomatoes, radishes, vegetables from the cabbage family, marigolds, oregano, nasturtiums
Lettuce (including Romaine, Bibb, and loose-leaf varieties)
- Fits well with: Beets, carrots, onions, garlic, members of the cabbage family
Melons (watermelon, melon, honeydew)
- Fits well with: Corn, pumpkins, radishes, squash, marigolds, oregano
Paprika (hot or mild)
- Fits well with: Carrots, eggplants, onions, parsley, tomatoes, basil
Potatoes
- Fits well with: Beans, cabbage plants, corn, eggplant, peas, horseradish
Pumpkin (butternut, carnival, other varieties)
- Fits well with: Corn, melon, pumpkin, marigolds, oregano
tomatoes
- Fits well with: Asparagus, carrots, celery, cucumber, onions, parsley, paprika, basil, dill, chives, mint
What now?
Enjoy your abundant harvest (s)! And if you’re not sure what to do with your cucumber and pumpkin jar, Lifehacker’s has plenty of recipes and other suggestions Pan vertical so you can stay healthy and well fed all summer long. In case you’re growing more than you can eat or give away, we’ve got plenty too canned goods– and preserve-related content to check out.
