February 25, 2010 Vegetable Companion Plants

 Emmie Sherry

 Herb and Vegetable Specialist

        It has been said that what's good together in the kitchen is also good together in the garden. Tomatoes and basil and cucumber and dill are some examples of good companions.

       Basil improves the growth and flavor of tomatoes, attracts pollinators, and repels flies and mosquitoes. Dill improves the flavor of cucumbers as well as attracting beneficial predatory insects that help control cucumber beetles.

       Vegetables and herbs have an amazing ability to help each other. Some deeply rooted plants pull nutrients up from the soil, making it easier for its shallow rooted friends. Others help by attracting pollinators and beneficial insects, or repelling destructive or annoying pests.

       When planning your vegetable garden, consider experimenting with some beneficial partners. Plant some basil around your tomatoes. Last year I grew tomatoes in 7 gallon containers and planted one or two basils in the pot also, and I had no problems with insects on my tomatoes. I did, however, have to deal with a few tomato horn worms, so this year I will be including borage with my tomatoes. Borage deters the tomato horn worms and also has gorgeous blue star-shaped flowers that are edible.

       The idea of plant companions is a fascinating one, but the idea is certainly not new. The Native Americans planted corn, beans and squash according to the "Three Sisters" technique. The corn provided a pole for the beans, the beans add nitrogen, which the corn needs, and the squash worked as a ground cover mulch that helped retain moisture.

       So leave a little room in your garden plans and have fun experimenting. Every season is a learning experience to see what works for you and your garden, an ever-changing creation by you.