The idea of companion planting has been known about for thousands of years. The ‘three sisters’ method for planting was used by Native Americans more than 3000 years ago. Through it, squash, beans and sweetcorn were planted in the same bed. The squash covered the ground and prevented weed growth, the beans fed the soil with extra nitrogen and the sweetcorn gave the beans a structure to climb up.
The name ‘three sisters’ came from the idea that the plants supported each other, like sisters do. This is really at the heart of companion planting. It is the idea that some plants create mutual benefits when planted close together, such as:
When growing food crops in particular, people often think in advance about companion planting.
Some plants can pass on positive benefits to those they are near.
One way to support plant growth is through good pollination. Bees, butterflies and other pollinators are so important - without them, many of our food crops would not be able to grow. You could try these:
Some companion plants have qualities that allow them to deter pests naturally.