Carrots Love Tomatoes: Companion Planting for the Home Gardener - Master Gardeners, Chowan County, North Carolina
- 1. Around the Yard Katy Shook NC Cooperative Extension Carrots Love Tomatoes: Companion Planting for the Home Gardener Companion planting, the idea of establishing two or more plants in close proximity for cultural benefit, is a tested practice that dates back to the time before colonial settlement. However, it can be easily applied in the home garden today, reducing maintenance and increasing productivity for homeowners. Native Americans in the region were known for practicing cultivation of “The Three Sisters.” Beans, pumpkins and corn were planted together, allowing each plant to benefit the other. Corn acted as a structure for the beans to climb on, the beans fixed nitrogen in the air thus improving the soil, and the pumpkins produced large leaves which acted as a living mulch, retaining moisture and reducing weeds. It was the Native Americans' demonstration of this practice that ensured the survival of many new colonial settlers in the area. Companion planting research has continued and further ideas have been developed. Specific plant combinations are known to distract pests, repel pests, improve the surrounding soil quality, act as windbreaks, and provide and create plant and beneficial insect habitat. Diversity in the garden also helps discourage pest damage. A common example of companion planting in the home garden is the use of African marigolds in close proximity to summer vegetables. Marigolds exude chemicals from their roots and canopy that repel vegetable damaging nematodes. Spiny pumpkin stems also act as a companion, repelling types of borers and damaging mammals. Other ideas include planting Tomatoes, Parsley and Basil with Asparagus; Beans and Marigold with Eggplant; Strawberries with Spinach; and Marigolds, Cucumbers and Carrots with Tomatoes. Keep in mind while some plants can act as allies, others can act as enemies. Avoid planting dill with carrots; and onions with peas. When planted together, companion plants are able to thrive, produce a higher quality and higher yield and minimize environmental impact. Consider trying a simple combination in the garden this year. For more information on companion planting, contact Katy Shook at the Chowan County Cooperative Extension office, 482-6585.