Science Behind Choosing The Right Companion Plants
- Author: Saiqa Najeeb
- Last Updated On: July 29, 2023
Are you interested in learning about companion plants? Many people are curious as to how companion planting functions and how some plants can act as “good neighbors” to other plants.
Understanding the science underlying companion planting is crucial. It helps in gaining an understanding of the unique characteristics of the various plant species you want to grow. You must become familiar with the idea that two (or more!) plants in identical containers or gardens might experience mutually beneficial consequences to understand how companion plants work.
Let’s investigate the underlying science of companion plants!
Communal Climate Cooperation
The planting of crops that supplement the requirements of the nearby growing plants is referred to as communal climate cooperation. Tall, sun-loving plants can be planted next to shorter, shade-tolerant ones. Both groups benefit from this combination, and it also eliminates the need to purchase costly items like shade cloth.
Additionally, you have more potential planting areas on your property. Without employing this method, you would have to place plants that prefer sunlight on one side of your land and those that prefer shade on the other, according to sun exposure. However, both sides are accessible for either kind of plant by utilizing communal climate cooperation.
Nurse Cropping
Nurse cropping, a form of climate cooperation, is the use of annuals to protect perennials. Before they can withstand the stronger wind or light radiation on their own, annuals are frequently planted strategically next to perennials that are sensitive to the sun. When an annual is planted to reduce soil erosion while protecting the root system of a nearby perennial, a similar technique is applied.
Trap Cropping
Trap cropping is the practice of planting a specific crop along with a lure plant that is meant to draw particular pests to it. Because fewer pests are destroying important crops now, they are better protected. For instance, collards can deter certain moths from attacking cabbage. In contrast, when creating a beneficial habitat, one crop is sacrificed to protect another.
To protect the little plants growing underneath them, this sort of cropping can entail, for instance, planting sunflowers along the edge of an outdoor garden.
Interdependent Nitrogen Fixation
The practice of interdependent nitrogen fixation involves growing plants that contribute to the production of nitrogen in your garden to replenish the soil. Plants require nitrogen to survive; they cannot exist without it.
However, they are unable to utilize the air’s gaseous nitrogen. Ammonia-derived nitrogen is used by plants to produce proteins and nitrogen-containing nutrients necessary for their survival. Using tiny growths on their roots known as nodules, legumes, beans, and peas are among the few plants that can fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Nitrogen fixation is carried out by bacteria in the root nodes, which results in nitrogen being produced (as ammonia) for absorption by neighboring plants. Since most plants are unable to do this, it greatly benefits the local product that has been planted. Using interdependent nitrogen fixation, you can make sure your garden has plenty of access to nitrogen. Compared to nitrogen supplements, which are frequently purchased over the counter at nurseries and neighborhood stores, it needs less time, effort, and money.
Biochemical Pest Overpowering
Some plants release compounds that could shield nearby plants. For instance, thiophene, an airborne pesticide that deters worms, is released by marigolds. Artemisia deters rabbits and a variety of other animals that might cause problems for your garden. Some plants generate a scent that confuses different male insects to prevent their mating. You can create an artemisia boundary to deter their presence. Knowing which plants are inherently pest-repellent will help you create a healthier, more fruitful garden.
Allelopathy is a biochemical suppression phenomenon that denotes chemical release and discharge from the root system to stifle competition and insects. Depending on the chemical, these substances may have a good or harmful impact on the plants in the area. The negative effect is an essential component of another plant’s defense, development, and reproductive processes.
For instance, lantana releases compounds that prevent other weeds from growing and spreading. Due to its allelopathic properties, broccoli inhibits the growth of many other cruciferous plants, including Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage.
Enticing Useful Insects
The method of inviting beneficial insects, also known as “habitat influence,” is all about using plants to draw beneficial parasites, predators, and insects. These organisms might help in the destruction of insects that could affect other crops. When the surrounding plant is unable to do this on its own, this tactic is very helpful. Knowing what pests are most likely to be drawn to your garden will help you decide what kind of insects to attract there.
For instance, dill and yarrow are effective at luring ladybirds, which are beneficial to your plants as they consume (among other things) aphids. Visiting ladybirds should be welcomed if you have a plant that can be easily killed by this insect.
Biodiversity
Numerous pathogens and insects favor specific plant species. For example, pomegranate trees are favored by the leaf-footed beetle and hornworms, which are also known as tomato worms due to their love of tomatoes. It would be challenging to eradicate an infestation before it ruined your crop in a homogeneous garden of these plants.
To lessen the onset of the widespread infestation that could occur from one single, dominant crop, you should mix up different types of crops. It is a good idea to learn the botanical names of plants if you wish to understand how plants relate to one another. These Latin names help you boost the diversity in the garden by allowing you to recognize how similar different plants are.
Another strategic approach is to use florae from many genera. For instance, the genus Malus is unique to apple trees. Although the plants’ public titles give them a variety of looks, they are pretty similar, even though they still have individual variances.
Companion Plants in Particular Hydroponics
Plants are raised using hydroponic techniques on a material devoid of soil, such as coco coir, stone wool, or clay pebbles. Every plant needs its container if you want to grow using this technique. For plants raised in soil beds, a different growing process is used. Hydroponic companion plants are advantageous; if your plants’ roots are producing allelochemicals, you can use those chemicals in the recirculation tank. However, depending on your arrangement, this can require a lot of labor.
In addition to allelopathy, numerous different stimuli might arise from nearby plants. You can develop in a setting that is somewhat comparable while learning how to manage various insects. You can use insects to pollinate your fruits, veggies, and flowers or you can do it yourself. In the end, soilless gardeners might discover that companion plants offer a variety of advantages in a controlled environment.
Companion Plants to Consider
Companion plants work well with the classic trio of the three sisters, such as squash, beans, and corn. These three plants can coexist in perfect harmony. On top of mounds, corn is simple to plant, and once it has grown large enough, beans can be planted to support the corn. As soon as the beans begin to climb the corn plants, you may plant the squash. Three feet between cornstalks will be sufficient to provide the squash plants with the most sunlight possible.
Because it helps keep hornworms, flies, and mosquitoes away, basil is a wonderful neighbor for tomatoes. To keep nematodes, mites, and aphids away from carrot plants, use chives. Because they deter dangerous insects, marigolds are a suitable companion for practically any plant. Plant some mint close by cabbage if you wish to cultivate it to ward off pests like beetles, aphids, and moths.
Avoid These Combinations
In the same way, plants can be enhanced by their neighbors, certain combinations prove to be detrimental. Some plants can’t get along; hence, you should avoid these combinations. If you want to grow legumes, for example, it is important to avoid planting garlic or onions in a similar rooting area. You should not combine potatoes and sunflower because of their rooting conflict. Tomatoes and corn can’t get along in a better way. Diversity is essential for the health of your pesticide-free, low-labor companion garden.
Similar to how plants can benefit from their neighbors, some combinations might be harmful. You should avoid planting certain plants together since they don’t get along. For instance, it’s crucial to avoid planting garlic or onions in the same rooting region as legumes if you wish to grow them. Due to a rooting conflict, you shouldn’t mix potatoes with sunflowers. There is no better way to combine maize with tomatoes. For the health of your low-maintenance, pesticide-free companion garden, diversity is crucia
Closing Thoughts
Before combining two plants, you should understand how companion plants can affect others and conduct detailed research about which crops you want to grow next. Agriculture is a science and, by understanding this science, you can make your future garden successful.
Choosing the right companion plants can help create the right ecosystem for your garden. So, don’t settle with lackluster harvests of your garden. Instead, start finding the right partners for your garden and skyrocket your garden’s productivity!
