Companion planting is the practice of growing two or more plants closely together so that they can assist each other in some way such as deterring pests, improving growth, fixing nitrogen, enhancing flavor and attracting beneficial insects.

Whether it is truth or fallacy, companion planting has been used by generations of gardeners. Science does not offer any evidence that companion planting serves any purpose, however, mention this to any organic gardener and you will strike up a huge debate to the contrary.

It will be explained to you how certain plants are able to produce smells that drive away certain insects while others produce compounds which attract predators to insect pests thereby providing a safe alternative to pesticides.

The smell from the rows of onions being grown in-between rows of cabbage or broccoli is a prime example of how companion planting deters pests, possibly due to the onion’s strong scent confusing the cabbage pests.

When using companion planting, try planting tomatoes next door to cabbages, it seems they deter caterpillars.

Do you want to repel carrot fly? Try planting leeks next to them.

Marigolds not only brighten up the vegetable patch with their orange flowers but are particularly effective in repelling nematodes from cabbage, broccoli and Brussel sprouts. They deter these and other garden pests by exuding chemicals from their roots. Basil grown amongst vegetables will repel aphids, mites and mosquitoes.

Herbs are particularly useful if you are interested in companion planting. Many are highly aromatic and effective insect repellents for example: chives, garlic, hyssop, lavender, nasturtium, pennyroyal, stinging nettle, tansy, thyme, sage, and wormwood.

However it must be mentioned there is also a danger of mixing the wrong combinations together. If dill is planted near carrots, the carrots will be woodier and stronger flavored and the dill milder.