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Companion Planting. Sabine Harvey sharvey1@umd.edu. College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. What is Companion Planting?. The establishment of two or more plant species in close proximity so that some cultural benefit is derived. History. Pliny the Elder, 23-79 AD Three Sisters
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Companion Planting Sabine Harvey sharvey1@umd.edu
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
What is Companion Planting? • The establishment of two or more plant species in close proximity so that some cultural benefit is derived
History • Pliny the Elder, 23-79 AD • Three Sisters • Sensitive crystallization test? Biodynamics.
Be Aware: Allelopathy • Greek: Allelon = “of each other”, pathy = “to suffer” • Broccoli and cabbage • Marigolds • Crabgrass • Sunflowers • Black Walnut
Various Mechanisms • Biodiversity/beneficial insects • Pest control (biochemical, trap crops) • Symbiotic relationship • Increased crop diversity • Physical interaction (shade, fast-slow growing)
Beneficial Insects • Any plant in the aster, mint or carrot family • Flowers during entire season
Good Guys: Predators
Pest Control, Maybe • Usually heavily scented herbs • Different color • Pest repellent or trap crop
Nasturtiums • Deter pests from beans, cabbages and squash family • But in some trials they attracted pests • AND they grow better in poor soil
Marigolds • Tagetes patula – French marigold • Controls root-knot nematodes BUT • Can also be allelopathic: beans, cabbages
Physical Interactions • Three sisters: perfect example
How to Start? • Pick your favorite veggies • Do you have the space? • Avoid planting together: plants of same family (except cabbages) plants that use the same nutrients plants with similar root zones
Beans and Peas • Potatoes • Corn, squash, cucumber • Summer savory, dill • Pole beans create shade for lettuce • Not with onion family or marigolds
Cabbage Family • Potatoes • Any strong smelling plant • Use space between plants • Not with marigolds
Carrots • Grows well with almost anything • Onion family • Keep away from dill, parsnips
Lettuce • Plant below/behind tall crops in summer • Onions and roots crops • Anything • Sensitive to decaying rye
Onion Family • Good with anything, except legume family • Don’t forget garlic!
Potatoes • Beans • Plant with fast growing spring veggies • Do not plant with tomatoes, raspberries, squash family
Squash Family • Beans and corn • Radishes! • Nasturiums?
Tomatoes • Onion/garlic or strong smelling herbs • Asparagus? • Basil! • Very sensitive to black walnut • Not near fennel, potatoes or corn
Think Twice! • Amaranth • Comfrey: Symphytum officinale, Russian comfrey - Symphytum x uplandicum • Flax
Sources • Companion Planting, Susan Mclure, Rodale Press. • Great Garden Companions, Sally Jean Cunningham, Rodale Press • Companion Planting: Basic Concepts and Resources, ATTRA Publication
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