Companion Planting: Nature's Pest Control and Soil Building

Companion planting pairs plants that mutually benefit—repelling pests, attracting pollinators, sharing nutrients. Practiced since Roman times; Native Americans' "Three Sisters" (corn, beans, squash) is a classic example.

Key Benefits

• Pest control: Mask scents, repel with odors, or trap crops.
• Pollination: Attract bees and beneficial insects.
• Soil enrichment: Nitrogen-fixers (legumes) feed neighbors.

Proven Pairings

• Marigolds + tomatoes: Scent repels pests; French marigolds deter root-knot nematodes (microscopic worms causing yellow leaves).
• Basil + tomatoes: Improves flavor, repels mites, aphids, mosquitoes. Bonus: salad inspiration while watering!
• Yarrow (physician plant): Nutrient accumulator; helps ailing neighbors. Marjoram and oregano similar.

Science is limited for large-scale farming, but home gardeners swear by it. Rethink monoculture rows—interplant for resilience and yield.