Plants, like people, can get lonely on their own!
Companion planting is a technique that offers two different plants certain benefits that they can’t provide for themselves. Tomatoes and basil are companions both in the kitchen and the garden. Basil repels common tomato pests such as thrips and disorients the dreaded tomato hornworm. You can plant basil right at the base of tomatoes as long as you keep your tomato plants well-pruned. A good rule is to remember, "If it goes together, it grows together." Who can resist a beautiful caprese salad with fresh basil and tomatoes straight from the garden?
Another classic example is planting dill near your cucumbers. Dill deters aphids and mites, and acts as a host plant for ladybugs, which feast on aphids. It’s also a food source for caterpillars and butterflies-important pollinator friends! Plus, you have the benefit of harvesting your cucumbers and dill together to make delicious summer pickles.
Companion planting can be especially helpful if you’re growing with limited space, or in containers!
