How Do I Decide What To Plant Together?

“I’ve recently started a backyard farm in Phoenix, Arizona, and I’m not sure how to decide which plants to grow together. I want to maximize the space I have and ensure my plants thrive. Any advice on how to plan my garden effectively would be appreciated!” Many thanks, Barbara, Phoenix, USA.

How Do I Decide What to Plant Together?

Deciding what to plant together in a backyard farm can make a huge difference in the overall health and productivity of your garden. Companion planting, as it’s called, can help enhance growth, repel pests, and improve flavors. Here are some tips and guidelines that will help you figure out the best approach for your backyard farm in Phoenix.

Understanding Companion Planting

Companion planting is a method that involves growing certain plants together to take advantage of their natural tendencies to support one another. Some plants have attributes that can benefit others, such as deterring pests, attracting beneficial insects, or enhancing soil nutrients. Before selecting plant pairings, it’s important to understand how this method works.

“The concept of companion planting relies on the idea that certain plants have natural chemical interactions with others that can promote each other’s growth or provide some protection from pests.”

Basic Companion Planting Principles

• Mutual Benefits: Pair plants that offer mutual benefits. For example, beans add nitrogen to the soil, which is great for leafy greens that need a lot of nitrogen.
• Pest Control: Some plants repel pests that commonly afflict their neighbors. Marigolds, for instance, are known to deter nematodes and can be planted around tomato plants for added protection.
• Space Optimization: Use taller plants to provide shade for shorter, shade-loving plants. Corn and lettuce can coexist well, as the corn offers shade but doesn’t overshadow the lettuce entirely.
• Soil Health: Rotate crops to prevent soil depletion. Plant heavy feeders like tomatoes next to plants that enrich the soil, like legumes.

Specific Companions for Popular Plants

It helps to know which plants have proven beneficial partnerships. Here are some popular plants and their best companion choices:

Tomatoes

• Basil: Enhances flavor and repels insects such as mosquitoes and flies.
• Marigolds: Deter harmful nematodes and other pests.
• Garlic: Keeps aphids at bay.
• Carrots: Don’t compete for space and can help aerate the soil.

Carrots

• Onions: Repel carrot flies.
• Leeks: Offer mutual pest protection.
• Rosemary: Helps repel carrot flies.
• Peas: Add nitrogen to the soil, benefiting carrots.

Beans

• Corn: Serves as natural poles for climbing beans.
• Squash: Provides ground cover to prevent weed growth.
• Cucumbers: Offer mutual benefits in growth and pest control.

Garden Layout Tips

Before planting, consider the layout of your backyard garden. A well-thought-out layout can make maintenance easier and ensure plants thrive.

Sunlight and Shade

• Sun-loving Plants: Place tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers in the sunniest part of the yard. These plants typically need 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
• Shade-tolerant Plants: Lettuce, spinach, and herbs like mint can thrive in partial shade and can be planted underneath taller plants.
• Vertical Gardening: Utilize vertical space by growing climbing plants like beans and peas along a trellis or fence. This also helps save ground space for other crops.

Water Needs

Grouping plants based on their water requirements is essential to avoid over or under-watering:

• Drought-tolerant Plants: Herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary don’t require much water and can be grouped together.
• Water-loving Plants: Lettuce, cucumbers, and celery need more consistent moisture.

Consider the Seasons

Different plants have different growing seasons, and planning accordingly will keep your garden productive year-round:

• Spring: Plant cool-season crops like peas, lettuce, and radishes.
• Summer: Opt for tomatoes, squash, and beans that thrive in the heat.
• Fall: Replant with cool-season crops or try root vegetables like beets and carrots.

Dealing with Common Pests

Companion planting can help manage pests without the need for harmful chemicals:

• Aphids: Plant garlic or chives near susceptible plants to repel these pests.
• Tomato Hornworm: Borage is known to deter these creatures.
• Slugs: Planting fennel or cilantro can keep slugs at bay.

Soil Preparation and Maintenance

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Here are some tips for maintaining fertile soil:

• Composting: Adding compost improves soil structure, provides nutrients, and promotes beneficial microbial activity.
• Mulching: Retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps the soil cool.
• Rotation: Rotating crops each season prevents nutrient depletion and reduces pest problems.

Personalized Planting Plan

Given the specific climate in Phoenix, Arizona, here are some plant combinations that could thrive:

• Sage and Rosemary: Both are drought-resistant and can thrive in the hot, dry climate.
• Tomatoes and Basil: Great combination for hot, sunny spots.
• Peppers and Onions: Both can handle the heat and dry conditions of Phoenix.

Keep in mind your own preferences and the specific conditions of your backyard. Monitor your plants regularly, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your garden.

Final Thoughts…

Barbara, planning your garden by considering companion planting, the specific needs of each plant, and your local climate can make a world of difference. Thanks for reaching out, and happy gardening! Remember, a well-planned garden is the first step to a thriving backyard farm.