Historically, I prepared three garden plans, one for my vegetable garden; one for the garden that would house annual plants (those that cannot survive our winters); and one for additions to my perennial garden (plants that will grow year after year).  However, I’ve learned that my planning should consider how to combine rather than separate these three groups of plants.  This article will address the benefits of companion gardening.

Season-long color

To promote season-long color, consider placing annual plants next to perennials.  Most perennials bloom for a short period of time.  So, adding annuals is an excellent way to enhance the color in your flower garden.  Not only are annual flowers relatively easy to grow but they also provide instant and season-long color.  

Attracting pollinators

Many pollinators are attracted to the blossoms on annual and perennial plants.  By locating these plants next to vegetable plants, you can encourage the pollinators to visit your vegetable plants and at the same time add beauty to your garden.

Annuals are an excellent addition to your vegetable garden because, as stated above, they bloom continuously throughout the season providing a steady supply of nectar to butterflies and other pollinators.

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, studies have shown that the annual flowers listed below are most attractive to pollinators:

• Music Box Mix Sunflower

• Lemon Queen Sunflower

• Summer Pink Jewel Salvia

• Purple Fairy Tale Saliva

• Orange Fudge Black-eyed Susan

• Prairie Sun Black-eyed Susan

• Showstar Butter Daisy

• Dakota Gold Sneezeweed

• Envy Zinnia

Also, perennial plants such as coneflowers, lilac, butterfly weed and asters are very attractive to butterflies and so should be considered as a neighbor plant to vegetable plants requiring pollination.

Natural pest control

Some plants can serve to repel specific pests.  So, locating these plants near vegetable plants that are vulnerable to certain pests can serve as a natural repellant.  For example, basil and marigolds have been found to be effective in reducing thrip populations in tomatoes.  Marigolds’ scent has been used to repel other pests as well . . . to a varying degree of success.  

You can also consider planting vegetables and herbs near some of your perennials.  Locating onions and garlic near rose plants can add an additional texture to your flower garden and at the same time will repel pests that can attack your rose bushes.  Aphids, ants and snails aren’t huge fans of garlic.  In addition, studies show that garlic has anti-fungal properties, which helps  to discourage the development of fungal diseases like blackspot.

There are actually three reasons that you might plant nasturtium near squash plants   First, they can help to reduce the number of squash bugs.  Second, their flowers enhance the appearance of the garden.  Third, they provide a blossom that is edible and can be added to your salads.  

So, as you prepare for the upcoming summer, consider mixing and matching your edible plants with flowering perennials and annuals to enhance the beauty of your garden, attract pollinators to plants that will benefit from these critters and reduce the need for pesticides by providing plants that serve as natural repellants.

Photo credits: www.Havatopraksu.org, All Creative Commons (1), Linda Stein (2,3)