Companion Planting - A Must In Your Garden

Companion planting is an organic way to save your garden from harmfull pests and insects and take care of pollination by attracting the good bugs.

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Little-Known

During my Garden Journal Challenges it struck me that companion planting wasn't as well-known as I thought it was. Several contestants were not aware of this organic technique to let your plants thrive while protecting each other.

There are several reasons why you should plant crops close together - or just far away from each other.

Whereas some crops or herbs have a beneficial influence on the soil, others can hinder each other because they exude toxins that can stop their neighbors from growing.
Some plants attract harmful bugs, like aphids, and so protect the plants that are near to them.
Crops and herbs with a strong smell can be used to confuse harmful bugs, so they don't get to feast.
Flowers attract pollinators and other good bugs

But sometimes it doesn't have to be so complicated. Just take this example from the 'three sisters planting':

Almost any article on companion planting references the Native American “Three Sister Planting”. This age old grouping involves growing corn, beans and squash – often pumpkin – in the same area. As the corn stalks grow, beans naturally find support by climbing up the stalk. Beans, as all legumes, fix nitrogen in the soil, which supports the large nutritional needs of corn. Squash grows rapidly and the large squash leaves shade out weeds and serve as natural weed block. Good plant companions work in support of each other.

Infographic

Below, you'll find an infographic that shows you some basics of companion planting.
Beneath it, I'll add some extra links to websites with very interesting information regarding this topic (and more extended infographics).