Have you heard of companion planting? When I first heard about it and started learning more it made perfect sense! Of course God would have a good way for us to be more successful in the garden. He did design the first garden after all, didn’t He? I thought I’d share what I’ve learned along the way. I hope this inspires you to do your own experimenting and digging (no pun intended) as you learn how to make your garden a success.

Amos 9:14 I will bring my people Israel back from exile. They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them.

They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit.

You’re not alone if you feel the calling to do all that you can, not matter the space, to provide for your family. We spent many years in an urban setting doing what we could to provide food for our family with the space and resources that we had. We didn’t grow much for many years, but the joy that it brought all of us to harvest a few things is something we will always cherish. While in that urban setting we regularly grew figs, strawberries, okra and cantaloupe. Now that we are in a rural setting with plenty of sun and space we have unlimited opportunity to grow almost all of the fruits and vegetables we can eat. That’s exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. Thankfully God has designed a great system of plants that can help all of us be successful in the garden. There are a host of flowers and herbs that will help your fruit & vegetables resist disease, deter bugs and supplement the soil.

What IS companion planting? It’s the planting of different crops planted near each other for a number of different reasons ~

1. Provides a habitat for beneficial insects

2. Maximizes use of space

3. Deters harmful insects

4. Supplements the soil

5. Increases crop productivity

To get started companion planting, you could look up each vegetable or fruit that you’re growing and list out each companion plant - remembering to list out which vegetables and fruits SHOULD NOT grow near each other. If you have the time this is by far the best, most effective method.

If you don’t have the capacity for that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We all have limited time to do things - you must pick and choose where you are going to spend your time.

My hope is that the guide below helps you make better use of your time!

Dual Purpose Companion Plants

Herbs are my preferred choice for companion plants because they serve double duty. I’d recommend growing most of these in pots around your garden, most of them like a lot of room and spread easily. Pots will contain them and allow you to bring them in for protection in the winter months.

My must haves. . .

Flowering plants are great helpers too.

A lot of your choices will depend on your gardening zone. I’ve only gardened in Denver, Colorado & Texas so my experience stops there. Some of my favorites are . . .

Resources for learning more:

• Unity Gardens, you can find a great post HERE

• Almanac Companion Planting Chart

• Heirloom Organics ~ they have a great garden map to give you an example of what you could do in your own garden