The Ultimate Guide To Companion Planting In Pots

The Ultimate Guide to Companion Planting in Pots

Companion planting is a gardening practice that involves planting different types of plants together in order to benefit each other. This can be done in both in-ground gardens and container gardens. When companion planting in pots, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to get the most out of your plants.

• Consider the size of your pots. When choosing plants to companion plant in pots, make sure to consider the size of your pots. Some plants, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, need more space than others, such as lettuce and herbs. If you plant too many plants in a small pot, they will compete for resources and may not thrive.
• Think about the sun exposure your plants need. Not all plants need the same amount of sun exposure. Some plants, such as tomatoes and peppers, need full sun, while others, such as lettuce and spinach, can tolerate partial shade. Make sure to plant your companion plants in a way that they will all get the amount of sun they need.
• Pay attention to the plants' water needs. Some plants, such as cucumbers and melons, need a lot of water, while others, such as onions and garlic, can tolerate drier conditions. If you plant plants with different water needs in the same pot, you may need to water more or less frequently, depending on the plants.
• Choose plants that benefit each other. There are many different ways that plants can benefit each other. Some plants attract beneficial insects, which can help to control pests. Other plants release chemicals that deter pests. Some plants improve the soil quality, which can benefit all of the plants in the pot. When choosing companion plants, do some research to find plants that will work well together.

Here are some examples of companion plants that work well together in pots:

• Tomatoes and basil: Basil helps to deter tomato hornworms, a common pest of tomatoes. It also improves the flavor of tomatoes.
• Carrots and onions: Carrots and onions repel each other's pests. They also have different root systems, so they don't compete for resources.
• Lettuce and marigolds: Marigolds attract beneficial insects, which can help to control pests that damage lettuce.
• Peas and beans: Peas and beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits all of the plants in the pot.
• Potatoes and tomatoes: Potatoes and tomatoes can be planted together in the same pot, but they should be planted in separate hills. This will help to prevent the spread of diseases.

These are just a few examples of companion plants that work well together in pots. There are many other possibilities, so do some research to find plants that will work well in your particular garden.

If you're looking to grow a beautiful and productive container garden, companion planting is a great way to do it. By planting certain plants together, you can help them to thrive and deter pests and diseases.

There are many different companion planting combinations that you can try, but some of the most popular include:

• Basil and tomatoes: Basil repels thrips, which can damage tomatoes. It also attracts pollinators, which help to improve tomato production.
• Cucumbers and nasturtiums: Nasturtiums attract pests like aphids and whiteflies away from cucumbers. They also help to deter cucumber beetles.
• Herbs and flowers: Many herbs and flowers can be companion planted together. For example, chives and carrots can help to repel carrot flies. Marigolds can help to deter a variety of pests, including nematodes, whiteflies, and aphids.

If you're not sure which plants to pair together, there are many resources available to help you. One great place to start is Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a comprehensive companion planting chart that lists which plants are compatible with each other.

FAQ of companion planting in pots

1. What are the benefits of companion planting in pots?

There are many benefits to companion planting in pots. For one, it can help to improve the health and productivity of your plants. When plants are planted together, they can help to deter pests and diseases, attract beneficial insects, and improve soil fertility. Companion planting can also help to save space, as you can grow more plants in a smaller area.

2. What are some good companion plants for potted herbs?

Some good companion plants for potted herbs include:

• Basil and tomatoes: Basil helps to repel tomato hornworms and other pests, while tomatoes provide support for basil to climb.
• Chives and carrots: Chives help to repel carrot fly, while carrots help to improve the flavor of chives.
• Mint and strawberries: Mint helps to repel pests, while strawberries provide support for mint to climb.
• Oregano and rosemary: Oregano and rosemary help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
• Parsley and tomatoes: Parsley helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes, while tomatoes provide support for parsley to climb.

3. What are some things to consider when companion planting in pots?

When companion planting in pots, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• The size of the pot: Make sure that the pot is large enough for the mature size of the plants you are planting.
• The needs of the plants: Consider the sunlight, water, and fertilizer requirements of the plants you are planting.
• The growth habits of the plants: Some plants, such as mint, can be very aggressive growers. Make sure to plant these plants in pots by themselves or with other plants that can tolerate their aggressive growth habits.
• The aesthetics of the plants: Companion planting can also be a great way to add visual interest to your garden. Consider the colors, shapes, and textures of the plants you are planting when making your choices.

4. When is the best time to plant companion plants in pots?

The best time to plant companion plants in pots is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the plants are not stressed by hot or cold temperatures.

5. How do I care for companion plants in pots?

Companion plants in pots need to be cared for just like any other potted plant. This includes watering, fertilizing, and providing them with the right amount of sunlight. You may also need to thin out the plants as they grow to ensure that they have enough space to grow and thrive.

Image of companion planting in pots

Here are 5 different images of companion planting in pots from Pinterest:

1. Tomatoes and basil. Tomatoes and basil are a classic companion plant pairing. Tomatoes attract pollinators, which help to pollinate the basil flowers. Basil also helps to deter pests from tomatoes.
2. Carrots and onions. Carrots and onions also make good companion plants. Carrots help to keep the soil loose and aerated, which helps onions to grow well. Onions also help to repel carrot flies.
3. Cucumbers and nasturtiums. Cucumbers and nasturtiums are another great companion plant pairing. Nasturtiums help to deter pests from cucumbers, such as cucumber beetles and squash bugs. Cucumbers also help to provide support for nasturtiums to climb.
4. Marigolds and roses. Marigolds and roses are a beautiful and beneficial companion plant pairing. Marigolds help to repel pests from roses, such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Roses also help to provide support for marigolds to climb.
5. Potatoes and beans. Potatoes and beans are a good companion plant pairing for nitrogen fixation. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps to provide nutrients for potatoes. Potatoes also help to suppress weeds, which can compete with beans for water and nutrients.