Hello! I'm Ka-kun from Nohara Vegetable Garden.
Today, I'd like to introduce you to the concept of companion planting.
Companion planting refers to the practice of growing two or more different kinds of plants together in a way that allows them to positively affect each other.
Some well-known examples include tomatoes planted with basil, or eggplants planted with green onions.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the benefits and examples of companion planting.
The Benefits of Companion Planting
Companion planting is known to offer several benefits, such as:
- Pest-repelling effects
- Disease prevention
- Growth promotion
- Efficient use of space
Companion planting is a cultivation method that harnesses the natural relationships between plants to reduce the need for pesticides and prevent pests and diseases.
When used effectively, companion planting not only helps to decrease damage from pests and diseases, but also allows you to grow multiple kinds of vegetables even in a small area.
Specific Examples and Effects of Companion Planting
A classic example of companion planting is the combination of tomatoes and basil.
Effect 1: Pest Repellent
The aromatic compounds released by basil are believed to repel pests that are typically attracted to tomatoes.
Effect 2: Improved Flavor
When basil is planted nearby, it slightly reduces the amount of water absorbed by tomato plants. This can lower the water content in the fruits, resulting in a sweeter and richer tomato flavor.
Effect 3: Prevention of Fruit Cracking
Tomatoes can crack if they absorb too much water all at once. Basil helps regulate the soil’s moisture level, lowering the risk of fruit splitting after heavy rain.
Conclusion
Companion planting is the practice of growing two or more plant species together to create a mutually beneficial relationship.
There are many known examples, and I plan to introduce more in future articles—so please stay tuned!
Thank you for reading to the end.
Ka-kun
Nohara Vegetable Garden