Humans and animals love companionship.

But, did you know plants feel the same way and companion plants help those around them grow better and help give a better yield too?

So what are companion plants? They could be any plant – fruit trees, veggies or simply those that yield beautiful flowers.

They also come with dozens of extra benefits like bringing in fresh clean air, a lovely breeze or the fragrance of mother earth.

All you need to do is some companion planting.

It’s a form of polyculture that optimises use of space and allows a variety of plants to grow together with mutual benefits.

These benefits including repelling pests, providing nutrients and minerals to the soil and allowing vertical support.

Such planting saves space and is best for small garden spaces.

They also keep weeds out. Most weeds absorb nutrients & block natural sunlight essential for a plant’s growth.

By growing plants close together,soil erosion can be prevented, making top soil moist and fertile.

Taller plants help smaller ones from dying due to too much exposure to the sun, especially during summers.

This style of planting  attracts useful insects and pollinators that keep pests away and boost plant growth.

However, not all plants are friends, some can work in the negative too.

Here are a few things you should know. Beans should be planted with Carrot, Cauliflower, Cucumber and Cabbage.

Avoid chives, leek (scallions) and garlic with this bunch

With Brinjal, Beans, Capsicum, Potato and Spinach is ok but avoid

Kiwi, Figs, Pomegranate and Curry leaves. Yes, curry leaves.

With Cabbage, plant Beetroot, Spinach, Oregano and Sage but avoid Strawberry and Potato.

With Cauliflower, Beans Celery, Oregano, Marigold grow well but not with Nasturtium, Peas, Potato, Strawberry or Tomato.

With Cucumber, companions are Bean, Melon, Cucumber, Radish, Melon and Pumpkin but not not Cauliflower, Potato and Basil

While Bean Sprout, Cabbage, Lettuce, Broccoli, Tomato and Strawberry make good bedfellows with onion, avoid

Bean and Peas.

If you like Spinach, add Celery, Cauliflower, Eggplant but avoid Leek and Strawberry.

And the list goes on.

This is just a small idea of how much can be done with little garden space for a self-sustaining kitchen.

But, remember all this requires planning and research on soil and local climatic conditions for suitable plants.

We hope this article helps you get started on a new companionship order.

Maria Kuruvilla