Mixed cultures are becoming more and more popular because of their positive effects. You can find out which plant combinations are best suited for this here.
For a long time, orderly rows and strictly separated beds dominated the vegetable patch. However, more and more gardeners are converting their garden to a so-called mixed culture: instead of being strictly separated in their own beds, different plants grow side by side or mixed up in one bed. There is a system to what seems like a big mess - by combining different plants, you can take advantage of the various positive influences. Some plants protect each other from pests, support each other in growth or increase soil activity in the bed. Here you can find out which plants are particularly suitable for a mixed culture.
If you don't just plant your plants strictly in a row, but also occasionally in a jumble, you can benefit from numerous positive effects. In order to be able to use these optimally, however, one should know which plant combinations complement each other best in a mixed culture.
10. Cucumber, dill and borage
Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are an absolute classic in the vegetable bed and an indispensable part of many gardens. However, if you hope for a good harvest of cucumbers, you should definitely grow the plant together with dill (Anethum graveolens) and borage (Borago officinalis). Dill not only goes well with cucumbers in the kitchen, but also promotes their germination. In return, the mature cucumber plants provide shade for the dill, which encourages its growth. Borage, on the other hand, is a particularly bee-friendly plant that attracts numerous pollinators - the cucumber also benefits from this. For tips on other good neighbors for cucumbers, check out our feature article.
9. Beans and Savory
The names already give it away - beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and savory (Satureja hortensis) belong together like pot and lid. Because the two plants are not only one on the plateexcellent combination, but they can also benefit from each other in the bed. Savory is a nightmare for the black bean aphid, which is why it protects beans from infestation with it very well. In addition, the scents of the savory promote the growth of the beans and should help the neighboring plant to develop a more intense aroma.
8. Lettuce and Peas
If you have a rather small garden and want to use every inch of it, lettuce (Lactuca sativa) should be combined with sweet peas (Pisum sativum var. saccharatum) or garden peas (Pisum sativum). The idea behind it is as simple as it is ingenious: the lettuce plants are already planted between the rows of peas when sowing. Since the lettuce is ready for harvest much faster than the peas, there is no competition for important resources - the lettuce has long since been harvested at this point. With this simple combination of plants, the beds can easily be used twice.
7. Garlic and Strawberries
In the kitchen, garlic (Allium sativum) and strawberries (Fragaria) are probably not a dream combination, but in the bed they are a well-rehearsed one Team. Garlic impresses above all with its bactericidal and fungicidal effect - it reliably protects the strawberries from plant diseases and from infestation with fungi. In addition, the strong garlic smell keeps voracious snails away.
Carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) and onions complement each other perfectly in the bed and are therefore among the best-known plant combinations in the vegetable bed. The spicy aroma of the onion plants scares away the annoying carrot fly, which causes problems when growing carrots. In turn, the carrots drive away the onion fly, which likes leeks (Allium ampeloprasum subsp. ampeloprasum) and onions (Allium cepa ) affected. The combination of leeks with carrots is particularly good - these have about the same location and care requirements and therefore fit wonderfully into a bed.
5. Marigolds and Potatoes
Who own potatoes (Solanumtuberosum) has one enemy in particular: Harmful types of nematodes, also known as roundworms or nematodes, impair the growth of the plant and can even spoil the entire harvest. The marigold (Tagetes) can help: This secretes substances through its roots that attract the nematodes. However, if the annoying threadworms fall into the trap and suck on the pretty summer flower, they absorb a highly effective toxin that kills the pests. With its pretty flowers, however, the marigold attracts beneficial insects, so that the pollination of neighboring plants is also ensured. Not only potatoes, but also cabbage, tomatoes and strawberries benefit from the effect of the marigold. By the way, there are also useful nematodes that are used in biological pest control. You can find out more about growing potatoes in intercropping in our special article.
Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo var. giromontiina), cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) and Not only do pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo) all belong to one plant genus, they also have a common problem: They only have very shallow roots and are therefore particularly sensitive when it comes to hoeing or weeding . Unfortunately, without tillage, weeds quickly spread - unless you plant an undersown with nasturtium (Tropaeolum). This reliably suppresses weeds and loosens the soil with its roots. In addition, the nasturtium ensures that its plant partners are not eaten by pests, because many insects like to settle on the colorful flower. An insider tip: The edible flowers of the nasturtium taste hearty and spicy and are particularly good as herb butter in combination with grilled zucchini flowers.
3. Swiss chard and marigolds
Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) and marigolds (Calendula officinalis) are an ideal duo in the bed. ). Not only do the colorful blossoms of the marigold paired with the colored stems of the chard form an interesting eye-catcher, the two plants also have a positive influence on each other. The marigold loosens up the soil with its long taproots, improving the soil structure and also driving away annoying snails. The chard says thank you by shading the ground and so forsufficient moisture in the soil, which accelerates the germination of the marigold.
Celery (Apium graveolens) is a true all-rounder in mixed cultivation and can be planted with almost all types of cabbage. The advantages are obvious: the aromatic scent of celery is a nightmare for annoying cabbage flies and cabbage aphids, thus ensuring beds are free of pests. But the cabbage also protects the celery, because it has a preventive effect on celery rust. The combination of celery and kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) has proven particularly effective, as both plants develop best when the soil is constantly is kept moist. But also cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var.gemmifera) or white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) benefit from the celery aroma.
1. Tomato and basil
The combination of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) is not only unbeatable on the plate - also in the bed Both plants can benefit from each other. The root exudates of the spicy basil ensure that tomatoes can better absorb the nutrients in the soil and thus grow better. Basil also helps against the dreaded powdery mildew and whitefly. Another positive side effect is that tomatoes that grow alongside basil develop a more intense aroma. But the basil also has advantages due to its place in the tomato bed: it often develops more leaf mass and root rot occurs less frequently.
If you are now interested in the topic of planting neighbors, you will find more tips in this article.
Tip: In addition to the right combination of plants, the substrate in which the plants grow is also important for successful cultivation. Use a high-quality organic soil like our Plantura Organic Tomato & Vegetable Soil for your vegetable plants.