Plant Combinations for Your Companion Vegetable Garden
Planting vegetables in containers is the first step to start enjoying the fresh taste of a garden. Vegetable gardens planted in pots are easy to care for and yield great tasting vegetables. Here are some suggestions on how to plant your first vegetables garden.
If you’re planting a companion vegetable garden, you want to start it in the spring so that the garden has everything it needs for growing before the hard freeze of the fall season. Lettuce, peppers, squash, or sweet peas are all great choices for this. If your area has snow, though, consider planting your vegetables in the late winter or spring so they don’t have to wait for Mother Nature to come around again. Winter squash or melons will usually be fully mature and harvesting before colder weather is needed is no problem.
When you’re planting vegetables in containers, you have a lot of flexibility when deciding what type of container to use. Metal compost bins work well, but make sure you buy one with a tight lid so that moisture doesn’t escape and pests such as silverfish get a chance to breed. Plastic tubs work well too, especially if you buy ones in bulk to prepare for planting. Cast iron and ceramic crocks work well, but make sure they’re not rusty before using. For shade, you might consider planting your garden in raised beds, especially if your soil is sandy. This gives your plants some of the shade they need, as well as providing a good spot for feeding during the hot afternoons.
One important thing to keep in mind when you plant vegetables in a companion vegetable garden is spacing – how far apart do you need to plant different varieties? You need to have a plan in place before you start planting so that you don’t leave spaces open between your plants that can become potential hiding places for pests. If your space is limited, you might want to consider planting just a few feet apart, or use raised beds. In addition, be careful not to put any more than a foot apart, as you don’t want roots from one plant to grow into the roots of another.
Another consideration for planning your planting areas is how much sun and water your veggies will get. Sunlight is essential to photosynthesis, which is necessary for creating food. It is also the fuel for plant growth, so it makes sense to plant vegetables in areas that receive a lot of sunlight. Keep in mind that you will have to move your garden every year, so choose a location where you know your veggies will always be in the shade. Also, be sure to check with your local nursery to find out about watering requirements specific to different types of plants and vegetables.
A companion vegetable garden filled with herbs can be a great addition to an existing garden. Herbs can add flavor and color to your dinner table, and they can even act as natural pest control! Several plants that can be useful additions include basil, chives, oregano, sage, thyme, tarragon, and marigolds. All of these herbs can be grown in containers, so it doesn’t take a big hole in the pocket to keep them in the yard.
Many gardening books will also give you suggestions for companion vegetable gardens, such as edible ground covers, annuals, perennials, and container gardening. You’ll need to find out what type of gardening you like best, whether it’s small patches of land or large landscaped gardens. Once you know what you want to do with your gardening, research the types of crops you prefer. Check local nurseries for suggestions, and look on the internet for growing tips for all kinds of plants.
When you plant tomatoes, peppers, squash, or any of the other vegetables in your garden, make sure that the rest of the garden is planted in organic soil. Companion planting with beans and chickpeas is a great way to add variety to your diet, since peas are high in protein and very good for your health. You’ll have a healthy, attractive garden to look at, plus you’ll be adding some colorful greens to your plate!