Companion Planting

Companion planting is the age-old practice of pairing crops so they help each other grow, and it’s one of the most satisfying skills a home gardener can learn. In this class, you’ll discover why tomatoes thrive alongside basil, how marigolds shield entire beds from pests, and the science behind the legendary “Three Sisters”—corn, beans, and squash—growing together in perfect cooperation. We’ll cover which partnerships boost flavor, deter insects, and improve soil nitrogen, as well as the combinations to avoid, like onions near beans or fennel near almost anything. Beyond simple pairings, you’ll learn to design a garden layout where every plant plays a role, reducing the need for pesticides while increasing yields. By the end, you’ll see your garden not as rows of solitary plants, but as a living community that thrives through teamwork.