Companion Planting for Beginners

When I first started gardening, I found it really helpful to keep things simple—one type of plant per pot. It gave me time to figure out what each one liked, what it didn’t, and how much water or sun it actually needed, before I started layering things on like companion planting. So, if that’s where you’re at right now, I love that. It’s a great way to get your bearings. But if you’re feeling curious and ready to experiment, or just want a simple cheat sheet, here is a quick overview on companion planting:

1. It's a Natural Cheat Code. At its simplest, companion planting is just the practice of growing certain plants together because they benefit one another in some way. Some plants can be used to naturally repel unwanted pests while and others attract beneficial predatory bugs and pollinators. Thanks, Nature!

2. Flavor Boosts and Growth Helpers

Certain plants can actually improve the flavor or growth of other plants. Basil, for instance, is a perfect neighbour for tomatoes—it can enhance their flavor while also helping deter pests.

3. Space Savings and Shade

For many of us trying to garden in the city, space can be a prohibitive factor. Figuring out which plants work well together can help maximize valuable real estate. Some plants work well because one grows tall while the other stays low, so they don’t compete for space or sunlight. Example: Tomatoes grow tall while lettuce stays low and benefits from the shade cast by the tomatoes. 

4. It doesn't have to be Complicated 

Here's the real deal. As a beginner, I found the whole co-planting thing overwhelming. There were so many do’s and don’t, and “rules” that it almost took the fun out of it. But over time, I realized that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective. It can be as simple as observing, experimenting, and letting your plants teach you what they like through trial and error. 

So, whether you’re tucking a basil plant next to your tomato, or letting kale cozy up to some bush peas, the little choices can make a difference—not just in your harvest, but in how connected you feel to the process. Don’t stress about getting it “right.” Try a few combinations, see what works in your space, and have fun with it. You might be surprised by how much your garden teaches you.

Oh and here's a quick cheat sheet to make the whole thing a little bit easier ;)