Brassicas—cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and mustard greens—are staples in many gardens. They are cold-hardy, nutrient-dense, and versatile in the kitchen. Yet they are also pest magnets and heavy feeders that demand thoughtful placement in the garden. Success with brassicas often comes down to understanding which plants support them and which ones compete or … Read more
Potatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow at home. With just a few seed tubers, you can harvest buckets of food that store well through the year. Yet potatoes are also demanding—they draw heavily on soil nutrients, attract pests, and are prone to diseases like blight. Success with potatoes depends not only … Read more
Onions and carrots are garden staples, but they share a common problem: persistent fly pests that target their roots. Onion flies and carrot flies lay eggs in the soil, and the larvae burrow into the bulbs or roots, ruining harvests. Once established, these pests are difficult to control. The best approach is prevention through smart … Read more
Lettuce is one of the most versatile crops in the garden: fast-growing, space-efficient, and happy in cool weather. But it truly shines when grown alongside herbs that protect it from pests, extend its harvest window, and boost its flavor. Choosing the right herbs to grow with lettuce can turn a simple patch into a thriving, … Read more
Carrots are one of the most beloved garden crops, known for their crisp texture and sweet flavor. But achieving that sweetness isn’t just a matter of variety—it’s also influenced by soil health, growing conditions, and nearby plants. Companion planting can play a surprising role in improving carrot flavor while also supporting healthy growth. By choosing … Read more
The Three Sisters planting method is one of the oldest and most successful companion planting systems in North America. Developed by Indigenous peoples centuries ago, it combines corn, beans, and squash in a mutually supportive relationship. Each crop plays a vital role: corn provides structure, beans fix nitrogen, and squash shades the soil. Together, they … Read more
Tomatoes are the pride of many gardens, producing juicy fruits that shine in everything from summer salads to homemade sauces. But while tomatoes are hardy in the right conditions, they benefit greatly from the company they keep. Some plants enhance their growth, improve flavor, and protect them from pests, while others stunt their development or … Read more
Peppers are versatile garden stars, thriving in raised beds, containers, and field plots. But like most crops, they benefit greatly from thoughtful companion planting. When paired correctly, companions can reduce pests, boost pollination, enrich soil, and even enhance pepper flavor. This guide lays out the basics, including map-style placement strategies you can adapt to your … Read more
Cucumbers are refreshing, productive, and rewarding to grow, but they can also be vulnerable to pests, poor pollination, and disease. Companion planting offers a natural way to give cucumbers the support they need. By pairing them with the right plants, you can deter insects, attract pollinators, conserve soil moisture, and even improve flavor. Not every … Read more
Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together for mutual benefit. While some combinations are based on tradition and others on research, the underlying principle remains the same: diverse plantings create healthier gardens. To make companion planting practical, it helps to think crop by crop. Each vegetable has allies that support growth, deter … Read more