The UKSN Guide to Vegetable Companion Planting: Boosting Yields and Building Resilience​

At UKSN, we believe in fostering self-sufficiency and community resilience through sustainable practices. One such practice that aligns perfectly with our ethos is companion planting—a time-honoured gardening technique that enhances plant health, deters pests naturally, and maximises space efficiency. Whether you're cultivating a backyard gardeny or managing a communal plot with your local UKSN Charter, companion planting offers a chemical-free approach to thriving vegetable cultivation.​

What Is Companion Planting?

Companion planting involves strategically placing different plant species together to create beneficial interactions. These interactions can include pest deterrence, improved pollination, enhanced flavour, and better utilisation of garden space. By mimicking natural ecosystems, companion planting reduces the need for synthetic inputs and fosters a more resilient garden environment.​

Benefits of Companion Planting

Natural Pest Management

Certain plants emit scents or compounds that repel pests. For example, marigolds are known to deter aphids and nematodes, while basil can ward off whiteflies and mosquitoes. By interplanting such species, you can protect your crops without resorting to chemical pesticides.​

Enhanced Pollination

Flowers like calendula, borage, and lavender attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Introducing these plants into your vegetable garden can increase pollination rates, leading to higher yields.​

Improved Soil Fertility

Leguminous plants like peas and beans fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, enriching it for neighbouring plants. This natural fertilisation supports the growth of nitrogen-demanding crops like corn and leafy greens.​

Optimised Space Utilisation

By pairing plants with different growth habits, you can make the most of your garden space. For instance, tall sunflowers can provide shade for lettuce, which prefers cooler conditions. Similarly, climbing beans can be trained up corn stalks, saving ground space.​

Companion Planting Combinations for UK Gardens

Here are some tried-and-tested companion planting pairings suitable for UK climates:​

Tomatoes

• Good Companions: Basil, marigolds, chives, and carrots. Basil enhances flavour and repels pests; marigolds deter nematodes.​

• Avoid Planting With: Potatoes and fennel, as they can compete for nutrients and attract similar pests.​

Carrots

• Good Companions: Onions, leeks, and rosemary. These help mask the scent of carrots, deterring carrot root fly.​

• Avoid Planting With: Dill and parsnips, which can attract similar pests.​

Cabbage Family (Brassicas)

• Good Companions: Chamomile, dill, and onions. These attract beneficial insects and repel cabbage moths.​

• Avoid Planting With: Strawberries, as they compete for nutrients and attract similar pests.​

Beans

• Good Companions: Corn, cucumbers, and radishes. Beans fix nitrogen, benefiting heavy feeders.​

• Avoid Planting With: Onions and garlic, which can inhibit bean growth.​

Lettuce

• Good Companions: Carrots, radishes, and strawberries. These combinations can improve flavour and deter pests.​

• Avoid Planting With: Parsley, which can compete for resources.

Implementing Companion Planting in Your Garden

Plan Your Layout

Before planting, sketch your garden layout, grouping compatible plants together. Consider plant heights, sun requirements, and growth habits to ensure harmony.​

Rotate Crops Annually

To prevent soil depletion and disrupt pest life cycles, practice crop rotation by changing plant locations each year.​

Incorporate Herbs and Flowers

Integrate herbs like thyme, oregano, and sage, and flowers like nasturtiums and calendula to attract beneficial insects and deter pests.​

Monitor and Adjust

Regularly observe your garden for signs of pest activity or plant stress. Adjust your planting combinations as needed based on these observations.​

Companion Planting in UKSN Charters

UKSN Charters, our member-run mutual assistance groups, can greatly benefit from implementing companion planting techniques. By sharing knowledge and resources, Charter members can:

• Collaboratively plan and manage communal gardens.​

• Exchange seeds and plants to diversify crops.​

• Host workshops to educate members on sustainable gardening practices.​

Such collaborative efforts not only enhance food security but also strengthen community bonds.​

Conclusion

Companion planting is a valuable tool in the pursuit of self-sufficiency and sustainable living. By understanding and applying these natural plant relationships, UKSN members can cultivate healthier gardens, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and foster stronger communities.