We’ve spoken about it before in a previous Journal article, but companion planting is the thing that can take your gardening experience to the next level. It’s certainly something that doesn’t need to be done, but if you do, you may just find that certain veggies get pollinated quicker, or can withstand their journey longer because they haven’t been wiped out by pests.

Since releasing our Edible Flower range, which is packed with 4 powerful companion plants, we thought we’d release the perfect companion plant for those flowers.

French Marigold (not to be confused with African Marigolds).

They are helpful at killing and repelling nematodes, which are tiny organisms that are known for causing crop problems. Marigolds are known for their bee attracting qualities, and ladybugs, lacewigs and hoverflies, which enjoy eating aphids and other pests.

Companion plants:

• Cucumber

• Melons

• Aubergines

• Squash

• Potatoes

• Lettuce

• Pumpkins

• Tomatoes

• Asparagus

• Beans

• Onions

Nasturtium:

Nasturtiums have been known to deter squash beetles and cucumber beetles. But have also been known to attract aphids and cabbage white butterflies which can damage crops — but the key to this is to use Nasturtiums a trap crop, or a distraction crop.

Companion plants:

• Broccoli

• Brussel Sprotus

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Cucumber

• Kale

• Kohlrabi

• Pumpkins

• Radish

• Squash

• Tomatoes

• Potatoes

• Aubergines

Calendula:

Being brightly coloured these plants, attract beneficial pollinators to the garden. They work to protect vegetable gardens from Aphids, Potato Beetles, Flea Beetles, Corn Earwoms, Japanese Beetles and Squash Beetles.

• Cucumber

• Potatoes

• Strawberries

• Peas

• Corn

• Basil

• Peppers

• Tomatoes

• Peas

• Carrots

• Asparagus

• Salad greens

• Runner Beans

• French beans