When you plant your plants and veg is important but before that you need to spend some time thinking about ways to help them grow. A key way is companion planting. Companion planting is growing certain plants near other plants that have symbiotic qualities. For instance; plants that have different root structure so don’t fight for soil space, or plants that release certain nutrients that help others grow or even deter pests from eating their plant comrades.
Recently at Waltons we’ve really gotten into gardening thanks to our wonderful 6 x 4 Evesham Wooden Greenhouse here on the show site, the greenhouse offers year round protection and allows our veg to blossom no matter the harsh conditions outside. In this guide we’ll talk about some plants that are extra helpful to plant around your greenhouse, some more picky ones that you need to be careful with and even some greenhouses that make the whole process easier.
The MVP Basil
Basil helps almost everything grow while only hindering certain herbs. In some cases it even makes the things you grow taste better! The list of harmful bugs basil repels is similar to the end credits of a feature film.
Collaborators: Beets, Potatoes, Bell peppers, Tomatoes, Cabbage, Chili peppers, Marigolds, Asparagus, Eggplant, Beans, Oregano.
Adversaries: Rue, Sage.
Bit of Both Broccoli
Bit of an even split of what broccoli grows well with helping a wide number of veg but also hindering the other 50%.
Collaborators: Garlic, Bush beans, Chamomile, Nasturtiums, Radishes, Lettuce, Basil, Spinach, Carrots, Sage, Dill, Mint, Cucumber, Marigolds, Beets, Swiss chard, Rosemary, Celery, Onions, Thyme.
Adversaries: Mustard, Climbing beans, Watermelon, Strawberries, Sweet corn, Asparagus, Cantaloupe, Peppers, Pumpkins.
6 x 4 Evesham Wooden Greenhouse
This is the greenhouse we picked for to start growing our vegetables in. No matter which direction you face the 6x4 Evesham Greenhouse it'll bathe the interior in light. With every single wall of this compact greenhouse featuring a window as well as the entire roof being a skylight this greenhouse makes sure to let all the sun it can find inside to help your plants grow.
The Picky Potatoes
Potatoes are one of the more picky plants, although a regular staple of most diets they require a more isolated growing approach.
Collaborators: Radishes, Horseradish, Garlic, Marigolds, Corn, Peas, Onions, Lettuce, Celery, Basil, Beans, Spinach.
Adversaries: Carrots, Eggplant, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Cucumbers, Peppers, Sunflowers, Melons, Asparagus, Strawberries, Broccoli, Squash, Tomatoes, Raspberries, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi.
Hot Peppers
Hot Peppers are a staple of any greenhouse, easy to grow and you’re able to add it to almost any recipe.
Collaborators: Onions, Leeks, Scallions, Garlic, Chives, Shallots, Basil, Oregano, Rosemary.
Adversaries: Tomatoes, Peppers, Aubergines.
8 x 6 Shiplap Single Door Potting Shed Wooden Greenhouse
Another favourite here at Walton’s the Potting Shed is a seamless blend between a shed and a greenhouse. The strong tongue and groove walls offer sturdy protection from the elements but they make way for a large slanted window just above a slatted potting table running the length of the greenhouse. A perfect mix of garden storage and garden growing.
Onions
Onions have an unexpected companion plant in chamomile. While chamomile makes for a lovely tea it also makes onions taste sweeter and nicer.
Collaborators: Chamomile, Lettuce, Carrots, Cabbage, Chard, Tomatoes, Peppers.
Adversaries: Beans, Peas.
Cultivating Captivating Carrots
A mix of herbs really helps carrots grow and make them taste even better. Chive helps the flavour and Rosemary keeps the pests away.
Collaborators: Chives, Rosemary, Onions, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Peppers, Beans, Peas.
Adversaries: Dill, Potatoes.
8 x 4 Evesham Lean-to Pent Wooden Greenhouse
Lastly we have the Evesham Lean-to Greenhouse, feeling like an extension of an existing structure that allows for seamless integration into any garden, while still offering all the benefits of a conventional solo structure. Large windows across all walls and the entire roof decked out in skylight fashion, this greenhouse will allow for all plants to flourish while remaining neatly secluded.
Strawberries
Here at Waltons we’ve been growing some Strawberries of our own and after only a few weeks we are already reaping the reward!
Collaborators: Chives, Onions, Squash, Sage, Bush beans, Spinach, Caraway, Lettuce.
Adversaries: Potatoes, Peppers, Cabbage, Eggplants, Tomatoes.
Corn
Known as one of the three sister plants (Corn, Beans and Squash) corn makes for wonderful companion planting especially alongside their sisters.
Collaborators: Marjoram, Climbing beans, Zucchini, Cucumber, Squash, Sunflowers, Pumpkins, Peas, Dill, Lettuce.
Adversaries: Tomatoes, Broccoli, Kale, Cabbage.
Conclusion
Whether you're in your tenth summer as a green fingered gardener or just starting out and looking for some guidance and inspiration, we hope this companion planting guide has been a helpful bit of information. Good Luck!
