COLUMNISTs: KATRINA & CLAYTON
At its core, companion planting involves growing different plants in close proximity to capitalise on their natural relationships. Some plants release scents or chemicals that repel insects, while others attract beneficial insects that prey on pests, and others serve as sacrificial plants, drawing pests away from more valuable crops.
One of the most common uses of companion planting is pest control. For instance, marigolds are known to repel a wide range of insects, including nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies. Their pungent scent masks the smell of nearby vegetables, making it harder for pests to locate their targets. Marigolds are particularly effective when planted near tomatoes, peppers, and beans.
Basil, another powerful companion, not only enhances the flavour of tomatoes but also helps repel flies and mosquitoes. Chives and garlic emit strong odours that can confuse and deter aphids and Japanese beetles when planted around roses or lettuce. Every time we plant something new we plant a clump of chives next to it.
Some companion planting strategies involve the use of "trap crops", plants that lure pests away from your main crops. For example, nasturtiums are beloved by aphids and flea beetles. When planted near more sensitive vegetables like cucumbers or squash, they act as decoys, drawing pests away and protecting your main harvest.
Similarly, radishes can be used to distract leaf miners from spinach or beets. These fast growing roots can be harvested early or sacrificed entirely for the sake of your primary vegetables.
Another smart tactic is planting species that attract natural predators of harmful insects. Dill, fennel, and yarrow are magnets for ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, all of which help keep aphids, caterpillars, and other pests in check. By fostering an environment where these beneficial insects thrive, you can create a more self-regulating garden ecosystem.
Basil enhances flavour and deters hornworms and mosquitoes.
Thyme deters cabbage worms.
Onions repel carrot flies, while carrots help break up soil for onion roots.
Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, feeding corn while climbing up its stalks for support.
Companion planting isn’t just about pest control, it's about creating harmony in your garden. With thoughtful planning, you can reduce chemical inputs, increase biodiversity, and enjoy a more resilient harvest. Whether you're a novice gardener or a seasoned green thumb, experimenting with companion planting is a great way to garden smarter, not harder.
Katrina and Clayton live with their family in East Ayrshire and share their daily life in the garden on Instagram, practicing permaculture principles in the garden, reducing and repurposing waste whenever they can.
Clayton is 16, autistic, non-verbal, and has been home-educated for the last 5 years. Home-educating in nature has helped Clayton thrive: he has completed the 'Grow and Learn' course with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society and is working on Level 2 'Nurture'.
You can hear directly from Katrina on home educating in nature and on permaculture principles on the Scotland Grows Show.
Katrina and Clayton featured on BBC 'Beechgrove' (Ep23 2022, and Ep17 2023), and are authors of the children’s series 'Clayton's Gardening Adventures: Stories of Autism and Gardening' available on Amazon.
You can keep up with Katrina and Clayton on Instagram, Facebook, and on their website.