Plants Need Companions Too Andy Kennedy, master gardener

Linda Lewis shows off one of her companion-focused permaculture gardens on the 2012 YVSC Garden Tour I learned about Companion Planting a lifetime ago when studying permaculture and urban gardening in Oregon.   I still remember when hearing the term, my vision of a little old couple sitting in their rocking chairs side by side, comforted by their similarities and complimented by their differences. That vision has stuck with me, helping me tap into the age old wisdom of gardening when it comes time again to plant. Whether I’m working on extending our beautiful perennial garden or just planting seasonal vegetables in raised beds, all plants needs companions, just like we do. And just as with humans, some plants thrive with the right companions and some plants simply don’t like each other. Over the years, I’ve found it’s better to know in advance than to find out afterwards that my plants just didn’t like each other! The topic of companion planting has spawned much debate, and many exper