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As a new gardener, you've likely heard about the benefits of raised bed gardening. Raised garden beds offer improved soil drainage, better pest control, and easier access for planting and maintenance. However, one aspect of raised bed gardening that is often overlooked is the concept of companion planting - the practice of strategically planting certain crops together to enhance growth and deter pests.
While companion planting can be incredibly beneficial for your garden, it's important to understand that not all plants are compatible with each other. In this blog post, we'll explore the plants that should not be grown together in the same raised garden bed and the reasons behind these incompatibilities.
Non-Compatible veggies
- Potatoes and Tomatoes
One common mistake that many novice gardeners make is planting potatoes and tomatoes in the same raised bed. While these two plants may seem like a natural pairing, they actually belong to the same plant family - Solanaceae. This means that they are susceptible to similar diseases and pests, such as blight and nematodes. By planting them together, you increase the risk of spreading these issues and ultimately reducing the overall yield of both crops.
To avoid this problem, it's best to separate your potato and tomato plants into different raised beds or, at the very least, maintain a significant distance between them to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
- Cucumbers and Sage
Cucumbers are a popular choice for raised bed gardens due to their vining nature and high yield. However, if you're considering planting cucumbers alongside sage, it's important to reconsider. Sage is known to inhibit the growth of cucumbers and other members of the Cucurbitaceae family, including pumpkins and zucchini.
The reason behind this incompatibility lies in the chemical compounds released by sage, which can hinder the germination and growth of cucumbers. To ensure optimal growth for your cucumbers, it's best to plant them in a separate raised bed away from any sage plants.
- Beans and Onions
While beans and onions may seem like an unlikely pair to cause any issues, the reality is that they can negatively impact each other's growth when planted together. Beans are known to release compounds into the soil that can inhibit the growth of onions, leading to stunted development and reduced yields.
On the other hand, onions are also known to repel bean pests such as aphids, making them a beneficial companion plant in that regard. To strike a balance, consider planting beans and onions in separate raised beds or in different sections of the same bed to minimize any potential negative effects.
- Lettuce and Brassicas
Lettuce is a staple in many raised bed gardens due to its quick growth and versatility. However, if you're planning to grow lettuce alongside brassicas such as broccoli, cabbage, or kale, it's important to be aware of their incompatibility. Brassicas release compounds that can stunt the growth of lettuce and other leafy greens, ultimately impacting their overall yield.
To avoid this issue, consider planting lettuce in a separate raised bed or in a different section of your garden to ensure it can thrive without being hindered by the presence of brassicas.
Non-Compatible Herbs
These herbs had better not be planted in the same bed:
1.Mint and everything else
Mint is known for its vigorous growth and tendency to spread rapidly. It’s best to grow mint in containers or dedicated beds to prevent it from taking over other herbs or plants in the garden.
2.Dill and fennel
Dill and fennel belong to the same family (Apiaceae) and can cross-pollinate if planted too close to each other. This can result in hybridized seeds and affect the flavor and characteristics of both plants. To maintain the integrity of these herbs, it’s advisable to separate them.
3.Basil and rue
Basil and rue are not compatible due to their different growth requirements. Rue contains compounds that can inhibit the growth of basil and other plants. It’s best to keep these herbs apart in the garden.
4.Cilantro and fennel
Cilantro and fennel are incompatible because cilantro is a cool-season herb, while fennel prefers warmer conditions. Planting them together can result in poor growth and flavor quality for both herbs.
5.Rosemary and basil
Rosemary and basil have different water and sunlight requirements. Rosemary prefers well-drained soil and drier conditions, while basil prefers more moisture. Planting them together can lead to competition for resources and may hinder their growth.
Remember that these are general guidelines, and the specific conditions and requirements of your garden may influence the success of companion planting. Observing the growth and interactions of your herbs will help you make informed decisions about which combinations work best in your specific environment.
Some herbs cannot be grown together in a confined space. For example, fennel and wormwood are best grown away from other plants. Keep sage, basil, and cabbages away from rue. Dill and anise shouldn’t be grown side by side with carrots. Dill isn’t ideal to be grown together with tomatoes. Sage shouldn’t be grown near onions and cucumbers.
In conclusion, understanding which plants should not be grown together in a raised garden bed is crucial for maximizing the health and productivity of your crops. By being mindful of these incompatibilities and practicing strategic companion planting, you can create a harmonious and thriving garden that yields bountiful harvests.