What is companion planting?
It is planting in groups that are mutually beneficial, helps pollination and protects crops against insects and disease
Advice from Thompson and Morgan
Avoid planting in rows
Planting in rows makes it easier for for disease and pests to find their favourite plant
Intercropping
Sow fast growing crops such as lettuce and radish between widely spaced slow growing crops. This helps utilise space and reduces the amount of weeding!
Herbs
Most herbs have strongly scented leaves that help repel insects. Plant them throughout your plot
Insect and bird friendly crops
Will attract natural predators: birds which eat slugs and hoverflies which eat aphids
Use tall plants
Peas and sweet corn can be used to protect plants prone to bolting such as coriander, spinach and lettuce.