Farmers Almanac Companion Planting: A Guide to Successful Gardening

Companion planting is the practice of planting different crops together so that they can benefit from each other's attributes. This ancient method of agriculture has been used for centuries by farmers, gardeners, and homesteaders around the world. The Farmers' Almanac is a trusted source for gardening advice and offers valuable insights into companion planting. In this post, we'll explore the basics of companion planting and how to use the Farmers' Almanac to make your garden thrive.

The Basics of Companion Planting

What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is the art of growing different plants together in such a way that they form a symbiotic relationship. By doing so, one plant can benefit the other in several ways, including providing shade, fixing nitrogen in the soil, deterring pests or attracting beneficial insects.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

There are many benefits to companion planting, including:

• Natural pest control: Certain plants repel pests or attract beneficial insects that can help control pests.

• Better soil health: Different plants have different nutrient requirements, and some plants can fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it with essential nutrients.

• Improved yields: Companion planting can lead to healthier plants and better yields as a result.

• Biodiversity: Planting a variety of crops can create a more diverse ecosystem, which can support a wider range of wildlife and insects.

How to Plan a Companion Planting Garden

When planning your garden, there are several things you should consider. First, think about the plants you want to grow and their specific needs. Some plants require more sun than others, while some prefer shade. Some plants need well-draining soil, while others prefer moist conditions.

Next, consider the relationships between different crops. For example, planting garlic next to tomatoes can help deter pests that attack both plants. Similarly, planting marigolds among your vegetables can help repel nematodes and other harmful pests.

Finally, think about the timing of your plantings. Some plants require longer growing seasons than others, so you'll need to plan accordingly.

Using the Farmers' Almanac for Companion Planting

What is the Farmers' Almanac?

The Farmers' Almanac is a reference book that has been published since 1818. It contains weather forecasts, planting charts, astronomical data, recipes, and tips for gardening and farming. The Farmers' Almanac is a trusted source for gardeners and farmers alike, and it can be an invaluable resource when planning your companion planting garden.

How to Use the Farmers' Almanac for Companion Planting

The Farmers' Almanac contains a wealth of information on companion planting. You can use the planting charts to determine which plants grow well together and how to space them properly. The astronomical data can help you plan your planting times based on the phases of the moon.

Additionally, the Farmers' Almanac offers advice on natural pest control and other gardening tips. For example, did you know that planting basil next to tomatoes can help deter hornworms? Or that planting borage can attract bees and other pollinators to your garden?

Companion Planting Tips and Tricks

Interplanting vs. Intercropping

There are two types of companion planting: interplanting and intercropping. Interplanting involves planting different crops in the same bed or row, while intercropping involves planting different crops together in the same field. Both methods can be effective, but intercropping requires more planning and management.

Planting for Natural Pest Control

One of the most significant benefits of companion planting is natural pest control. By planting certain crops together, you can help deter pests that might otherwise damage your plants. For example, planting marigolds with your vegetables can help repel nematodes, while planting garlic next to tomatoes can help deter hornworms.

Attracting Beneficial Insects

In addition to repelling harmful insects, companion planting can also attract beneficial insects to your garden. For example, planting borage, dill, or fennel can attract bees and other pollinators to your garden, which can improve your yields.


Companion planting is a tried-and-true method of gardening that has been used for centuries. By using the Farmers' Almanac as a guide, you can plan a successful companion planting garden that will provide you with delicious, healthy produce all season long.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to a companion planting garden?

The best way to a companion planting garden is to do your research. Determine which crops you want to grow and their specific needs, then plan your plantings accordingly. Use resources like the Farmers' Almanac to guide you.

2. Can I companion plant in containers?

Yes, companion planting can be in containers. However, you'll need to consider the same factors as you would for an in-ground garden, such as plant spacing and sunlight requirements.

3. How do I know which plants grow well together?

Consult a resource like the Farmers' Almanac or other gardening guides to determine which plants grow well together. You can also experiment on your own and observe which combinations work best in your garden.

4. Is companion planting organic?

Companion planting is not necessarily organic, but it can be part of an organic gardening approach. Companion planting can help reduce the need for pesticides and other chemicals, which can make it a more sustainable and eco-friendly gardening method.

5. Can I companion plant with non-edible plants?

Yes, companion planting can be with non-edible plants. In fact, planting flowers alongside your vegetables can help attract pollinators and other beneficial insects to your garden.