Enhance Your Vegetable Garden with Companion Planting

October offers an enticing array of seeds and bulbs to sow, and what heightens the excitement is the arrival of hotter days, beckoning us outdoors to work on our gardening endeavours. If you have a space dedicated to growing your veggies, take inspiration from our companion planting guide and sow an array of enjoyable treats this month. 

Companion planting enriches the soil with nutrients, attracts beneficial pollinators to your garden and deters pests. Additionally, it fosters quicker growth and enhances the flavour of your vegetables, with some plants serving as a living mulch. 

Our locally-grown dahlias have embarked on their much-anticipated journey to grace gardens across the country. While they shine on their own, they also harmonise beautifully with vegetables. Dahlias are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination in your garden. So, why not pair their beauty with your fabulous fruits and vibrant vegetables? Their vivid blooms will bring extra joy when harvest time arrives, as their petals are not only aesthetically pleasing but also edible. You can incorporate them into salads and various recipes for a culinary experience that is as visually-appealing as it is delectable. Alternatively, use a few stems to adorn your harvest tables. There's nothing quite like celebrating wholesome produce you've cultivated yourself.

Plant your culinary dynamic duo: tomatoes and basil. They are meant to be together, not only on your plate (alongside some delectable mozzarella, of course) but also in the garden. Basil repels insects while promoting optimal tomato development, resulting in a more flavourful and bountiful harvest. Nature truly knows best!

Watermelon and corn may not seem like natural companions, and your initial instinct may not be to pair them in your meal. However, in the vegetable garden, they make a harmonious pairing. The tall, towering corn provides much-needed shade from the midday sun for the low-growing watermelon. They also cooperate in fending off pests, making them ideal neighbours in your patch.

Okra and sunflowers form a splendid pair in the garden, as sunflowers attract pollinators that enable your okra pods to flourish. Okra leaves, flowers, seeds and pods are edible, as are sunflower seeds and petals, making your harvest both delicious and visually striking.

Peppers and marrows are excellent companions in the garden. Peppers thrive in the partial shade provided by neighbouring marrow plants, shielding them from the harsh sun. The compact, bushy growth of pepper crops complements the larger, bushier nature of marrows. Peppers also have a lengthy growing season, making them ideal for filling in empty garden spaces. They are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance.

Transform your vegetable garden into a pollinator-friendly and highly productive space by incorporating a variety of companion plants that you and your loved ones will delight in. 

Happy October planting!