Companion Planting is that of which you plant different crops next to each other that may mutually benefit each other. Some will deter the bad pests or even attract the good ones. They may also provide additional nutrients for fellow plants and encourage more pollination by attracting more bee's. (and we all want that don't we?)
One example is the three sisters that was implemented by Native Americans which included squash, corn, and climbing beans. The corn supplies a climbing structure for the beans, the beans provide nitrogen for the other plants, and the squash provides a ground cover to prevent weeds.
One of the best things I think companion planting can offer is natural pest control. Most people keep their edibles away from their ornamental's and flowers but in actuality they can help each other fight off the bad pests and bring in the beneficial ones.
Marigolds strong odor will repel aphids and other insects that attack vegetable plants. You could even use them in your indoor garden.
Nasturtium is a popular plant to put next to other low growing veggies because it attract some caterpillars. It is also used as a trap crop. Trap Cropping is a method of companion planting in which certain plants will be placed among the crops to attract the bad insects and take on the beating in order to save the others. A bit of a martyr I suppose.
Protection from harsh weather is another great benefit. Smaller and more fragile plants that prefer a more moist or shaded area will find a good home under taller, branching plants that will provide cover. This would be considered nurse cropping.
Some plants don't always vibe with each other either. There are many graphs online of which plants tolerate and don't tolerate each other. I found a simple chart, I've noticed there are a lot of them out there and most will conflict in some way but this will do for now. If the writing is too small I placed the link below it.
Before you spray a chemical on your plants or food crops for bug control, consider All the Natural options you have! Don't kill the bee's, Feed them!
