Local Llano is back in the garden! Many of us are starting to plant, or are at least planning our gardens. We believe that you can never be over-prepared, and taking a few minutes to plan your garden will make everything easier later on. Keep reading to download our freebie garden planting worksheet. It’s so simple, your kids can even participate in garden planning!

Companion planting is an all-natural pest control method that helps your garden thrive. Everyone needs a friend, and your plants are no exception. Planting different types of produce alongside one another can keep garden pests under control and some plants simply grow healthier and bigger in the company of different plants. For example, some vineyards will plant rose bushes at the end of their grape vines because grapes grow better and sweeter in the presence of the roses. However, not all plants get along, which is why we put together this beginner companion planting guide. Companion planting is a great way to grow your vegetables organically, using the natural symbiosis of plants to combat pests – instead of pesticides and herbicides.

Basil

Basil can be planted near most garden crops. Basil repels mosquitos and improves the flavor of tomatoes and lettuce.

Beans

Beans best mingle with sunflowers, lavender, cabbage, cucumber and strawberries.

Broccoli, Cabbage and Kale Oh My!

These greens prefer to mix with aromatic plants, sage, rosemary, potatoes, celery, garlic, and onions. Avoid planting broccoli, cabbage and kale with tomatoes, beans and peppers.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are best grown with beetroot, strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce and cabbage. However, these plants are better off without peas, beans, parsley or leeks.

Peppers

Pepper prefer plants like tomatoes, basil, carrots and onions. Avoid planting peppers in the same garden bed as beans, kale, or any plant in the cabbage family.

Potatoes

Potatoes grow best with corn, beans, and members of the cabbage family. Don’t plant your potatoes close to your tomatoes – these plants are attacked by the same blight.

Cantaloupes & Musk Melons

Cantaloupes, also called musk melons, grow best near corn, but they can be planted anywhere in your garden.

We hope this helps you plan for your best garden yet! If you’re looking for information on other plants in the Llano Estacado, shoot us an email and we’ll get you all the details: localllanosocial@gmail.com

Click the barn to download our FREE garden planning worksheet!