Don’t plant cucumbers next to tomatoes! Important information for gardeners – which vegetables should not be planted next to each other 2

There are two ways to grow plants: monoculture and mixed culture. In a monoculture, one type of plant is grown in a separate area; in a mixed culture, different types of plants grow together. They can promote or hinder each other’s growth, which is why they are called good or bad neighbors. Monoculture does not exist in nature; for example, different types of plants grow together in meadows.

Monocultures are more susceptible to diseases and pests, this applies not only to large agricultural areas, but also to home gardens. The right choice of plant neighbors can improve the yield and quality of vegetables. However, when creating mixed plantings, it is important to ensure that the plants do not shade each other and that there is sufficient space between them. Also, the lower parts of the plants should receive enough light and air.

Combining fast and slow growing plants

To avoid competition for light, water and nutrients, you should combine plants with different maturation periods.

Lettuces and radishes grow quickly and can be excellent neighbors for slow-growing vegetables, freeing up space in time.

The main crop, such as tomatoes, remains in the garden the longest, while predecessor crops, such as lettuce, have already been harvested. Radishes, watercress or lettuce make excellent short-term cover crops that can be planted at the same time as the main crop or later.

The basic principle is that intermediate crops should not interfere with the growth of the main one.

Herbs such as basil, chives or dill take up little space and can be planted between vegetables.

Helps against pests and improves taste

Onions, garlic and some other plants protect their neighbors from pests and diseases. It is recommended to plant onions between carrots to repel the carrot fly, and carrot tops, in turn, are not liked by the onion fly. Opinions vary about the compatibility of carrots and onions, since carrots require more moisture than onions.

Marigolds are planted between strawberries and tomatoes. Marigold roots secrete substances that inhibit the development of nematodes. Cabbage pests are repelled by celery. Mint growing between the beans repels aphids. Dill attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs.

Basil growing next to tomatoes improves the taste of tomato fruits, making them more aromatic. Cumin has a positive effect on the taste of new potatoes, and celery improves the taste of kohlrabi; Both plants get along well due to their different nutrient needs.

Tomatoes are often grown in a greenhouse along with cucumbers. However, this is not the best combination – cucumbers need high levels of humidity and no drafts, while tomatoes prefer drier air and good ventilation.

In spring, lettuce is planted between two rows of cabbage. Lettuce grows faster than cabbage and shades the soil, helping to retain moisture. The lettuce gets enough light and nutrients while the cabbage is still small. After the lettuce is harvested, the cabbage continues to grow.

Plant compatibility

Beans

Good: cucumbers, cabbage, potatoes, radishes, beets, lettuce, celery, tomatoes

Neutral: carrots, peppers, spinach

Bad: peas, garlic, leeks, onions

Pea

Good: cabbage, lettuce, carrots, radishes

Neutral: cucumbers, beets, celery, spinach, onions

Bad: beans, potatoes, garlic, leeks, peppers, tomatoes

cucumbers

Good: beans, garlic, cabbage, peppers, lettuce, celery, onions, dill

Neutral: peas, carrots, potatoes, leeks, beets, spinach

Bad: radishes, tomatoes

Carrot

Good: peas, garlic, dill, leeks, peppers, radishes, tomatoes, onions

Neutral: beans, cucumbers, potatoes, cabbage, beets, lettuce, celery, spinach

Potato

Good: cabbage, spinach

Neutral: beans, cucumbers, carrots, garlic, leeks, radishes, lettuce, beets, onions

Bad: peas, peppers, celery, tomatoes

Cabbage

Good: peas, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, onions

Neutral: garlic, leeks, peppers, radishes, lettuce, celery, spinach, beans, carrots

Bad: onion

Pepper

Good: cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, radishes (as a previous crop), lettuce, onions, basil

Neutral: beans, garlic, leeks, spinach

Bad: peas, potatoes, beets, celery, tomatoes

Beet

Good: cucumbers, onions

Neutral: beans, peas, carrots, garlic, cabbage, radishes, lettuce, celery, spinach, tomatoes

Bad: potatoes, leeks, peppers

Tomatoes

Good: garlic, cabbage, leeks, radishes, lettuce, celery, spinach, basil

Neutral: beans, carrots, beets, onions

Bad: peas, cucumbers, potatoes, peppers