Why is association important in the vegetable garden?

You're probably passionate about gardening and you may already know that some plants have beneficial influences on others. In fact, by combining the right species, you can promote the growth, health and productivity of your vegetables. In this article, we'll explore the importance of associations in the vegetable garden and give you some practical examples to improve your harvest.

Ecological benefits

Associations in the vegetable garden offer many benefits, both for the vegetables and for the environment. Firstly, they reduce the use of chemicals and synthetic fertilisers. In fact, certain plants have a repellent effect on harmful insects, which means you can limit their presence without having to resort to toxic insecticides.

For example, planting marigolds around the vegetable garden can help keep away nematodes, parasites that attack the roots of vegetables. What's more, associations can encourage the development of biodiversity, by attracting beneficial insects such as bees and ladybirds.

Beneficial synergies

Associations in the vegetable garden also create beneficial synergies between plants. Some vegetables have similar needs in terms of nutrients and moisture, making them perfect companions. For example, carrots and onions complement each other: onions repel insects that are harmful to carrots, while carrots help to keep onion flies away. A winning combination for both vegetables!

In addition, associations can also improve soil quality. Some plants, such as legumes, fix nitrogen from the air in the soil, making it more fertile for other plants. For example, planting beans alongside your tomatoes will allow the latter to benefit from a natural supply of nitrogen, thereby promoting their growth and productivity.

Practical examples

Now that we've seen the importance of associations in the vegetable garden, let me give you some practical examples to try out in your garden.

1. Pair salads with radishes: radishes grow quickly and help to shade salads that are more sensitive to the summer heat.
2. Place spinach next to strawberry plants: spinach acts as a protective ground cover for strawberries, limiting water evaporation and aggregating nutrients near the roots.
3. Plant aromatic herbs near vegetables: basil, for example, can help repel carrot flies, while chives can keep aphids away from roses.

Go further...

These examples are just a few of many suggestions. Don't hesitate to experiment with different combinations depending on your needs and your garden. Better still, take a look at the growing instructions on Permapotes to find out which plants to use as companions and which not to!

In conclusion, vegetable garden combinations are essential for promoting the growth and health of your vegetables. They offer ecological benefits by limiting the use of chemicals and promoting biodiversity. What's more, they create beneficial synergies between plants and improve soil quality. So get started, experiment and enjoy the benefits of vegetable gardening combinations in your own garden!