Relay Cropping With Flowers & Pollinator Plants

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Includes: daisy-family flowers (zinnia, marigold, cosmos, calendula), plus any cut-flower companions you prefer

Using Flowers in Relay Cropping to Boost Productivity

Relay cropping is not only for vegetables—flowers can be relayed between crops to support pollinators, reduce pest pressure, and maintain continuous bloom. Daisy-family flowers (Asteraceae) are among the best because they mature quickly, bloom heavily, and attract beneficial insects throughout a vegetable’s growth cycle.

In small gardens, flowers woven into relay sequences keep the space visually appealing and biologically active while supporting higher yields in fruiting vegetables.

Relay-Cropping Compatibility Chart: Flowers & Vegetables

Primary Crop (Ending)	Relay Crop (Beginning)	Why They Work Together
Lettuce	Calendula	Calendula fills space and supports beneficial insects.
Spinach	Zinnias	Zinnias thrive when planted as spinach finishes.
Tomatoes	Marigolds	Marigolds help reduce soil nematodes and add color.
Peppers	Cosmos	Cosmos attract pollinators during pepper flowering.
Cucumbers	Calendula	Calendula blooms continuously beneath trellised cucumbers.
Eggplant	Marigolds	Marigolds help deter flea beetles and aphids.
Corn	Zinnias	Zinnias bloom as corn matures and attract pollinators.
Squash	Calendula	Calendula thrives around sprawling vines.
Potatoes	Zinnias	Zinnias fill space after potato harvest.

Conclusion

Relay cropping with flowers and pollinator plants turns your garden into a vibrant, productive ecosystem all season long. By staggering blooms and incorporating pollinator-friendly species alongside vegetables, you attract beneficial insects, support biodiversity, and extend periods of color and interest. With careful planning and observation, you can create continuous blooms that nourish pollinators, enhance crop yields, and keep your garden lively and ecologically balanced from early spring through late fall.