What Are Polycultures in the Garden? A polyculture is a planting system where multiple crop species grow together in the same space, mimicking the diversity found in natural ecosystems. Unlike monocultures, which grow a single crop in large blocks, polycultures combine complementary plants—vegetables, herbs, and flowers—to create healthier, more resilient gardens. Polycultures take advantage of…
Polycultures and companion planting are at the heart of regenerative gardening. Rather than growing a single crop in isolation, these practices mimic natural ecosystems—combining multiple plant species to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, reduce pests, and maximize yields. Over 30 years of gardening experience has shown me that careful planning and observation can turn even…
Companion planting is a valuable technique for winter gardening, helping crops grow stronger, resist pests, and maximize space. From my experience growing vegetables in Iowa’s Zone 5 winters to year-round winter gardening in Sonoma, pairing compatible crops under tunnels or cold frames improves yields and overall plant health. Visit the Winter Garden and Season Extension…
Pumpkins thrive when they have the right neighbors! Companion planting is a natural way to help pumpkins grow strong, reduce pests, and even improve yields. In this post, I’ll share my favorite companion plants for pumpkins and a few combinations to avoid. After growing pumpkins for more than 20 years in both garden beds and…
Over the years, I’ve experimented with companion planting in my garden, and one thing is clear—tomatoes thrive when grown alongside the right plants. By choosing good companions, you can boost tomato health, improve flavor, and even reduce pest problems naturally. Here’s what I’ve learned about the best and worst companions for tomatoes—based on both personal…
Companion planting is the practice of strategically growing different plants close to each other in the garden to benefit one or both plants. It involves pairing plants that have complementary characteristics, such as natural pest repellence, soil enrichment, or improved growth. The concept relies on the natural relationships between plants and how they interact with…
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