Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting
In my new book, Grow Olives Where You Think You Can't, I tell you everything you need to know to successfully grow an olive tree in a pot!
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We’re joined by Pittsburgh-based horticulturist and author Jessica Walliser to talk about her new book Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden.
There is a lot of folklore that finds its way into discussions about companion planting. Walliser explains that her hope is to reboot the term “companion planting” by looking at it through a scientific lens.
What is Companion Planting?
Walliser says that companion planting is purposely planting two or more plants close together to get some sort of benefit.
Companion planting does not have to mean putting two plants together at the same time, however; it can also mean growing plants in succession.
Common terms used in science that overlap with the idea of companion planting are:
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Intercropping
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Plant partners
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Interplanting
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Polyculture
Benefits of Plant Partners
In her book, Walliser has chapters on seven different benefits of using plant partners in the vegetable garden.
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Soil preparation and conditioning
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Weed management
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Support and structure
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Pest management
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Disease management
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Biological Control
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Pollination
