Gardening tips: three plants to plant together

If you've heard of the combination „pet plants  or „companion planting“, then you know how plants can cooperate with each other. If not, it's time to get acquainted with this clever and natural way to improve yields, reduce pests and add colour to the garden. Renowned gardener and blogger Jamie Walton suggests trying one simple but very effective combination to plant together:lettuce, onions and marigolds.

Why is it effective to plant these plants together?

Salad  (no matter what kind) grows close to the ground and forms a dense, green carpet. They help retain moisture in the soil, especially on hot summer days, as well as reducing weed growth and acting as a natural mulch.

Onion or chives do well between rows of lettuce. They grow vertically, do not take up much space and, most importantly, release phytoncides that naturally repel pests such as aphids.

Medettoes are the real heroes of the organic garden. They are worth planting every few rows or along the edges of beds. These bright flowers:

• Refuses nematodes – soil-dwelling worms that damage the roots of vegetables .
• Helps control cabbage moths, snails and aphids.
• Serves as a „trap“ – e.g. snails will choose marigolds over lettuce.

In addition, marigolds bring aesthetics, colour and a pleasant scent to the garden – they help to create a garden space that is a pleasure to spend time in.

Tooly tips for successful planting

• Follow the principle „tall–medium–low“: plant taller plants in the middle of the bed, –low plants (lettuce) at the edges, –medium plants (onions) in between them.
• Keep the soil moist, especially on hot days. Lettuce will help to retain moisture, but additional watering is still necessary.
• Don't use aggressive chemicals  this three plants trio helps to protect your crops naturally. Protect biodiversity and choose environmentally friendly products.
• Regularly remove dead heads of marigolds – this will encourage new flowers and longer flowering.
• By planting lettuce, onions and marigolds together, you will not only create an efficient but also a sustainable „mini-ecosystem“ in your garden. This not only optimises space, but also reduces pest damage and results in a more abundant and healthier harvest – all without chemical inputs. Try it and feel the difference!