Not all plants in your garden are good companions. Some of them only do well next to certain crops. Correctly chosen companions are able to create good conditions for each other as well as perform certain functions.

Repelling insect pests
Some plants can repel insect pests that are acting as natural repellents and thus protect the crops growing next to them from damage. For example, many insects can’t stand the smell of garlic.
Attracting pollinating insects
Thanks to the bright aroma, some flowers can attract pollinating insects to the neighboring crops too. Experienced gardeners often use this trick by planting crops that are unattractive to insects next to ones that smell good.
Improving soil fertility
Some vegetables, like beans and peas, saturate the soil around them with nitrogen, which is often beneficial for the growth of other crops. Moreover, plants with long taproots, like burdock, are able to lift nutrients from the depths to the soil surface and thus help feed plants with small roots.
Increasing the speed of companion plants’ growth and improving their taste
Marjoram, chamomile, summer savory, and some other plants release specific chemicals that encourage faster growth in the crops around them. Also, some of them can enhance the taste of plants growing next to them.
Creating nice growing conditions
Tall plants with big leaves, like oregano, can provide necessary shade to other sensitive crops growing under them. The plant serves as a blanket, protects the soil from over drying, and helps preserve the coolness of the crops that require it. Tall, tough-stemmed plants like corn and sunflowers can support sprawling crops such as cucumbers and peas.
Weed suppression
The number of weeds in your garden can be minimized if you plant sprawling crops (like potatoes, for example) with tall, upright plants.

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