Companion planting has been around for generations, but most of the plant partnerships recommended have little basis in actual science. Times are changing though, thanks to an abundance of current research looking at the benefits of partnering certain plants together. My most recent book, Plant Partners: Science-based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden (Storey Publishing, 2020), presents effective interplanting strategies home gardeners can use to grow a better garden. In prior articles, I’ve examined the best companion plants for tomatoes and good choices for basil companion plants, but in this article, let’s take a look at science-backed zucchini companion plants for the vegetable garden.
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New Zealand spinach: Growing tips for this leafy green that’s not really spinach
I first planted New Zealand spinach in one of my raised beds and I’ve never had to replant it since. Little seedlings dependably reappear in my garden every year. I didn’t know much about this healthy leafy green until a friend offered me a few extra seedlings she had growing in her garden. Always keen to try something new, I eagerly planted them in the garden.
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Growing loofah gourds: Learn how to grow your own loofah sponges
Loofah sponges are great in the shower and handy for doing dishes in the kitchen, but did you know you can grow them in your garden? A loofah sponge is the fibrous interior of a loofah gourd, which are produced on vining plants that are closely related to cucumbers and squash. Growing loofah gourds isn’t difficult but they do need a long growing season. I grow them successfully in my short season garden by starting the seeds indoors in mid-spring, giving the plants plenty of sun, and providing consistent moisture during the summer months. If you want to learn how to grow this unique – and edible! – gourd, read on.
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Cattle panel trellis: How to build a DIY vegetable garden arch
Growing vegetables vertically has many benefits. It allows you to grow more food in a given area and makes harvesting so simple. Vertical gardening increases the air circulation around your plants, making them less susceptible to fungal diseases. It also keeps the plants off the ground, distancing them from soil-dwelling pests. And in many cases, growing vertically is also really beautiful. In this article, I share one of my favorite ways to grow food vertically: by using a cattle panel trellis.
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Learn how to grow herbs in containers for healthy plants and convenient harvests
Herbs are low-care plants that add beauty, fragrance, and flavor to the garden. And while it’s fun to design and plant an herb garden, the easiest and quickest way to grow herbs is in containers. Most herbs appreciate the excellent drainage containers offer, but it’s also a convenient way to grow aggressive herbs, like lemon balm and mint. Pots of herbs can be grouped on decks or patios so they’re close at hand when you need them in the kitchen. Read on if you want to learn how to grow herbs in containers.
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Parsley growing tips: Harvest this flavorful herb and kitchen staple all year
Parsley is probably the herb I use the most in my cooking. I add this tasty ingredient to soups and stews, I snip it into fresh lettuce or quinoa salads, I whip it into salad dressings, and I stir it into pasta dishes. I regularly have a few plants growing at a time. Not only do I plant parsley in my raised beds, I also sneak it into my ornamental containers for some fragrant foliage. Here, I’ve gathered some parsley growing tips to help you produce a bountiful harvest.
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