Companion planting, a sustainable agricultural practice that involves growing different plant species together for mutual benefit, is gaining attention among gardeners and farmers alike. The practice can significantly enhance the health, yield, and resilience of crops by encouraging beneficial interactions between plants, while minimizing pests and reducing the need for chemical interventions. When it comes to perennial edible plants, applying companion planting principles can be particularly advantageous. Perennials, unlike annuals, remain in the ground for multiple seasons, offering long-term benefits such as improved soil structure, reduced erosion, and continued harvests. This article will explore the principles of companion planting with a specific focus on perennial edible plants, including Jerusalem artichoke, skirret, blueberries, strawberries, and peaches.
Understanding Companion Planting
Companion planting is based on the idea that certain plants can help each other grow better by providing shade, repelling pests, enhancing nutrient availability, or attracting beneficial insects. The core principles of companion planting include:
- Symbiotic Relationships: Plants that help each other thrive, whether through nitrogen fixation, pest control, or improved soil conditions.
- Pest Management: Certain plants repel insects or attract beneficial predators that protect other crops from pests.
- Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some plants attract pollinators or insect predators, which are beneficial for crop health.
- Improved Soil Health: Some plants improve soil structure, enhance nutrient cycling, and prevent erosion.
- Disease Prevention: Companion plants can help reduce the spread of diseases by creating natural barriers or supporting plant immunity.
When applied to perennials, these principles can help foster a thriving food forest ecosystem that benefits the plants for years, making companion planting a powerful tool for sustainable gardening.
Jerusalem Artichoke
Jerusalem artichokes, also known as sunchokes, are native North American perennial sunflowers grown primarily for their edible tubers. These plants are hardy and drought-resistant, making them a great addition to any perennial edible garden.
Companion Plants:
- Beans: Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they add nitrogen to the soil. Planting beans with Jerusalem artichokes helps improve soil fertility, benefiting the sunflowers. Beans also provide a living mulch, shading the ground and helping to suppress weeds.
- Sweet Potatoes: Like Jerusalem artichokes, sweet potatoes grow well in similar conditions, such as full sun and well-draining soil. These plants can act as a ground cover that prevents soil erosion and reduces weed growth.
- Comfrey: Comfrey is a perennial herb that is known for its deep root system, which helps bring nutrients up from the soil that are beneficial for surrounding plants. It also acts as a dynamic accumulator, adding valuable nutrients back to the soil through its decaying leaves.
Avoid Planting With:
- Potatoes: Potatoes and Jerusalem artichokes belong to different plant families, and planting them near each other may encourage disease transmission, such as blight or mildew.
Skirret
Skirret is a lesser-known perennial vegetable that has been grown for centuries, primarily for its edible root system. It is a hardy plant that thrives in moist, well-drained soil, and it can be a great addition to a perennial food forest.
Companion Plants:
- Cabbage Family (Brassicas): The strong, upright growth habit of skirret makes it an excellent companion for brassicas such as kale, cabbage, or broccoli. These plants benefit from the structure provided by skirret, which can offer some shade and help control weed growth around the base of the brassicas.
- Horseradish: Skirret pairs well with horseradish, a perennial plant known for its pest-repellent qualities. Horseradish can act as a natural deterrent for insect pests, especially aphids and cabbage worms, which may otherwise target skirret’s tender leaves.
Avoid Planting With:
- Alliums (e.g., onions, garlic): Alliums and skirret have a tendency to compete for similar nutrients in the soil, which can negatively impact their growth and yield.
Blueberries
Blueberries are beloved perennial shrubs that produce sweet and nutritious berries. They thrive in acidic soils and are perfect for planting in areas with other acid-loving plants. When grown properly, blueberries can be a long-lasting and productive part of any food forest.
Companion Plants:
- Cranberries: Both blueberries and cranberries thrive in acidic, moist, well-drained soils, making them ideal companions. The combination of both plants in the same edible garden area creates a rich, biodiverse environment that benefits both species.
- Low-growing herbs like thyme or mint: These herbs work well with blueberries, as their low-growing nature won’t compete for sunlight or space with the taller blueberry bushes. Additionally, the aromatic oils in herbs like mint can help repel pests that target blueberries, such as aphids and spider mites.
Avoid Planting With:
- Brassicas: Brassicas tend to prefer alkaline soil, while blueberries thrive in acidic environments. Planting them together could lead to nutrient imbalances and hinder growth.
Strawberries
Strawberries are another favorite perennial edible plant that produces delicious fruit year after year. They are relatively easy to grow, but they do benefit from strategic companion planting.
Companion Plants:
- Borage: Borage is an excellent companion for strawberries, as it helps attract pollinators, such as bees, that increase strawberry fruit yield. Additionally, borage is said to improve the flavor of strawberries by adding minerals to the soil.
- Garlic: Planting garlic near strawberries can help deter pests such as aphids, slugs, and the strawberry weevil. Garlic’s strong scent confuses and repels many harmful insects, keeping strawberries healthier.
- Spinach: Low-growing spinach works well as a ground cover, preventing weeds and providing shade to the strawberry plants. This can help retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Avoid Planting With:
- Cabbage: While brassicas are good companions for some plants, they can inhibit the growth of strawberries. The large leaves of cabbage may overshadow strawberry plants, and both crops may compete for similar nutrients.
Peaches
Peach trees are another long-living perennial that can provide delicious fruit year after year. They require plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, but they can benefit from companion planting to improve growth and fruit production.
Companion Plants:
- Nasturtiums: These flowers attract aphids away from peach trees, acting as a natural pest control. Nasturtiums also draw predatory insects like ladybugs, which help control other pests like scale insects and mealybugs.
- Lavender: Lavender not only attracts pollinators to your peach tree, but its strong scent can deter pests like moths and ants. It also makes an excellent ground cover, keeping weeds at bay and adding a pleasant fragrance to the food forest.
- Chives: Chives are known for their ability to repel aphids and other pests. Planting chives near your peach trees can help protect them from common pest problems.
Avoid Planting With:
- Other Stone Fruits: Peaches and other stone fruits (e.g., plums, cherries) can compete for nutrients, especially in smaller food forest spaces. It’s best to avoid planting them too close together.
Conclusion
Companion planting offers a wealth of benefits when applied to perennial edible plants. By thoughtfully pairing plants like Jerusalem artichokes, skirret, blueberries, strawberries, and peaches with suitable companions, gardeners can improve plant health, reduce pests, enhance pollination, and enrich the soil. Implementing these principles in a perennial food forest fosters a harmonious ecosystem, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides while promoting long-term sustainability. Whether you’re growing perennial vegetables or fruiting plants, understanding the dynamics between different species and selecting the right companions can lead to a thriving, productive, and biodiverse Minnesota food forest.
