Companion planting: plan your vegetable bed
Start with plant spacing, light and water needs. Companion charts offer guidance, but cannot replace spacing or crop rotation. A favourable pairing does not guarantee a better harvest.
Companion planting checklist
| Check | Example | Planning decision |
|---|---|---|
| Light and height | Tall crops next to leafy vegetables | Allow for shade as plants grow. |
| Space and timing | Radishes before a later main crop | Only reuse space after the first crop is harvested. |
| Water and nutrients | Carrots and onions are often paired | The Bavarian Garden Academy cautions that their needs differ. |
| Family and history | Kohlrabi following cabbage | Check the shared family and previous crops. |
Put your plan into practice
Record the site
Measure the bed, note sunlight and previous crops.
Place main crops first
Use mature plant sizes and variety-specific spacing before adding short crops.
Check the evidence
Compare advice with the source and your conditions; record what actually happens.
Limits and local conditions
The Bavarian Garden Academy describes many companion effects as difficult to demonstrate, with conflicting observations. A score is a planning aid, not scientific proof.