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Companion planting for alyssum is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. Planting some plants next to each other has been shown to help each other, which increases the produce quality and quantity.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of alyssum below.
Alyssum is a popular annual flower known for its sweet-smelling blossoms and ability to attract beneficial insects. When planting alyssum in your garden companion planting is key for success. While alyssum pairs well with many flowers and vegetables, there are some plants you’ll want to avoid interplanting with alyssum. Keep reading to learn what not to plant with alyssum and why.
Why Companion Planting Matters
Companion planting is the practice of strategically planting different crops together so they can benefit and assist each other’s growth. The right plant pairings can help deter pests improve pollination maximize space, enhance flavor, and more. However, the wrong combinations can stunt growth and create unhealthy competition between plants. When planting alyssum, choose companion plants wisely for optimal results.
What to Avoid Planting with Alyssum
When selecting companion plants for alyssum, steer clear of the following
Broccoli
Broccoli and alyssum compete for the same soil nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Planting them together leads to poorer yields for both crops as they vie for resources. Give broccoli and alyssum their own separate space in the garden.
Marigolds
Marigolds release natural chemicals called thiopenes into the soil to deter nematodes. However, these compounds can also stunt the growth of surrounding plants like alyssum. Keep marigolds and alyssum in separate beds.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes and alyssum struggle when planted together. Alyssum contains sulfurous compounds that can negatively affect tomato growth and flavor. For best results, plant alyssum with shallow rooted crops and keep deeper rooted tomatoes separate.
Petunias
Petunias and alyssum are both popular flowering annuals. However, they compete for the same pollinators, leading to reduced seed production. For more pollination, plant alyssum near vegetable crops instead of other ornamentals like petunias.
Fennel
Fennel secretes chemicals that inhibit the growth of surrounding plants. Alyssum planted near fennel will likely have stunted growth and reduced blooms. Give fennel its own space away from alyssum beds.
Roses
Roses and alyssum both attract aphids. Planting them together results in heavy aphid infestations as neither deters these prolific pests. Separate alyssum and roses to avoid colony collapse from an out-of-control aphid problem.
Corn
Corn is a heavy feeder that quickly depletes soil nutrients. Interplanting with alyssum leads to nutrient deficiencies as corn hogs nitrogen that alyssum needs to thrive. Avoid pairing these two together in the same bed.
Geraniums
Geraniums and alyssum compete for space, water, and nutrients when planted together. One will become dominant while the other suffers. Give them each their own area divided by faster growing companion plants like lettuce or radish.
Best Companion Plants for Alyssum
While some plants are incompatible with alyssum, many make excellent companion plants. Choose these beneficial pairings for your alyssum beds:
- Carrots
- Lettuce
- Beets
- Brassicas
- Strawberries
- Peas
- Onions
- Cucumbers
These shallow-rooted vegetables do not compete with alyssum for space and nutrients. Alyssum helps suppress weeds around these crops while attracting pollinators for better yields.
Tips for Successful Alyssum Companion Planting
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Research pairing compatibility before planting.
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Provide adequate spacing between plants.
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Avoid overcrowding which creates competition.
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Amend soil with compost to supply nutrients.
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Use raised beds for root separation.
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Plant quick growing greens between incompatible plants.
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Rotate plant families each season.
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Group plants with similar water and sunlight needs.
Benefits of Thoughtful Companion Planting
- Enhances growth
- Deters pests
- Attracts pollinators
- Controls diseases
- Improves flavor
- Reduces weeds
- Maximizes garden space
By taking companion plants into account, your alyssum and other flowers and vegetables will thrive! Follow these tips to avoid unsuitable pairings and your garden will reap the many rewards of harmonious companion planting.
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Some plants give off natural chemicals or smells that keep pests away, effectively keeping other plants nearby pest-free. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Getting Good Bugs: Some plants that grow with other plants attract good bugs, like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which eat common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Lessening: Planting companions with root structures and growth patterns that complement each other can help lessen competition for resources like water, sunlight, and nutrients. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
To make the most of limited space, gardeners can use companion planting to grow plants with different growth rates and ways of maturing. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
Sweet Alyssum: The Companion Plant You’re Probably Not Growing
FAQ
What is alyssum a good companion plant for?
Does alyssum choke out other plants?
Can I plant alyssum with tomatoes?
What does alyssum repel?