Companion crops within a small garden - Ask Extension
We have some raised gardens that are 4' by 8'. We have had some excellent luck and some not so good luck with our yields over the past few years. We...
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Companion crops within a small garden #892295
Asked February 04, 2025, 3:39 PM EST
We have some raised gardens that are 4' by 8'. We have had some excellent luck and some not so good luck with our yields over the past few years. We grow mostly tomatoes, beets, green beans, carrots, cucumbers, pumpkins, peas, lettuce and radish. A friend mentioned some of our not so good luck may be due to what crop we plant within the same raised garden. Of the above mentioned crops, which would be best to plant within the same raised gardens, and which should we avoid raising within the same raised garden?
Scott County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for your question regarding growing vegetables. things to consider, aside from what you plant where, consideration for light and soil nutrition is important. Most vegetables require full sun (6-8 hours). In addition, different vegetables take more nutrients from the soil (see below). Lastly, some plant diseases stay in the soil and can impact future plantings. It is recommended, that you do a rotation of crops each year. Do not put heavy feeders back in the same space for 3 years. This allows the nutrients to build up again.
Cucurbits are heavy feeders- cucumbers, pumpkins
Nightshade are heavy feeders - Tomatoes
Brassicas pests - radishes
Legumes: These add nitrogen to soil - green beans, peas
Umbellifers - carrots
Others - Beets, Lettuce
Soil amendment is necessary, especially for raised beds. Compost is a good yearly addition. The best way to know what the soil needs to to do a soil test. The results come back with recommendation on what may be needed in your beds.https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden
Below is a link that has additional information regarding companion planting. All the best this spring!
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/companion-planting-home-gardens#:~:text=By%20planting%20plants%20with%20different,up%20compaction%20in%20the%20soil.
Cucurbits are heavy feeders- cucumbers, pumpkins
Nightshade are heavy feeders - Tomatoes
Brassicas pests - radishes
Legumes: These add nitrogen to soil - green beans, peas
Umbellifers - carrots
Others - Beets, Lettuce
Soil amendment is necessary, especially for raised beds. Compost is a good yearly addition. The best way to know what the soil needs to to do a soil test. The results come back with recommendation on what may be needed in your beds.https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden
Below is a link that has additional information regarding companion planting. All the best this spring!
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/companion-planting-home-gardens#:~:text=By%20planting%20plants%20with%20different,up%20compaction%20in%20the%20soil.
