The Complete Guide to Companion Planting

Book excerpt: The idea of companion planting has arisen in the gardening community in recent years as an extremely viable new take on how plants should situated, grown, and cultivated. Matching certain plants together and separating others, as outlined in studies such as the National Sustainable Agriculture Society's report on the subject that shows each crop with at least three companionable crops and as many as four incompatible crops. Whether you are planting Tomatoes and Onions or Carrots and Corn, the proper pairing of your plants can have a major impact on your eventual harvest and the quality of your vegetables. This book shows you, the avid gardener, everything you need to know to effectively pair your crops in a way that ensures there are no incompatibilities and that you get the most out of every seed. You will learn the basics of crop rotation and how it has been used since the dawn of cultivation almost 12,000 years ago to maintain the integrity of soil and harvests. You will learn how companion planting is an extension of this basic format and how it works in tandem with natural conditions and plant minerals to create the best produce. You will learn about how to prepare your garden and how to set the right system in place. You will learn, via a chart and a great deal of detail, about each possible combination, the best possible companion plants as well as which plants are largely incompatible. You will learn about how perennials and shrubs coexist and the fundamentals of companion planting care and seasonal care of your plants. From the top tips and methods for this style of gardening to which plants bring good insects and which ones keep pests away, you will learn everything you need to know to plot out and plant your perfect garden. Atlantic Publishing is a small, independent publishing company based in Ocala, Florida. Founded over twenty years ago in the company presidentâe(tm)s garage, Atlantic Publishing has grown to become a renowned resource for non-fiction books. Today, over 450 titles are in print covering subjects such as small business, healthy living, management, finance, careers, and real estate. Atlantic Publishing prides itself on producing award winning, high-quality manuals that give readers up-to-date, pertinent information, real-world examples, and case studies with expert advice. Every book has resources, contact information, and web sites of the products or companies discussed.