Companion planting in the vegetable garden - Ask Extension
Hi! I am interested in maximizing the space and health of vegetables in my garden through companion planting. I have what I think is a fairly good h...
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Companion planting in the vegetable garden #635367
Asked May 14, 2020, 10:39 AM EDT
Hi! I am interested in maximizing the space and health of vegetables in my garden through companion planting. I have what I think is a fairly good handle on which plants work best with which, but my question is about spacing - I worry about crowding. For example, I have a trellis for peas (which are currently about 2-3" high) and brussels sprouts planted w/ radishes on the perimeter. I was thinking.... What if I started some pole beans in between the peas and brussels, so the beans use the same trellis as the peas help provide shade for the brussels... But is that too much/ not enough space? I attached a picture for reference (FYI, the containers to the left of the brussels, tied to the trellis are growing snow peas - not sure if it matters, but the peas in the ground are half snap peas & half shelling peas.) Thanks in advance for your answer.
Hennepin CountyMinnesota
Expert Response
You indicate the beans would be on the opposite side of the peas so they should be able to coexist. The pea vines will die off fairly early in the summer leaving the beans on the trellis alone. FYI I plant cucumbers on one side of my supports and squash on the other side. They vines eventually go over the top and intertwine with no problems.