I am always looking for ideas that make gardening simpler, safe and beneficial. Companion planting seemed like it could have some advantages, if it really worked. The idea of companion planting has been around for a long time. Is it a real thing that we can back up scientifically or folklore? I thought I would give it a quick review as I begin to prepare to plant my vegetable gardens. When we talk about companion planting, we need to know why we would consider doing it.

Companion planting is a strategy of planting different crops together that will benefit one another. The benefit could be to help repel insects, provide nutrients that other plants can use, attract pollinators or even help control weeds.

As I mentioned, companion planting has been around for decades. It is believed that Native Americans developed the “Three Sisters Garden.”

The “Three Sisters” are corn, beans and squash planted together. The corn acts as a trellis for the bean plants, the bean plant provides nitrogen for the corn and the squash shades the soil to prevent drying out and to provide weed control.

Researchers at various universities now refer to companion planting as “inter-planting.” This practice creates a polyculture system designed to achieve desired results and benefits in the garden.

This scientific approach helps us understand why certain plant combinations work well together. Inter-planting can help with pest management. It is believed that planting basil near tomatoes may repel some insects.

In addition, lavender and nasturtium may help with insects. Dill and fennel can be interplanted with lettuce and other fast-growing greens to draw in predatory insects, though fennel should be given some space because of its growth-inhibiting effects.

Radishes often are planted with carrots since they grow faster, and harvesting them helps thin the carrots naturally.

You can gather a lot of information regarding inter-planting or companion planting. Several available lists will tell you which plants do well together and which don’t do well together. The information that you use should be scientifically tested to work.

I have tried some interplanting for the past couple of years. I have planted nasturtium among my tomatoes along with basil and some marigolds. In my limited opinion, it seems like there are a few less pests.

I also plant zinnias in my vegetable garden. Between the nasturtium, marigolds and zinnias, I do see more pollinators. Some companion plants might want to take over your garden (nasturtium for example), so you have to be careful and prune them back in some cases.

I think companion planting has some benefits, but you should research different combinations yourself because some plants should not be planted together. Once you feel comfortable, you might want to give it a try.

You might want to start simple with basil near your tomatoes. If you don’t see any special results, at least you will have basil to go with your tomatoes.

Have fun and enjoy your garden.

McBride is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.