Companion planting offers many benefits. It is the practice of growing different crops together in the same space so that they can complement one another. Although it may seem counterproductive, companion planting can provide benefits in terms of structure, protection and productivity.
A popular form of companion planting involves growing maize, beans and squash (pumpkins) alongside one another. This allows farmers and gardeners to harvest three different crops from the same growing space without requiring three times the area.
In addition, the maize provides the beans with a natural structure to climb, allowing them to trail along its stalks. The sprawling squash plants cover the soil, protecting it from direct sunlight and helping to minimise water loss through evaporation.
Last but not least, the beans help fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it with nutrients that benefit the plants growing together, including the maize and squash.
