Companion planting for calendula is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of calendula below.
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of calendula?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your calendula. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your calendula.
Asparagus
Asparagus, revered for its tender spears and nutritional prowess, stands as a stalwart sentinel in the realm of companion gardening. With a penchant for well-drained, sandy soil and ample sunlight, this perennial delight thrives in environments where winters are cold and summers are warm. As a symbol of grace and gastronomy, asparagus enriches both the palate and the garden landscape, embodying the essence of verdant vitality.
Asparagus gives calendula the perfect growing environment by keeping the soil loose and well-drained with its deep roots. Since asparagus shoots grow early in the season, it allows calendula to settle in without much competition for space. Plus, asparagus creates light shade, helping calendula stay cool during hot spells.
Beans
Beans are thriving in well-drained soil and basking in ample sunlight, these leguminous wonders enrich the soil with nitrogen, enhancing the vitality of their botanical companions. As stalwart providers of sustenance and greenery, beans epitomize the essence of garden bounty and vitality.
Beans feed the soil with nitrogen, which helps calendula grow strong and produce even more of its beautiful blooms. Their upright growth also leaves plenty of space for calendula to spread out, without crowding or blocking sunlight.
Broccoli
Broccoli flourishes in diverse growing conditions. Thriving in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant yields. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and cabbage, broccoli embodies the natural abundance and beauty found within the garden's embrace.
Broccoli’s big leafy canopy helps calendula by keeping the soil moist and shaded, especially on hot days. It also breaks up strong winds, giving calendula a bit of protection from harsh weather. The two plants grow at different levels, so there’s no fighting for space.
Carrot
Carrots thrives in well-drained, loose soil enriched with organic matter. Adequate moisture and sunlight support robust root growth and vibrant foliage. Carrots offer general benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure with their deep taproots, enhancing soil aeration, and creating pathways for water and nutrients to reach other plant roots.
Carrots help aerate the soil as they grow, making it easier for calendula’s roots to spread and take hold. Their delicate, feathery leaves allow sunlight to reach calendula without overcrowding it. Carrots also help keep the soil from compacting, which calendula appreciates.
Cucumber
Cucumbers thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with compost, they embody adaptability and freshness. Consistent moisture and sunlight support vigorous vine growth and abundant fruiting. Cucumbers extend general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and attracting beneficial insects.
Cucumber vines sprawl along the ground, helping to keep moisture in the soil—just what calendula needs to stay hydrated. Since cucumbers and calendula grow at different heights, there’s no competition for space or sunlight, letting calendula grow freely.
Potato
Potatoes grows in loose soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and tuber development. Potatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil when left to decompose.
Potatoes loosen up the soil as they grow, making it easier for calendula’s roots to establish themselves. Their leafy tops provide some dappled shade, keeping the ground from drying out too fast. Since potatoes grow deep underground, they don’t interfere with calendula’s above-ground growth.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins, known for their gourd-like fruits and garden splendor, grow in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and ample space nurture their sprawling vines and prolific fruiting. Pumpkins provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage.
Pumpkin vines spread out and create a natural mulch, keeping the soil cool and moist—perfect conditions for calendula to thrive. Their big leaves offer gentle shade, helping calendula stay fresh and vibrant even in the heat of summer.
Tomato
Tomatoes thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their sprawling vines and abundant fruiting. Tomatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage, and adding richness to culinary dishes.
Tomato plants grow tall and give calendula just the right amount of shade to keep it from wilting in the heat. Their deep roots help keep the soil loose and well-aerated, giving calendula a better environment to grow strong and healthy.
