Ok, so the internet/books are full of good companion planting resources however, I can not find out about how far apart should you plant the so called "Bad Companions" in your garden. For example, I have already planted potatoes this last weekend but could not plant other vegetables because of the rain/freezing temperature tonight here in northern Virginia. Now, it seems squash and cucumbers are not good companions for potatoes. Any advice on how far apart should I plant these veggies in my garden from the potatoes that are already in?
I honestly have never given this a thought. I really don't know if there is any science to the "bad" companion idea. I have never killed off any plants nor noticed that any repelled or whithered away from being planted too close to a "bad" companion. Rotation and trying to avoid making/planting in the shade might make more of a difference than anything.
I was wondering why no one has covered the results of bad companions at least I could not find anything in my search. Maybe it is not so bad after all! So, I guess I will plant as per the plan if only this ice rain would stop . Thanks Carolyn.
Plant them where you want to. Only thing bad about squash and potatoes together is the size of the plants. Squash get big and can shade the potatoes and reduce production. Potatoes are fair size as well and each needs some space. There is no rule for planting and as long as you take the basics into consideration,,size, light, water ect,,plant wherever you want them. I start with my onions, then salad greens, spinach next potatoes, then broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts in one row, tomatoes, peppers, squash and zuchinni, and all the rest is green stuff. Chard, mustard, turnips ect. Or that's how it is this year,,will probably change it next year. But the basics will be about the same. I fill in small areas with those thing you need less of.
You would want to be careful about plant proximity if you wish to save the seeds for next season.. Hank
Seeds and plants are so cheap here that I see no positive to saving them unless its heirloom tomatoes. But even though you control the proximity, you can`t control the insects that fly from one to another. Or at least that's the way I look at it. Of course you could cover all with mosquito netting but that's too much trouble for me. And my garden is way too big for that.
Mart, I am fairly a new gardener and have relatively limited space to grow in my yard. So far I have not saved any seeds, in fact the seed packet I buy lasts me 2-3 seasons. I usually buy hybrid seed because of the high yield and disease resistance but the seeds can not be saved from hybrids. I think I have not purchased/grown anything heirloom yet. I was thinking of growing some dry beans this year preferably pole beans types that can climb the fence. Do you have any suggestion for good dry bean variety?
Hiya GF. I know about the "bad companions" literature, but I have planted squash about 60 cm from my spuds in the past and noticed no problems. Having said that, generally I do not plant disagreeable neighbours close to each other, but rather look for alternative places for offensive veggies if there is room.
I have tried growing beans for dry cooking but found the production, especially in a small space, would not be enough after drying to make it worth the trouble. We have two large gardens and it still isn`t worth it. Dry beans are cheap to purchase. I prefer to grow those items that take the most money out of the grocery budget. And you have to stop and think,,for dry beans they either need to stay on the vine till dry. Or you have to have space to lay them out to dry. and since they don`t all reach maturity at once, you have to deal with them till seasons end picking a few at a time. You could be eating fresh green beans or other vegetables rather than wait. How large is your garden area? Maybe we can think of things you like that can be rotated. Like pole beans with corn. Two for one space.
Hi Sjoerd, almost 60cm apart are my raised beds located where I was planning on squash planting form the potatoes. Now I can go ahead with my original plan confidently! Thanks so much for your input
Mart, I have two growing areas in the yard one garden probably 8'x10' and another 16'x16' area that has raised beds and containers on it. I grow the wines on trellis or on fence. Last year I planted pole green beans (Kentucky wonder) and I had a good yield. About one pound every week for 8 weeks, we literally got bored of green beans. That's why I was thinking if I could find a dry bean high yield variety that I can leave alone on the fence just to experiment! Now I am curious to measure my gardening area first thing in the morning . Once I get all the seedlings out in the garden I will sharing some pictures and will be seeking more advice on space saving with you all.
I also love Kentucky Wonder green beans but I plant the bush variety !! Of course our garden is large enough that we have plenty of space. The small garden behind the house is for tomatoes,peppers and such. Large one is for corn. beans peas, okra ect. I think I read somewhere that KW beans can also be used dry. I meant to try them one year but never got around to it. Perhaps you could have both that way. Do you freeze/can any vegetables ?? KW are just as good after freezing as fresh to me. I just blanch drain, cool and bag them. Easy!
You are most welcome, GF. I hope that you are going to have a great season. I must have a look at the Kentucky Wonder beans that you and Mart are discussing for next year. They sound interesting.
