My pro tips will get the most out of your garden – a ‘complementary’ co-planting trick can make your herbs grow better

A GARDENING pro has spilled the beans on how to take a free method to improve plant growth.

Her advice included a co-planting tip for horticulturists to get the most out of herbs.

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Lucy Rhead of detailed how she keeps her garden healthy.

She recommended choosing the right herbs to make the right crops for springtime.

"There are plenty of amazing herbs that are excellent choices for spring planting," she said.

"We’re talking about the likes of parsley, chives, mint, and thyme."

Rhead said such seeds stand up to the elements, making for a healthy garden.

"These seeds are resilient, versatile, and will flourish in the milder temperatures and increased sunlight," she added.

Finding the perfect area to grow a garden is also essential for horticulturists.

"As a general rule, your herbs will need to be placed in well-drained soil and receive at least six hours of sunlight every day," she said.

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"That means you need to avoid the corners of your garden that are always cast in shadow throughout the day, picking a potential suntrap instead."

Additionally she put an emphasis on personal convenience, advising keeping an herb garden not too far from the kitchen for easy access.

Third, she recommended planting herbs that work with and not against one another.

"Essentially, companion planting is all about how you place certain plants together to enhance growth, as a result of each plant’s complementary characteristics," she said.

"For example, planting rosemary with basil actually encourages the basil to grow, while sage can promote the growth of oregano."

She stressed the importance of doing one's due diligence before planting any two seeds alongside one another.

Finally, Rhead assured aspiring green thumbs that a large space isn't required to get started.

She recommended looking into container gardening, which can work for a variety of spaces.

"Instead of growing in the ground, you can add your herb seeds to a container, such as a planter or a window box," she said.

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"Not only does this method take up less space – making it perfect for small gardens — but containers also offer more flexibility, allowing you to freely move your herbs into optimal conditions."

She advised that for those going the container route — it is essential to use a pot with "proper drainage" as well as a high quality soil mix for perkier plants.

Good and bad gardening combinations

Plant-Pairing for a Healthy Garden

Tomatoes

Good: Basil, marigolds, asparagus, carrots, celery, the onion family, lettuce, parsley, and spinach.

Bad: Cabbage, beets, peas, fennel, dill, corn, potatoes and rosemary.

Basil

Good: Peppers, onions, spinach, and tomatoes.

Bad: Beans

Green Beans

Good: Corn, marigolds, nasturtiums, rosemary, and summer savory, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, the cabbage family, cucumbers, peas, potatoes, and radishes.

Bad: Beets and the onion family.

Cucumbers

Good: Marigolds, nasturtiums, beans, celery, corn, lettuce, dill, peas, and radishes.

Bad: Sage

Onions

Good: Carrots, beets, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, parsnips, tomatoes, marjoram, savory, and rosemary.

Bad: Asparagus, beans, and peas.

Lettuce

Good: Mint, chives , garlic, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, corn, peas, radishes, and marigolds.

Bad: Parsley

Summer Squash/Zucchini

Good: Corn, squash, beans, peas, radishes, dill, and marigolds.

Bad: Potatoes 

Carrots 

Good: Carrots, tomatoes, leeks, rosemary, sage, and chive.

Bad: Coriander, dill, and parsnips.

Radishes

Good: Cucumbers, carrots, onions, beets, cabbage, kale, lettuce, spinach, and squash.

Bad: Hyssop.

Sweet Corn

Good: Green beans, beans, cucumbers, peas, pumpkins, melons, and zucchini.

Bad: Tomatoes

Potatoes

Good: Beans, cabbage, eggplant, peas, corn, marigolds, and horseradish.

Bad: Tomatoes

Peas

Good: Beans, carrots, corn, cucumbers, radish, turnip, mint near peas, and chives.

Bad: Garlic or onions

Beets

Good: Bush beans, cabbage family plants, lettuce, garlic, and onions.

Bad: Pole beans

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