We know that planting the same crop in one garden bed is on our list of things not to do in your garden this summer. But if this news has left you scratching your head and wondering which plants you should put together, we have a winning combination for you.
WATCH: Melissa King’s guide to growing tomatoes from seed
Lydia Blocksidge is the Head Gardener at The Zin House in Mudgee. She recommends everyone try companion planting when starting their summer garden.
What is companion planting?
It turns out not all plants like being in the same garden as each other. But on the other hand, some plants help each other to thrive when grown together. Want to know more? Read our ultimate guide to companion planting.
So, what are Lydia’s favourite plants to grow together?
“Tomatoes, basil and beans are a fantastic summer combination,” says Lydia.
“Tomatoes consume an abundance of nitrogen from the soil. Beans are a legume that attracts nitrogen-fixing bacteria that live on the beans’ roots, take nitrogen from the air, and convert it to a plant-soluble form in the soil.
“Typically, if they go together, they grow together.”
How to grow tomatoes, beans and basil
Tomatoes
For taste and texture, nothing beats home-grown tomatoes. The best times to grow a bush or vine that will drip with these giant, red baubles of juicy sweetness are spring (for temperate regions) and summer (for cool regions).
Here’s everything you need to grow your tomatoes at home.
Beans
Beans are great sun-loving vegetables to plant in your garden in spring and summer. Here’s everything you need to grow your beans at home, plus a little secret to make sure they’re nice and sweet.
Basil is one of the easiest and most versatile herbs to grow at home. Here’s everything you need to grow your basil at home.
You might also like:
How to grow tomatoes in containers
How to make your tomatoes grow bigger and faster
How to grow your own citrus trees
Top gardening tools
1. Built Tray Galvanised Wheelbarrow, 80L, $125, Amazon
The Built galvanised wheelbarrow, with its 80-litre capacity, is a heavy-duty and reliable gardening tool designed to make tasks easier with features like a galvanised steel tray for durability, a powder-coated steel frame for resistance against abrasion and corrosion, and comfortable, easy grip handles, ensuring it stands up to the demands of heavy-duty work.
2. Swift RM18 robotic mower, $799.99, Kogan
This robot mower is auto-charging, self-propelled and suitable for up to 600m². Additionally, this mower comes with a PIN Code for theft protection.
3. Spear & Jackson planting and weeding Knife, $50, Amazon
The Spear & Jackson planting and weeding knife is a versatile gardening tool with a mirror polished-stainless steel head designed for minimal soil adhesion and rust resistance. It features a serrated edge for cutting through thin roots and a pronged blade for effective weed and daisy removal.
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