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Companion planting is a term with multiple meanings. When discussing ornamental gardens, companion plants are those that pair well for aesthetic purposes. In fruit and vegetable gardens, we select companion plants based on the variety of services they provide to neighboring plants. The pepper companion plants featured here play various roles in the garden community, enhancing pepper yields through pest reduction, weed management, and soil enhancement.
How Companion Plants WorkThe idea of companion planting is not new and many practices have been handed down from previous generations. However, it is only recently that science-based studies have investigated the effectiveness of these strategies. Some have proven successful, while others don’t stand up to rigorous testing. This knowledge has helped enhance the adoption of proven methods, and increased our understanding of why and how they work.
We can broadly group companion plants based on the services they provide. Some deter pests through chemical compounds in their foliage, while others are highly attractive to certain pests and effectively “trap” them, thereby protecting the main crop. Other companion plants enhance the growing environment by shading the soil to reduce moisture loss, reducing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil. Finally, some plants are highly attractive to pollinators and other beneficial insects. All these services promote a healthier, more productive growing environment for peppers.
When selecting companion plants to grow among peppers, consider the common pest challenges you face in the garden and match these to trap crops or pest deterrents.