Maximizing Space: Companion Planting in Winter Boxes

When you grow food in a plant box, space is your most valuable asset. The smartest way to get the most out of your box is through “companion planting.”

Simply put, this means growing friendly plants next to each other. When you group the right plants, they share space perfectly, naturally keep bugs away, and help each other grow better.

Here are the best, easiest companion planting combinations for your winter plant boxes.

The Space-Saver Combo: Radishes, Swiss Chard, and Spring Onions

• How it works: Radishes grow incredibly fast and are ready to pick in just a few weeks. Swiss chard grows slower and needs more room later in the season.

• The setup: Plant them side-by-side. By the time the chard needs the space to stretch its leaves, you will have already pulled the radishes out.

• The bonus: The strong smell of the spring onions naturally hides the tasty chard from garden pests.

The Bug-Blocker Combo: Lettuce, Thyme, and Coriander

• How it works: Soft, leafy winter greens like lettuce are a favorite snack for bugs.

• The setup: Plant your loose-leaf lettuce in the center of the box, and surround it with thyme and coriander.

• The bonus: These herbs have strong scents that confuse and push away the insects that want to eat your lettuce. It is a completely natural way to protect your greens without using chemicals.

What NOT to Mix. Not all plants are friends. As a general rule for winter boxes, keep members of the onion family (like your spring onions or garlic) far away from peas or beans. They stunt each other’s growth.

By mixing the right plants, you can easily increase the amount of food you get from a single plant box. Get your winter boxes set up today at www.plantboxes.co.za