Companions and Planters

Last year we noticed that some of the stuff we planted didn't do so well.  It wasn't a case of some varieties failing while others were fine, but rather within the same variety we had mixed results.  A family member from Knoxville, TN sent me a guide about companion planting.  After reading I began to understand why.  Some plants are beneficial to each other, some are not.  The garden we laid out last year had some non companion varieties next to each other and as a result it hindered their development.   This years plantings are being laid out according to the companion planting guide.  In addition to planting companion vegetables together we are planting some plants just for their beneficial effects.  Borage near the tomatoes to deter hornworms and to attract the honey bees,  Radishes next to just about everything.

 As I looked further into companion planting I also found some good information on the use of containers to increase production on a smaller footprint.   Even though we have plenty of land in which to expand, some types of container planting seemed more efficient.   The most appealing to us was the idea of growing potatoes in barrels. 

Potatoes work well here, but take up a lot of space.   We decided we would try one barrel so we could compare the results with our field grown potatoes.  We got a new large container (yes, it is a trash can) and put some seed potatoes in it.

 As they grew we added more mulch to cover them up.  They grew fast.  We were adding more mulch almost weekly.  Much easier to do than hoeing in the rows of potatoes,

Once the mulch reaches the top we will let them finish their growth cycle then dump the barrel and collect the results.    As long as the harvest is as productive this may be the only way we grow them.

We were given a large quantity of left over seeds potatoes by the local hardware store, over 50 pounds.  Even though we have yet to harvest the first batch of barrel potatoes, the new fields are not ready, so barrels are the only option.  We estimate we will need around 10 barrels.  Using trash cans is pricey, so after a little research we found some inexpensive food grade barrels.   They are perfect.


We have a couple of other containers going as well.  There are some plants that have not done well in the field garden, or that we only grow small quantities for personal use and therefore prefer closer to the house for easy access.  

A couple varieties of squash interspersed with corn and radishes.  Corn does not do well in the big garden because it attracts a variety of wildlife that like to eat it.  Radishes are just there for the beneficial effect.  We put these containers in the patio area off the basement which has 4-5 foot retaining walls on all sides.  This area is not visited by deer, bunnies, racoons or other creatures because our dogs like to hang out there.

 Some tomatoes, peppers and basil.

Newly added.  Cucumbers and dill in the red container, companions in life and in death!

Peppers, Chard and strawberries.  Chard is hard because of the hot weather.  Being in containers we can relocate it as the summer progresses to shadier areas.  No real reason for strawberries other than the kid wanted them.