Companion planting is the planting of different plants very nearby. The farmers use it to reduce pesticides and thereby obtain more yields. The gardeners use it for the same reason and also to make a diversified and attractive vegetable garden. These are useful for the poor to get out of poverty.
Companion planting is similar to polyculture. It is implemented with the idea that certain combinations of companion plants thrive more in close proximity. The best example for this is the planting of corn and pole beans in close proximity.
Many crops suffering from flies like greenfly and other aphids may need marigolds. Marigolds attract hoverfly which kill aphids and thus removes the pests for the crops. The plants producing nectar are very much beneficial for companion planting as these attract different insects which can eliminate the pests for the crops.
Organic gardening does depend on companion planting to avoid any synthetic means of fertilizing, weed reduction and pest control. Square foot garden is another example by which many plants are protected from gardening problems by placing them too close tightly. Forest gardens emulate real life forests by incorporating up to seven levels of different plants and from an ecosystem.
