Staff Pick
Companion planting — the pairing of mutually beneficial plants in the garden — is one of the simplest ways to increase your harvest without back-breaking maintenance or icky chemicals, and Sara Alway's Soil Mates is a charming introduction to the subject. In it, Alway highlights 20 winning plant combinations, each accompanied by an explanation of what makes the relationship a success, illustrated planting instructions, and a recipe that combines the two plants. Complete with information on garden preparation, planning and care, Soil Mates is a handy reference for the organic gardener...and a cute one at that. Recommended By Tove H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Just like people, plants search far and wide for perfect companions their soil mates are special plants who bring out their best traits and keep bad influences away. And it's our job as gardeners to help these lovelorn veggies find each other.
In this charming guide to companion planting for all your vegetable-garden favorites, you'll learn why Broccoli hearts Rosemary and why Potato plus Corn equals friends with benefits. (Just watch out for Celery Leggy and leafy, she is notoriously easy-going and will happily settle down with just about anyone, raising a ruckus in your raised beds.) Complete with 20 pairings, full plant information, tasty recipes, and more, Soil Mates is the perfect partner for your horticultural matchmaker.
Synopsis
Just like people, plants search far and wide for perfect companions their soil mates are special plants who bring out their best traits and keep bad influences away. And it's our job as gardeners to help these lovelorn veggies find each other.
In this charming guide to companion planting for all your vegetable-garden favorites, you'll learn why Broccoli ❤ Rosemary and whether Potato + Corn = friends with benefits. (Just watch out for Celery Leggy and leafy, she is notoriously easy-going and will happily settle down with just about anyone, raising a ruckus in your raised beds.) Complete with 20 pairings, full plant information, tasty recipes, and more, Soil Mates is the perfect partner for your horticultural matchmaker.
About the Author
Sara Alway is a professor of graphic design in Ohio, where she maintains her own plot of happy soil mates.