The idea of companion planting is to select 3 to 5 species that, planted together, create a symbiotic relationship that increases the resiliency of each individual. This idea is exemplified in traditional Native American planting of the Three Sisters (corn, squash, and beans). Together, the corn, squash, and beans work to provide a lattice, ground cover for moisture retention, and nitrogen to feed the growing plants.
This concept is the same in our natural environments. When revegetating an area, plant species that provide multiple levels of height, growth pattern (slow/fast, solitary/sprawling), and potential benefits to the soil, water, and wildlife.
After selecting 3 to 5 species for an area, it's time to get them in the ground. Planting 2 to 3 of the selected species together in a cluster is an efficient way to naturalize a space. During this process, use the size of your plants as an indicator for how close to plant together. Larger species such as trees must be farther apart from one another. However, a tree with a shrub or fern in close proximity benefits from soil stabilization and ground cover for water retention. Alternate species in your clusters as you plant to achieve diverse coverage.
Some examples of successful companion plantings include:
- Nootka Rose, Snowberry, Evergreen Huckleberry (Sunny)
- Sword Fern, Snowberry, Mock Orange (Border Planting)
- Fringecup, Piggyback Plant, Western Columbine (Ground Cover)
- Kinnikinnick, Coastal Strawberry, Sword Fern (Borders, Ground Cover)