In these times of food supply chain shortages, we need to be able to grow our own food and keep as much as we can. Planting a companion garden is a great way to naturally enhance the growth and health of your plants, while reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Companion planting is a technique where certain plants are grown together because they benefit each other in some way. Here are the steps to follow for planting a successful companion garden:

1. Research companion plants: First, research which plants are compatible with each other. Some plants, when grown together, may repel pests, attract beneficial insects, or provide nutrients to one another.
2. Choose the right location: Make sure to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Avoid planting crops too close together, as this can lead to overcrowding and disease.
3. Plant with a plan: Once you have chosen your companion plants, plan out your garden. You can plant in rows, blocks, or mixed plantings. Make sure to group compatible plants together.
4. Maintain your garden: Water your plants regularly and keep them free from weeds. Consider adding organic mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Observe and adjust: Observe your garden regularly and make adjustments as needed. If a certain combination of plants isn't working, try something else.

By following these steps, you can create a thriving companion garden that will benefit both your plants and the environment. I am in Texas 8B. Texas Zone 8b is a region with a mild climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Here are some companion plants that are suitable for zone 8b:

1. Tomatoes and Basil: Basil repels pests that can damage tomatoes, such as aphids and tomato hornworms.
2. Carrots and Onions: Onions deter carrot fly, which can damage carrot plants, while carrots attract beneficial insects that prey on onion pests.
3. Cucumbers and Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums repel cucumber beetles, which can damage cucumber plants, and attract predatory insects that feed on them.
4. Broccoli and Sage: Sage repels cabbage moths, which can damage broccoli plants, while broccoli attracts beneficial insects that feed on pests.
5. Lettuce and Radishes: Radishes act as a trap crop for flea beetles, which can damage lettuce, while lettuce provides shade for radishes during hot weather.
6. Beans and Corn: Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits corn, while corn provides support for climbing bean plants.
7. Marigolds and Almost Anything: Marigolds repel a wide range of pests and attract beneficial insects. They can be planted alongside almost any vegetable or herb in the garden.

By planting these companion plants in your zone 8b garden, you can help to reduce pest damage, improve soil health, and increase yields. Stay tuned for future posts that talk about maintaining your garden, storing those veggies, and restoring the soil for fall planting. Let's go!