Companion Planting: Nature’s garden partnership workshop
Discover how plants can work together to create healthier, more productive gardens and naturally deter pests!
Join us for a fascinating classroom session exploring the ancient art and modern science of companion planting. Learn which plants love growing together, which combinations deter pests naturally, and how to create a thriving garden ecosystem where plants support each other.
Whether you’re planning your first vegetable patch or looking to improve an established garden, companion planting offers natural, chemical-free solutions to common growing challenges. Settle in with tea and biscuits as we unlock nature’s clever partnerships!
What you’ll learn
This engaging classroom session uses informative slideshows and group discussion to explore companion planting. Bring a notepad and pen—you’ll be creating your own planting plans!
Understanding companion planting:
- What companion planting actually is (and isn’t!)
- The science behind why certain plants help each other
- Historical traditions and modern research
- How companion planting fits into organic gardening
- Myths vs. proven partnerships
The benefits of companion planting:
- Natural pest deterrence without chemicals
- Improved growth and yields
- Better use of garden space
- Attracting beneficial insects
- Improving soil health
- Creating beautiful, diverse plantings
- Maximising small growing spaces
Plant partnerships that work:
- Classic combinations: tomatoes and basil, carrots and onions, and more
- Which herbs protect which vegetables
- Flowers that deter pests while attracting pollinators
- Trap crops that lure pests away from your vegetables
- Plants that improve soil for their neighbours
- Sacrificial plants vs. protective plants
Pest-deterring partnerships:
- Which plants repel aphids, cabbage white butterflies, carrot fly, and more
- Aromatic herbs as garden guardians
- Marigolds, nasturtiums, and other flowering allies
- Understanding how scent and colour confuse pests
- Creating barriers and diversions naturally
Your personal planting plan: During the session, you’ll:
- List vegetables you want to grow
- Match each vegetable with beneficial companion plants
- Create a planting plan incorporating companions
- Learn crop rotation with companions in mind
- Share experiences and successes with the group
- Discover what’s worked (or hasn’t!) for other gardeners
What’s included
- 2-hour informative classroom session with tea and biscuits ☕🍪
- Comprehensive slideshow covering companion planting principles
- Expert guidance from an experienced horticulturist
- Time to create your own companion planting plan
- Group discussion and experience sharing
- Companion planting charts to take home
- Vegetable rotation plans incorporating companions
- Resources for further learning (books, websites, seed suppliers)
- Plant combination lists for common vegetables
What you’ll achieve
By the end of this workshop, you’ll:
- Understand the principles behind successful companion planting
- Know which plants work well together and why
- Be able to plan pest-deterring plant combinations
- Have a personalised planting plan for your vegetable garden
- Understand crop rotation incorporating companion plants
- Know which herbs and flowers to grow alongside vegetables
- Have charts and resources for ongoing reference
- Feel confident experimenting with plant partnerships
- Be able to create a healthier, more balanced garden ecosystem
Perfect For
Vegetable gardeners wanting natural pest control, organic growers seeking chemical-free solutions, people starting their first food garden and wanting to do it right, experienced gardeners looking to improve yields, anyone interested in permaculture and natural gardening, or gardeners wanting to maximise small growing spaces. If you’ve ever wondered why your neighbour’s garden thrives while yours struggles—companion planting might be the missing piece!
What to Expect
This is a friendly, informative classroom session where we’ll explore fascinating plant relationships together. We’ll look at proven combinations, discuss what works in our local area, and you’ll have time to plan your own companion planting scheme.
The group discussion is a highlight, hearing what’s worked for other local gardeners is invaluable! Whether you’ve tried companion planting before or it’s completely new to you, you’ll leave with practical knowledge and a clear plan. All while enjoying tea, biscuits, and good gardening conversation.
Please bring: Notepad and pen for creating your planting plans and noting plant combinations. We’ll have paper available if you forget!
Workshop details